Piercings are more popular than ever. New styles like stacked lobes, hidden helix placements, and bold eyebrow piercings are showing up in studios across the country, drawing in a broader and trend-savvy client base. With this growing demand, piercing salons are busier — and riskier — than ever before. For brokers with clients in the body art space, it’s essential to confirm they have the right protection in place. Comprehensive piercing insurance helps safeguard these businesses against the unique exposures that come with their craft.
Understanding the Risks: What Brokers Need to Know
Piercing salons operate in a hands-on, high-liability environment. Every procedure involves sharp tools, close client interaction, and potential complications. From bodily injury to reputational damage, the risks are real and growing. As a broker, understanding these exposures helps you recommend the right protection and demonstrate your value as an advisor.
Health Hazards That Can Lead to Claims
Even routine piercings can lead to unexpected outcomes. Infections, allergic reactions, and the spread of blood-borne illnesses like hepatitis or HIV can result from improper sterilization, poor aftercare, or just plain bad luck. If a client experiences a complication — even with proper protocols in place — the business could face a costly claim. Piercing insurance helps absorb the financial impact of these situations so your clients can stay focused on their work.
Professional Liability in Piercing Services
When a piercing doesn’t heal correctly or is placed improperly, it’s not just a customer service issue — it could be a legal one. Clients might allege negligence, especially if there’s visible scarring or prolonged pain. Professional liability insurance (sometimes called malpractice or errors and omissions coverage) covers legal defense costs and damages, protecting your clients’ finances and reputation.
Property and Equipment: Protecting the Physical Space
Piercing shops rely on specialized tools and sterile environments to operate safely. Damage from vandalism, theft, or fire could interrupt business and lead to major out-of-pocket expenses. Property insurance helps cover the costs of replacing damaged tools and restoring the workspace, so your clients can reopen quickly and minimize lost income.
Essential Coverage for Piercing Salons
At a minimum, brokers should see to it their piercing clients have:
- General liability insurance for third-party injuries (such as slip-and-fall incidents)
- Professional liability insurance for service-related claims
- Property insurance to protect equipment and the physical location
- Optional endorsements like business interruption or cyber liability coverage
Safety Protocols That Reduce Insurance Costs
Helping your clients reduce risks benefits everyone. Encourage them to:
- Follow OSHA-compliant sanitation and safety procedures
- Keep accurate records and signed consent forms for each service
- Create a response plan for incidents, including how to handle complaints or health concerns
A well-trained staff is essential in a high-risk business. Encourage your clients to invest in continued education, certifications, and clear safety standards.
Brief Trend Note: New Styles, New Risks
Trendy piercings bring in new business, but they also introduce new technical challenges. More complex placements may increase the chance of complications. Brokers should encourage clients to update their insurance coverage as services evolve, making sure there are no gaps as they expand offerings.
Marine Agency has been providing piercing insurance and related coverage since 1999. From professional liability to off-site services and business interruption, our policies are designed with body art professionals in mind. With flexible, a la carte options, brokers can build a plan that fits each client’s unique needs.
Contact Us
If you work with piercing salons, now’s the time to review their coverage. Contact Marine Agency today to learn how we can help you protect your clients — and grow your book of business with confidence.
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!
