According to the Pew Research Center, 32% of U.S. people have a tattoo. As tattoos increase in popularity, so does the job security of tattoo and piercing artists. However, staying in business requires complying with local regulations. These laws vary by state, affecting your tattoo and piercing insurance needs.
Tattoo and Piercing Insurance to Cover the Patchwork of State Regulations
Life would be simpler if there were only one set of rules that applied to tattoo parlors across the country. Unfortunately, there are no standardized federal regulations for tattooing and piercing. Instead, the U.S. government allows each state to regulate who can receive a tattoo and which parts of the body a tattoo may be on.
For example, laws in most states allow the application of permanent makeup such as eyeliner and eyebrow pencil. However, North Dakota, Oregon, and Oklahoma all prohibit it along with any other tattoos within one inch of the eye socket. And in Hawaii, it is illegal to give someone a tattoo behind the ear except in the presence of a medical doctor.
State-Specific Regulations for Artists and Business Owners
Some states require apprenticeships and written exams to become a certified tattoo artist. Other states, including Louisiana, issue only a Commercial Body Artist permit. Most require the completion of safety courses, including bloodborne pathogen training, CPR, and first aid. Without these certificates, you risk fines and other consequences for practicing tattoo artistry, depending on the state where you live.
Whether your facilities must pass inspections also depends on your state of residence. County and city governments may have their own ordinances in the 10 states whose health departments do not regulate facilities. One notable example is Brookfield, Wisconsin, where it was illegal to operate a tattoo parlor of any kind until 2022.
Body Art Insurance Needs for Varied State Requirements
The most basic tattoo and piercing insurance every business owner needs is liability coverage. Without it, you could be stuck paying legal fees if customers sue for receiving tattoos they are not happy with. It also covers medical bills if someone has an allergic reaction or if a piercing gets infected. Additionally, you can opt for abusive acts liability coverage in case a customer accuses an artist of molestation.
Most state laws allow customers over 18 years old to get a tattoo or piercing, but South Carolina requires them to be at least 21. Several states, including Alabama, Arkansas, and Montana, have laws against tattooing an intoxicated person. These laws mean that without liability insurance, you risk going out of business for tattooing someone who provided false identification or who an employee incorrectly judged to be sober.
Best Practices and Choice of Tattoo and Piercing Insurance
Laws are constantly changing. As a business owner or artist, staying informed about evolving regulations is the best way to protect your future. Your state health department is a trustworthy source of information, and local tattoo and piercing artist associations can recommend best practices to keep you in compliance.
When selecting coverage, choose an insurance company that specializes in mitigating the risks inherent to your unique profession. For all your coverage needs, contact Marine Agency, the tattoo and piercing insurance experts.
About Marine Agency Corp.
Founded in 1922, Marine Agency Corp. has continued to build on our experience covering personal care businesses. During the 1980s, we expanded to provide coverage for beauty and barber, day spa and salon, cosmetic laser, cosmetic tattoo, and more. Top brokers contact us for professional liability, general liability, property, and workers’ compensation. Ready to request a proposal? Contact us today!
