Beauty & Bodywork Insurance (BBI) released its 2025 Claims Report on March 23, 2026, providing a data-driven look at operational risks facing beauty and bodywork professionals. The report, based on real insurance claims with 2025 dates of loss and a nationwide consumer survey, reveals that routine incidents such as water damage are the most frequent claims, while catastrophic events like fires, though rare, account for a significant share of total payouts.
BBI reviewed claims filed by salons, spas, and independent professionals, including hairstylists, estheticians, nail technicians, lash artists, and massage therapists. Total payouts reached $929,187 in 2025, with a median claim of $2,500 and an average claim of $4,890. Most claims fell under $10,000, but larger events contributed disproportionately to overall payouts. According to Daryle Stafford, CEO of Veracity Insurance, BBI’s parent company, “Most claims beauty and bodywork professionals face come from everyday operational issues rather than catastrophic events. Routine incidents happen more often than people expect. Insurance helps professionals handle those situations without interrupting their business, while also protecting them if a rare but costly event occurs.”
The report highlights that water damage is the most common type of claim, followed by property-related incidents and service-related injuries. Fire-related incidents, although a small percentage of claims, resulted in a disproportionately high share of total payouts. This underscores the need for comprehensive coverage that addresses both frequent minor issues and rare but severe events.
BBI also conducted a national survey of 1,000 U.S. adults to understand client preferences. The survey found that 62% of respondents are more likely to book with a professional who carries liability insurance. Service quality, affordability, and provider credentials were also ranked as top considerations. JoAnne Hammer, Program Manager at BBI, noted, “Insurance does more than cover losses. Many clients see it as a sign that a professional runs a responsible business. Coverage helps protect the provider if something goes wrong and signals to clients that the person delivering the service takes their work seriously.”
The full report is available at Beauty and Bodywork Liability Statistics. BBI provides liability insurance tailored for beauty and bodywork professionals, with over 63,000 professionals relying on its policies. More information about BBI can be found at www.insurebodywork.com.
