Every chair, every client.
Professional liability for services, general liability, workers' comp for nail techs, property for pedicure chairs and equipment, and booth-renter questions sorted out up front.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Foot spas, fumes and fast hands
The claims nail salons see are specific: infections after a pedicure, cuts from cuticle tools, reactions to acrylics or gel, and burns from UV lamps or hot towels. Your staff work with solvents all day, so breathing and skin problems show up on the workers' comp side.
California licenses manicurists and salon establishments through the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and its rules on cleaning foot spas are strict. I ask about your cleaning log and who in the shop is an employee versus a booth renter, because both affect what a policy will cover.
- Professional liabilityInfections, cuts and reactions from services.
- General liabilityWet floors and customer injuries.
- Workers' compRequired once you have employees.
- PropertyPedicure chairs, lamps, furniture and stock.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Salon: address, number of stations and pedicure chairs.
- Licenses: establishment and manicurist licenses.
- Staff: employees, booth renters and their payroll.
- Services: nails only, or waxing, lashes and massage too.
- Cleaning: how foot spas are disinfected and logged.
- History: current policies and any claims.
Nail salon insurance, answered
Does general liability cover a pedicure infection?
Usually not on its own. Injuries from the service itself fall under professional liability, which I add to the salon policy or write separately, subject to the policy terms.
Do booth renters need their own policy?
Yes, most salons should require it. A renter is running their own business, and your policy may not cover their work. Ask for their certificate.
Is workers' comp required for a small nail salon?
In California, if you have even one employee, workers' comp is required. Techs paid as contractors may still count as employees under state law.
Are waxing and lash services covered?
Only if they're listed. Each service is rated, so tell me everything on your menu.
What about a pedicure chair that leaks?
Water damage to the building or a neighbor is a property and liability question. Equipment breakdown can help with the chair itself.
Do you offer nail salon insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. Sam Alishahi is licensed in 48 states and Washington, DC and places policies there directly. In Florida and Washington, where Sam's licenses are still being issued, a partner agency in your state helps in the meantime. The shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Official sources
Cover the salon and the techs
Tell me how many stations you run, who works there and what's on your service menu. I'll quote the salon with insurers that write nail shops.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. Your application link comes by email right away, and you get an update at every step until your quotes are ready.
(877) 711-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.