Tattoo Artist Insurance
Inker by InkShopGuard provides comprehensive insurance for tattoo artists and piercers to protect against legal claims brought by clients or other third parties. If you work as an independent contractor, carrying your own tattoo artist liability insurance is essential—it gives you direct access to legal defense and financial protection in the event of a claim involving your completed work, conduct, or professional services.
Liability Insurance
As an independently contracted artist or piercer, a single claim could put your career, finances, and reputation at risk. Our liability insurance is designed to protect you wherever you work, from studios and rented booths to guest spots and conventions. Inker includes coverage for:
- Bodily injury or damage to another’s personal property.
- Claims involving mistakes in professional services provided.
- Legal action pursued for missed appointments or unmet deadlines.
Optional Coverage Add-Ons
InkShopGuard offers these additional coverages for risks that fall outside of our standard liability coverage for tattoo and piercing professionals:
- Communicable Disease: Provides legal defense if a client alleges they contracted an infection or transmissible disease as a result of your negligence. This coverage is included in our policy at a $25,000 limit; you may choose to request a higher limit.
- Assault & Battery: Coverage for physical altercations leading to bodily injury claims, offering both legal defense and indemnification. This coverage is included in our policy at a $25,000 limit; you may choose to request a higher limit.
FAQ
Do tattoo artists need insurance?
Yes. If you’re an independent contractor (1099-employee) and not covered individually by the shop’s policy, you need your own liability insurance to protect yourself against potential lawsuits even if your clients sign consent forms.
What insurance does a tattoo artist need?
At minimum, you should carry:
- General Liability: Protects against basic incidents like a client slipping at your station.
- Professional Liability: Covers claims related to your tattooing services. Optional add-ons like equipment coverage and communicable disease protection are also available for extra peace of mind.
How much does tattoo artist insurance cost?
Tattoo artist insurance costs vary based on factors such as experience, services offered, and state regulations. We strive to provide comprehensive coverage options at competitive rates tailored to your needs.
Why do I need tattoo insurance if my clients sign consent forms?
It’s very important for tattoo artists to have clients sign consent forms. Consent forms can help a case rule in the artist’s favor because the plaintiff knew what they were agreeing to when getting tattooed. Unfortunately, consent forms don’t guarantee the tattoo artist will win the case and don’t eliminate the possibility of a lawsuit and the costs that occur with them.
Does insurance cover tattoo artists at conventions and guest spots?
Not all insurance companies include off-site coverage (i.e. coverage at conventions and guest spots). However, InkShopGuard automatically includes this coverage at no extra cost.
Can tattoo artists purchase Business Personal Property insurance?
Yes. As an artist, you may want to insure business personal property, such as tattoo machines, ink, and needles. We can add this coverage to any artist’s insurance policy. And you can request this coverage through the proposal request form online.
How can I ensure that my insurance policy provides adequate coverage?
To ensure your self-employee tattooist insurance has adequate coverage, identify your risks, carry essential coverages like general and professional liability, customize your policy for your needs, and review it annually with an agent who understands your industry.
Does Inker provide cosmetic tattoo insurance for independent contractors?
Yes. We insure services like permanent makeup, microblading, and other cosmetic tattooing.
We’ve got you covered, no matter where you ink.
Protect your hustle with liability insurance built specifically for tattoo artists and piercers.