Tattoo Parlor Insurance Programs: Liability, Coverages, Costs & More

Tattoo Business Liability Considerations

The tattoo industry generates more than one billion dollars in the United States every year.  Tattoos have managed to shake off their negative reputation, and a tattoo parlor has never been a more secure venture.  That said, there are some unique liabilities that a tattoo business has that need to be considered.

Published on May 5, 2020

Tattoo Shop
The lightbox on the city street with the name of the Tattoo service

“Malpractice”

The first is what might be called “malpractice”.  This would be a botched tattoo job (or piercing, as most tattoo parlors offer body piercing), and an angry customer.  Tattoos are forever, and people are not happy when they are done poorly.

Injury & Infection

A tattoo parlor is a business like any other, and responsible for slips, falls and other injuries that take place on site.  This, of course, extends to infections and other illnesses caught from needles or any other part of the process.  

Building & Property

The building itself and the contents therein must be covered, as well.  While tattoo businesses provide a service, they are conducted inside a commercial building. The property can be a liability if not taken care of or insured properly.

Tattoo Insurance Program Coverages

A comprehensive insurance package will cover these liabilities with the following specific programs.

General Liability

A general liability policy is standard procedure for any business.  This indemnifies the business against any injuries sustained on site and protects against potential lawsuits.

Professional Liability

Professional liability has to do with the work done on site.  That’s tattoos, piercings and any other services provided.  A good policy will cover failed tattoos, incorrect piercings, and the like. 

Communicable Disease Liability

This is specifically for diseases caught in the parlor as a result of the services.  Diseases like hepatitis, for example, can be communicated through tattoo or piercing needles.  Even the most careful business can make mistakes and should be covered.

Body Piercing Insurance

Some policies do not include body piercing right up front.  If the tattoo parlor does not do piercings, this is unnecessary, but most do.  Additional coverage may need to be obtained to cover these potential losses.

Workers’ Compensation

This is a standard business coverage for the employees.  Any employee injured or disabled on the job should be covered by such a policy.  If not, the business runs the risk of facing some costly claims that would need to be paid out of pocket. 

Property Insurance

Property insurance will cover the building and the contents inside.  This is against fire, flood, theft and more.  Not every policy covers all of these, so additional coverage may be needed to supplement it. Check with your provider to ensure your property is comprehensively insured.

Apprenticeship & Guest Insurance

Learning how to do tattoos and piercings can really only be accomplished by doing.  There should be special insurance in place for those earning an apprenticeship.  And if a guest artist is ever on site, there should be a unique policy covering him or her, too.

Tattoo Insurance Program Costs

Tattoo parlor insurance has a pretty narrow range as far as cost.  On average, a policy will range from about $450 to $750 a year.  It is usually classified under “Design & Creative” insurance, and actually is on the lower end cost-wise of business industry insurance programs.

Best Tattoo & Body Piercing Insurance Programs

Finding the right tattoo insurance can be tricky.  Be sure to talk to a knowledgeable agent who knows the markets.  Choosing a reputable and knowledgeable underwriter is an important step.  For example, PPIB has some permanent cosmetics programs, as does AllRisks.  In addition, some medical malpractice underwriters will cover tattoo parlors as well. Speak with us today to find the right provider for your insurance requirements.

 

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