Sexual Abuse & Molestation Insurance Coverage for Beauty & Bodywork Professionals
As a beauty or bodywork professional, you help clients look and feel their best every day. However, because your services require hands-on contact, your business is at risk of facing claims of sexual abuse or molestation. Even baseless allegations of misconduct can lead to serious legal and financial consequences.
Sexual Abuse & Molestation (SAM) Insurance provides essential protection, covering unexpected expenses like defense costs and settlement fees.
What Is Sexual Abuse & Molestation Insurance?
Sexual Abuse & Molestation Insurance (also referred to as SAM or SML insurance) provides coverage for beauty and bodywork professionals who may face allegations of sexual misconduct, abuse, or inappropriate behavior.
Whether an accusation is true or not, defending yourself against such claims can be costly, time-consuming, and damaging to your reputation. SAM insurance ensures you have the legal and financial support to defend your career.
What Does SAM Liability Insurance Cover for Beauty & Bodywork Professionals?
SAM insurance helps pay for costs associated with abuse- or misconduct-related claims, including:
- Attorney fees
- Defense costs
- Judgments fees
- Awards and settlements
Paying to clear your name from allegations can be financially devastating, potentially putting you out of business. With SAM insurance, you have the necessary support in your corner to stand up for your practice and continue doing what you love.
What Does SAM Insurance Not Cover?
SAM insurance for beauty and bodywork professionals does not cover:
- Male massage therapists
- Fines, sanctions, or penalties
- Punitive or exemplary damages
- Any amounts deemed uninsurable by law
- Prior knowledge of acts of sexual abuse and misconduct
- Indemnity of a perpetrator
- Employment-related practices
- Assumed liability
- Prior and pending circumstances or claims
- Intentional acts of harm or proven wrongful conduct
- Claims occurring outside of the policy period
Please refer to your policy for coverage limitations.
How Much Does SML Insurance Coverage Cost?
Beauty & Bodywork Insurance (BBI) offers SAM coverage as an optional add-on to your base policy, starting at $4.92/month for non-massage professionals and $9.92/month for massage therapists.
For salon or spa owners, this add-on starts at $18.25/month for massage services and $12.42/month for all other services. Get peace of mind knowing you’re covered from SAM claims for as low as 16 cents a day!
Currently unavailable for male massage therapists
Do Salon & Spa Professionals Need Sexual Abuse & Molestation Insurance Coverage?
Yes, salon and spa professionals — anyone who works with clients in the beauty and bodywork industry — need SAM coverage. It’s an essential safety net that protects your business and reputation, particularly because of the close physical proximity required of your work.
No professional expects to face these accusations, but even a misunderstanding can lead to legal action. SAM liability insurance offers a crucial layer of protection. Plus, many employers, landlords, and business partners may also require this coverage.
Common Scenarios of Why Beauty & Bodywork Pros Need SAM Insurance
Get peace of mind today.
All policies have conditions, limitations, and exclusions — review your policy for exact details. Claim scenarios vary, and similar claims do not guarantee coverage.
What Happens if a Claim Is Filed Against You?
If a client files a SAM claim against you:
- Do not admit fault or responsibility
- Limit interactions with the client
- Record all relevant details
- Notify your insurer immediately
- Your insurer will review the claim
- Legal counsel may be provided to defend your case
- Your insurer will guide you through the process of protecting your business
Facing a false claim of sexual harassment or misconduct can be overwhelming. That’s why BBI is on your side to handle the legal and financial aspects if you ever need to file a claim — you’ll have support every step of the way.
Get Your Free Online Quote
Get an instant quote for sexual abuse and molestation insurance coverage through BBI’s online application. Peace of mind is just 10 minutes away.
- Start your application
- Add on SAM coverage
- Tell us about your business
- Receive your quote and check out
We’ve Got You Covered
Check out what our policyholders say.
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Questions About SAM/SML Insurance for Beauty & Bodywork Pros
Does My Professional Liability Insurance Cover SAM Claims?
BBI’s professional liability insurance excludes claims related to sexual abuse and molestation. We offer SAM coverage as an optional (but highly recommended) add-on to your base policy so you can choose how best to protect your business.
Do Massage Therapists Need Sexual Abuse & Molestation Insurance Coverage?
Yes. Due to the nature of their hands-on work, massage therapists are particularly vulnerable to misconduct allegations. SAM coverage helps protect against legal fees and settlements if a claim arises, giving you peace of mind for every session.
Is Sexual Abuse & Molestation Insurance Worth It for Massage Therapists?
Even if you’ve never had an issue, one false accusation could cost thousands in legal fees. SAM insurance provides financial and legal protection, making it a wise investment for massage therapists and other beauty or bodywork professionals.
What Is Vicarious Sexual Abuse & Molestation?
Vicarious liability means a business owner, employer, or manager could be held responsible for the actions of an employee or independent contractor. SAM insurance can help cover these risks if you’re a salon or spa owner.
SAM coverage for spa owners and salon owners is available as an add-on coverage to your base policy, which is based on the number of stations operating at your business.
Chris Van Leeuwen | VP of Agency Development
Chris Van Leeuwen is the VP of Agency Development for Beauty and Bodywork Insurance. He has held the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation since 1996.
Because he strongly believes in the importance of helping business owners understand their insurance coverage, Chris uses his wealth of experience to offer insights to small business owners across the country who are looking to navigate business liability insurance.
Chris Van Leeuwen is the VP of Agency Development for Beauty and Bodywork Insurance. He has held the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation since 1996.
Because he strongly believes in the importance of helping business owners understand their insurance coverage, Chris uses his wealth of experience to offer insights to small business owners across the country who are looking to navigate business liability insurance.