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Protect Your Barbershop Business in Minnesota with the Right Insurance

By Priya Nadkarni, Business Risk EditorReviewed by Lisa Tran, CPCU, Licensed Insurance AdvisorUpdated June 21, 2026

Veteran barbershop owners in Minnesota know that extreme cold and blizzards can cause vehicle damage, slip-and-fall accidents, and business closures. Your business is also at risk from spring flooding, particularly in the Red River Valley and Twin Cities metro. You need to understand these risks to protect your investment. Your barbershop's unique risks require specialized insurance coverage. You must consider the higher workers' compensation premiums in Minnesota when calculating your costs. Your business's financial security depends on the right insurance policies.

Estimated cost for barbershops in Minnesota

$30$75/mo (GL est.)

Illustrative monthly general liability premium estimate for a small barbershop operation in Minnesota. Actual rates depend on revenue, payroll, claims history, coverage limits, and carrier. Get a personalized quote to see your real price.

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Why Barbershops in Minnesota Face Unique Insurance Risks

Minnesota's extreme weather conditions pose significant risks to barbershops. Blizzards can cause power outages, resulting in lost business and equipment damage. Slip-and-fall accidents are common due to icy sidewalks and wet floors from shampoo stations. Spring flooding in the Red River Valley and Twin Cities metro can also damage your property and disrupt operations. You must consider these risks when selecting insurance policies. For instance, a barbershop in Minneapolis may need to invest in flood insurance to protect against potential losses. The higher workers' compensation premiums in Minnesota also contribute to the unique risks faced by barbershops. You need to factor these costs into your budget to ensure your business's financial stability.

What Barbershops Insurance Covers: Your Core Policies

Your core insurance policies include General Liability, Professional Liability, and Commercial Property. General Liability insurance protects you from claims of bodily injury or property damage, such as a client slipping on a wet floor. Professional Liability insurance, also known as Errors and Omissions insurance, covers claims of professional negligence, like a barber accidentally cutting a client's ear. Commercial Property insurance protects your business's physical assets, including equipment and furniture, from damage or loss. For example, a barbershop in St. Paul may need to replace equipment damaged in a fire, and Commercial Property insurance would cover the costs. You need to understand what each policy covers to ensure you have adequate protection for your business.

A Real Claim Scenario: What Could Happen to Your Business

In Rochester, a barber nicked a client's neck during a straight razor shave, and the cut became infected, requiring medical attention. The client filed a claim for medical costs and lost wages during recovery. The barbershop's General Liability policy covered the $3,200 claim without the owner paying a cent out of pocket. The barbershop's policy protected them from a significant financial loss, allowing them to continue operating without disruption. You need to consider the potential risks and consequences of not having adequate insurance coverage for your business. A single claim can have a significant impact on your business's financial stability, and you need to be prepared.

Minnesota Requirements and What Clients Expect

In Minnesota, workers' compensation is generally required as soon as you hire your first employee. This means you need to factor the cost of workers' compensation insurance into your budget. Booth rental agreements and commercial lease agreements for barbershop space almost always require barbers and shop owners to carry active General Liability insurance as a condition of signing the lease or renting the chair. Clients, such as commercial landlords and municipalities, often request proof of insurance before hiring a barbershop. You need to ensure you meet these requirements to secure contracts and maintain your business's reputation. For instance, a barbershop in Bloomington may need to provide proof of insurance to secure a contract with a local school district. You must understand the requirements and expectations of your clients to ensure your business's success.

What Drives Your Insurance Premium in Minnesota

Your insurance premium in Minnesota is driven by several factors, including your business's revenue, payroll, and claims history. The estimated $30-$75/month premium for General Liability insurance can vary depending on your specific circumstances. The higher workers' compensation premiums in Minnesota also contribute to your overall insurance costs. You need to consider these factors when selecting insurance policies and calculating your budget. For example, a barbershop in Minneapolis with a high revenue and large payroll may pay more for insurance than a smaller barbershop in St. Paul. You must understand the factors that drive your insurance premium to ensure you are getting the best value for your money. By considering these factors, you can make informed decisions about your insurance coverage and minimize your costs.

How to Get the Right Coverage in Minnesota

To get the right coverage in Minnesota, you need to work with an experienced insurance agent who understands the unique risks faced by barbershops. They can help you navigate the complex insurance market and select policies that meet your specific needs. You should also consider shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurance providers to ensure you are getting the best value for your money. For instance, a barbershop in Rochester may find that working with a local insurance agent provides them with more personalized service and better coverage options. You must prioritize your business's financial security and take the time to find the right insurance coverage. A single uninsured claim can cost more than years of premiums, so you need to compare quotes and see your rate to ensure you are protected. Don't risk your business's financial stability – compare quotes now and get the right coverage for your barbershop.

Recommended coverages for barbershops

General Liability
Covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury claims — the foundational policy nearly every small business needs.
Professional Liability (E&O)
Also called Errors & Omissions, it covers claims of negligence, mistakes, or failure to deliver professional services as promised.
Commercial Property
Protects your building, inventory, equipment, and furnishings against fire, theft, vandalism, and many weather events.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get coverage same-day if a client needs a COI tomorrow?

Yes, same-day coverage is possible. You can work with an insurance agent to expedite the process, and some insurance providers offer rapid quoting and binding. However, you may need to provide additional documentation or information to facilitate the process.

Will my premium jump if I add a second truck to my barbershop?

Possibly, adding a second truck may increase your premium. The added vehicle will increase your business's risk exposure, and your insurance provider may adjust your premium accordingly. However, the extent of the premium increase will depend on various factors, including the vehicle's value, usage, and driver history. You should discuss the potential impact with your insurance agent to determine the best course of action for your business.

Does a sole proprietor barbershop still need insurance?

Yes, a sole proprietor barbershop still needs insurance. As a sole proprietor, you are personally responsible for your business's debts and liabilities, and insurance can help protect your personal assets. You should consider investing in General Liability and Professional Liability insurance to protect yourself and your business from potential risks and claims.

What's not covered by my barbershop insurance policy?

Your barbershop insurance policy may not cover intentional acts, such as vandalism or theft, or damage caused by natural disasters like floods or earthquakes. You should review your policy documents to understand what is and isn't covered and consider purchasing additional policies or endorsements to address specific risks. For example, you may need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy to protect your business from flood damage.

Can I cancel my insurance policy at any time?

Yes, you can cancel your insurance policy, but you may face penalties or fees for early cancellation. You should review your policy documents to understand the terms and conditions of cancellation and discuss the potential implications with your insurance agent.

How do I add a new employee to my workers' compensation policy?

You can add a new employee to your workers' compensation policy by notifying your insurance provider and providing the necessary documentation, such as the employee's name, job title, and payroll information. Your insurance provider will then update your policy to reflect the addition of the new employee and adjust your premium accordingly. You should also ensure that you are complying with Minnesota's workers' compensation requirements and regulations.

Do I need to purchase insurance for my barbershop's equipment and furniture?

Yes, you should consider purchasing insurance for your barbershop's equipment and furniture. Commercial Property insurance can help protect your business's physical assets from damage or loss due to theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. You should assess the value of your equipment and furniture and discuss the best coverage options with your insurance agent to ensure you are adequately protected.

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Barbershops insurance in other states

Other businesses in Minnesota

This article is for general educational purposes and is not insurance or legal advice. Insurance requirements and pricing in Minnesota change over time and vary by business. Verify current rules with the Minnesota Department of Insurance and a licensed agent before purchasing a policy.