Mobile Hairdresser Insurance: What You Actually Need

Employers' liability insurance is a legal requirement the moment you employ anyone who isn't a close family member (minimum £5m cover, authorised insurer) — not relevant if you're a solo operator with no staff. Public liability insurance is not a general legal requirement for the self-employed, but it's close to industry-standard: many institutional clients (care homes, event venues) will only book a mobile hairdresser who holds a minimum level of cover, and without it, a single claim is paid from personal funds. Professional indemnity insurance covers claims that the service itself was negligent, distinct from physical injury cover. For mobile work specifically, you'll also want to declare business use to your motor insurer — likely Class 1 or Class 3 depending on your driving volume — since using a personal social/domestic policy for client visits risks the insurer voiding cover entirely in the event of a claim. Some insurers attach conditions to cover for colour/chemical services, commonly including that a patch test was carried out — see our patch-testing guide for the important nuance there.