Public liability insurance and special treatments license FAQs

Beautystack recently updated our policy to align with industry standards. This means that we now need to see proof of your public liability insurance as well as proof of a special treatment license if applicable.

Public liability insurance

Why do I need it?

As a professional you can be held liable for loss or damage to other people’s property, injury or other harm or financial loss alleged to have been caused during carrying out any treatment. As a reputable and professionals you should ensure that you are covered for every treatment that you provide.

What is covered under public liability insurance?

Public liability insurance covers the cost of legal action and compensation claims against:
You or your business
Loss or damage to other peoples property
Injury or other harm
Financial loss alleged to have been caused

Where can I get it?

You can purchase public liability insurance from any respected insurance provider but we recommend the following for their experience with professionals:

Salon Gold: https://www.salongold.co.uk/
Balens: https://www.balens.co.uk/
Babtac: https://www.babtac.com/insurance - via Balens
Beauty Guild: https://www.beautyguild.com/Membership/Our-Insurance-Policy
Hiscox: https://www.hiscox.co.uk/business-insurance/public-liability-insurance
Professional Beauty https://professionalbeauty.co.uk/site/Insurance
Simply Business https://www.simplybusiness.co.uk/insurance/beauty-therapist/

How much is it?

Most websites have an online quote calculator but on average, small business owners can expect to pay around £25-45 per year for Public Liability insurance.

Is product liability insurance the same as public liability insurance?

Public liability insurance covers compensation claims made against your business by a third party for injury or damage. Product liability insurance - which is often included in a public liability policy - covers compensation claims for injury or property damage that's been caused by a product you've sold.

I plan to use The Stack World outside of the UK, do I still need to have public liability insurance?

Yes. If you’re providing treatments to Clients you must have public liability insurance (aka general liability insurance in the US).

Also

If you’re using us in the US you will need to be licenced in the state you work in.
If you’re using us in Europe and outside of the UK we will need to see proof of your qualifications.

Special treatments license

What is a special treatments license?

When you set up your business to work for yourself once qualified you need to have a special treatments licence from your local council or individual local authorities. This licence ensures that you are working to appropriate hygiene standards etc and can cost varying amounts of money!

Who needs a special treatments licence?

Anyone wishing offer manicures, massage and other treatments at premises within their borough needs to hold a licence. Special treatments licences differ from borough to borough but typically refer to professionals offering the following treatments:

Tattooing - Semi-permanent make up / micro-pigmentation
Artificial Nails, Manicure and Pedicure
Massage
Spray Tanning
Laser treatments
Sauna
Floatation Tank
Acupuncture
Body piercing (including ears, nose etc.)
Ultra Violet Tanning Equipment including sunbeds
Electrolysis
Light and vapour treatments

How do I get it?

If you do not have a special treatments license and you need one visit your local boroughs website or give them a call!

I’m a member of a professional beauty association, do I still need a special treatments license?

Most local authorities will accept proof of membership with a professional beauty association in place of a special treatments license. However, this can differ from borough to borough so it’s important to check this before you sign up!