The Hair Industry is Facing Skyrocketing Public Liability Insurance Premiums

The cost of public liability insurance for independent hairdressers and barbers in the UK has doubled over the past two years, according to the latest data from insurance experts at MoneySuperMarket.

In 2023, the average annual premium for public liability insurance was £47. By 2025, that figure has jumped to £93 - representing a 100% increase. This type of insurance covers legal costs and compensation claims if a client suffers injury or property damage related to a business's operations.

In contrast, public liability insurance for hair salons and barbershops has decreased slightly over the same time period - dropping from an average of £230 in Q1 2023 to £201 in 2025.

Experts believe the price spike for independents may reflect a growing number of freelance hairdressers and barbers operating in the UK, many of whom now work from home or in co-working salon spaces, a trend accelerated by the pandemic.

Average Annual Public Liability Insurance Costs for Independent Hair Professionals :

Alicia Hempsted, insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: “Our data shows that independent hairdressers and barbers have seen a sharp rise in public liability insurance premiums over the last two years.

“Insurance costs for businesses have fluctuated over the last few years thanks to inflation, and public liability insurance is no exception. However, in percentage terms, the increase seen by hairdressers and barbers is far higher than recent inflation rates, suggesting there may be other factors at play.

“Higher rates of claims may be one reason why premium costs have gone up, with the most common types of public liability claims for injuries related to slips, trips and falls.

“A rise in the number of independent hairdressers and barbers, either working from their own property or renting a chair in a salon or barbershop, may also be a contributing factor for rising insurance costs.

“Salons and barbershops may also be considered higher risk than some other types of businesses due to the nature of their work. Potential workplace hazards, for instance, slippery floors and some potentially toxic chemicals in the form of hair products, mean they are regarded as higher risk by insurers.

“You can keep your insurance costs down by regularly shopping around and in some cases, you can save money with a comprehensive insurance package that combines all the necessary insurances into one bundle.

“You can compare quotes for public liability insurance on MoneySuperMarket.com.”

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