Cosmetologists work closely with clients, often using tools, chemicals, and techniques that carry risk. A good insurance policy can help protect your business if something goes wrong from allergic reactions to accidental injuries.
We reviewed leading insurance providers and picked the top options for cosmetologists based on cost, coverage types, ease of access, and value-added perks like CE resources and discounts.
Top Cosmetology Insurance Providers Compared
| Provider | Best For | Starting Price | Key Coverage Types |
| NACAMS | Best comprehensive option for cosmetologists | $179/year | General & professional liability, occurrence form, ID Theft |
| Simply Business | Comparing quotes from top carriers | Varies | General liability, professional liability, property |
| Beauty & Bodywork Insurance (BBI) | Low-cost coverage for solo professionals | $96/year | General & professional liability with add ons |
| NEXT Insurance | Monthly plans and easy online purchase | $11/month | General liability, professional liability with add ons |
| Hiscox | Independent cosmetologists and part-time work | $13/month | General liability, professional liability |
| The Hartford | Cosmetologists with employees or retail products | Varies | BOPs, workers’ comp, liability |
NACAMS: Best Overall Cosmetology Insurance for 2025
Pros
✓ Built specifically for cosmetologists
✓ Includes general and professional liability
✓ Occurrence-form coverage (not claims-made)
✓ Membership perks: CE credits, discounts, and more
Cons
✕ No business property or workers’ comp
✕ Requires full annual payment up front
Why We Like It
NACAMS (National Association of Complementary and Alternative Medicines) provides comprehensive liability coverage for cosmetologists for just $179/year. Coverage applies wherever you work – salon, spa, freelance, or mobile.
In addition to insurance, NACAMS membership gives you access to continuing education, free marketing materials, and partner discounts. It’s ideal for cosmetologists who want both protection and professional resources.
Accolades:
- Accredited and A+ Rated by the BBB
- Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot
- 5.0 on Google Reviews
- Backed by the 3rd largest company in the world
Simply Business: Best for Comparing Cosmetology Insurance Quotes
Pros
✓ Quick access to multiple insurers
✓ Online quote process
✓ Covers a wide range of beauty professionals
Cons
✕ No in-house claims team
✕ Coverage and pricing vary by carrier
Why We Like It
Simply Business is a marketplace that lets you compare policies from several insurers. It’s a solid option if you’re not sure which company fits your business or want to price shop.
Beauty & Bodywork Insurance: Best Budget Option
Pros
✓ $96/year flat-rate
✓ Covers general and professional liability
✓ No quote required, instant purchase
Cons
✕ No Identity Theft Coverage or add-on
✕ Extremely limited phone support
Why We Like It
BBI offers basic liability coverage at a low fixed price. It’s a great option for solo cosmetologists who don’t need all-inclusive coverage
NEXT Insurance: Best for Flexible, Online-Only Coverage
Pros
✓ Monthly payment plans
✓ Entirely online application and policy management
✓ Easy to bundle coverage with a BOP
Cons
✕ Some limits for advanced services
✕ Not comprehensive (A lot of add-ons making the policy price expensive by the end)
Why We Like It
NEXT is built for independent professionals who want a quick and customizable policy. You can quote, buy, and manage everything from your phone or computer.
Hiscox: Best for Part-Time Cosmetologists
Pros
✓ Part-time options available
✓ Optional add-on for equipment or rental space protection
Cons
✕ No cosmetology-specific extras
✕ Coverage is not as extensive for full-service salons
Why We Like It
Hiscox is a solid choice for freelancers, mobile stylists, or those working part-time. Policies are affordable and easy to adjust as your business grows. They are mainly known for their business insurance.
The Hartford: Best for Cosmetologists With Employees or Retail
Pros
✓ Strong carrier with broad coverage options
✓ Includes BOPs, workers’ comp, and commercial auto
✓ Tailored to growing businesses
Cons
✕ The quote process involves an agent
✕ Pricing can be higher for full-service salons
Why We Like It
If you run a salon, have employees, or sell products, The Hartford can bundle the coverage you need. It’s ideal for business owners who’ve moved beyond solo work.
Do Cosmetologists Need Insurance?
Yes, cosmetologists face a range of liability risks when working with people. From burns and allergic reactions to slip-and-fall accidents, one unexpected incident can lead to a lawsuit or licensing issue.
Standard coverage includes:
- General Liability – For third-party injuries or property damage.
- Professional Liability – Covers claims related to your services (e.g., hair damage).
- Occurrence Form – Keeps you covered long-term for incidents that happen during the policy period.
How Much Does Cosmetology Insurance Cost?
Here’s what you can expect to pay:
- $8–$25/month for basic liability
- $96–$259/year for bundled general + professional coverage
- $30–$60/month if you need property, staff, or retail coverage
Costs vary based on your location, services, business size, and claims history.
Methodology
To find the best cosmetology insurance providers, we looked at:
- Liability limits and coverage types
- Policy cost and payment flexibility
- Industry relevance and value-added perks
- Customer reviews and ease of use
- Online access and policy customization
Ultimately, the best bang for your buck is our first choice, NACAMS, for only $179/YR. They help with a seamless online process and just the right amount of coverage for your needs. We do recommend you conduct additional research to determine the best company for your needs.
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