Tattoo insurance for shops & body art studios: risks and coverages explained
Your tattoo shop is more than just a business, it’s a creative space where you bring your clients’ visions to life. Each piece of art you create is a testament to your skill and passion. But with any business, especially one as hands-on as tattooing, there are inherent risks. That's where tattoo insurance comes in, providing a vital safety net that protects your hard work, your employees, and your clients.
Just as you use sterile equipment to protect your clients, you need the right insurance to protect your business from the unexpected. From a slip and fall in your studio to a client having an allergic reaction to ink, the right tattoo shop insurance can be the difference between a minor hiccup and a major financial disaster. In this post, we'll explore the risks tattoo shops face and the essential coverages that can help you sleep better at night.
Understanding the risks in the tattoo industry
Running a tattoo and body art studio involves a unique set of risks. You're not just dealing with typical business challenges, you're also working intimately with clients, which opens you up to specific liabilities. Common risks include everything from property damage to professional negligence.
An unhappy client might claim their tattoo was not what they asked for or that they contracted an infection after their session. These are instances of professional liability. Then there are the more common business risks, like a client tripping over a power cord in your waiting area, which would fall under general liability.
And what about your expensive equipment? A fire or theft could be devastating without the proper property coverage. Understanding these risks is the first step toward integrating tattoo business insurance into your business strategy, which is essential for protecting your business from the costs associated with any incidents that occur.
Essential tattoo insurance policies for your shop or studio
What does tattoo business insurance cover? That’s a crucial question, as navigating the world of business insurance can be confusing for those not familiar with available coverages.
While every shop has unique needs, there are several key policies that form the foundation of a solid insurance plan. biBerk offers all the necessary coverages to keep your tattoo business safe.
Here's a breakdown of the most important types of insurance for tattoo artists and studio owners.
- General liability insurance. This is a must-have for any business that interacts with the public. It can protect your business from claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury that occur on your premises. For example, if a client slips on a wet floor in your shop and breaks their arm, this policy could cover their medical expenses and your legal fees if they sue. Before you ink your first tattoo, liability insurance is essential.
- Workers' compensation insurance. If you have employees, most states require you to have workers' compensation insurance. This coverage provides benefits to your employees if they get injured or become ill as a result of their job. For a tattoo artist, this could cover a repetitive stress injury or a needlestick incident.
- Business owners policies (BOPs). A BOP is a convenient policy that combines general liability and commercial property insurance into one policy, often at a lower cost than buying them separately. In addition to lawsuits, it can cover the space you operate out of, business property, and even lost income due to a covered claim. This is a great option for many small businesses, including tattoo shops. It’s a smart way to get essential business insurance for a tattoo shop.
- Professional liability insurance. Also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, this is one of the most critical policies for a tattoo artist. It protects you from claims of negligence or mistakes in your professional services. If a client is unhappy with the final tattoo, claims you made an error that caused scarring, or has an allergic reaction to the ink, this policy can cover your legal defense and any settlements. Having strong professional liability insurance for tattoo artists is non-negotiable.
- Commercial auto insurance. If you use a vehicle for business purposes, such as traveling to conventions or onsite appointments, you'll need commercial auto insurance. Your personal auto policy likely won't cover accidents that happen while you're driving for work.
- Cyber insurance. In today's digital world, your client's personal and financial information is a valuable asset. If your studio's computer system is hacked and client data is stolen, cyber insurance can help cover the costs of notifying clients, credit monitoring, and legal fees.
- Umbrella insurance. This policy provides an extra layer of liability protection that goes above and beyond the limits of your other policies. If you're hit with a major lawsuit that exceeds the limits of your general liability or professional liability insurance, an umbrella policy can kick in to cover the remaining costs, preventing a catastrophic financial loss.
How much does tattoo shop insurance cost?
One of the biggest questions for any studio owner is, how much does tattoo shop insurance cost? The answer, as with most insurance, is that it depends. The cost of your tattoo insurance will be influenced by several factors, including the size and location of your studio, the number of artists you employ, the services you offer (like body piercing, which can increase risk), and your claims history.
A small tattoo shop might pay a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per year for a group of basic policies. While it's an expense, it's a small price to pay for peace of mind and the security of your business. The best way to know for sure how much you’ll pay is to get tattoo business insurance quotes online.
Tattoo shop insurance: protecting your passion and your profession
Your art is your legacy, and your business is the vessel for that art. Protecting it with the right insurance is one of the most important business decisions you'll make. The insurance requirements for tattoo shops can vary by state, but even if it's not legally mandated, it's a crucial investment in your future.
Don't wait for an accident to happen to think about your coverage. Be proactive and get the protection you need today. Your coverage can be active as early as the next day, and you can obtain Certificates of Insurance (COIs) from our website if you need to provide them to third parties like a landlord.
Have questions about tattoo insurance from biBerk? Our licensed insurance experts are happy to answer them.