Short answer: Barber shops in Pennsylvania typically carry general liability, professional liability, property or a business owners policy, and workers’ compensation once they have employees — in Pennsylvania, workers’ comp is required from the first employee. Licensing runs through the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology (barbers are licensed by the State Board of Barber Examiners). Get Multiple Quotes within minutes.

What Pennsylvania requires of barber shops

Pennsylvania requires workers’ compensation from the first employee, whether full-time or part-time.

Barber shops in Pennsylvania are regulated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology (barbers are licensed by the State Board of Barber Examiners). Licensing and coverage go together: a service outside someone’s license is one of the easiest ways to end up with a disputed claim.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh storefront leases routinely require additional insured status for landlords and property managers. No state law mandates general liability, but nearly every commercial lease does.

Coverage checklist for barber shops in Pennsylvania

• General liability — slips on clippings and client property damage.
• Professional liability — razor cuts, shaves and chemical services.
• Property or a business owners policy — barber chairs, clippers, sterilization equipment and signage.
• Workers’ compensation — barbers on payroll and shop staff.
• Chair renters’ own liability — collect certificates from every renter.

Claims barber shops actually face

Underwriters price barber shops around a predictable set of claims:

• A straight-razor nick that becomes an infection
• A clipper or trimmer cut during a fade or line-up
• A client slipping on hair clippings on the floor
• A hot-towel burn during a shave

Pennsylvania risks that affect your policy

Property and business income coverage in Pennsylvania should account for winter storms, frozen pipes and river flooding. Ask how each quote handles water damage, equipment breakdown and the waiting period before business income coverage starts.

What carriers look at

• Straight-razor services and sterilization practices
• Employee barbers versus chair renters
• Hours of operation and walk-in volume
• Retail sales

Pricing for barber shops in Pennsylvania depends mostly on the number of chairs, employee versus renter barbers, razor services and revenue, along with location, limits, deductibles and claims history. We do not publish average premiums because they rarely match a real business — comparing several carriers on the same coverage is the reliable way to find your number. See our cost guide for the rating factors.

Where we help barber shops in Pennsylvania

We quote barber shops throughout Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Harrisburg, Lancaster and Erie. One application goes to multiple carriers, and when you bind you receive a Live Certificate — a link that always shows your current coverage for your landlord, salon or venue.

Frequently asked questions

Is insurance required for barber shops in Pennsylvania?

State law in Pennsylvania focuses on workers’ compensation, which is required from the first employee. General liability is not required by statute, but leases, salons, suite operators and venues almost always require it, and professional liability protects you against service claims.

Do barber shops in Pennsylvania need workers’ compensation?

Pennsylvania requires workers’ compensation from the first employee, whether full-time or part-time.

Do chair renters in my barber shop need their own insurance?

Yes. Chair renters are independent businesses and should carry their own general and professional liability. The shop’s policy protects the shop and its employees, not a renter’s services.

Who licenses barber shops in Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology (barbers are licensed by the State Board of Barber Examiners) oversees licensing. Keep every license current and make sure each service is performed within the provider’s license.

More for Pennsylvania: salon & spa insurance in Pennsylvania · hair salon insurance in Pennsylvania · nail salon insurance in Pennsylvania · day spa insurance in Pennsylvania · esthetician insurance in Pennsylvania.

Barber Shop insurance elsewhere: barber shop insurance · New Jersey · New York · Ohio · salon insurance comparisons.

Ready to compare? One application, multiple carriers, and a Live Certificate of insurance when you bind. Get Multiple Quotes within minutes or call (866) 964-6660.