What is Pet Groomers Insurance?
Pet groomers insurance also know as dog groomers insurance is an essential part of your business when you start. You are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the animals in your care. To meet their hygienic needs and improve their appearance, you’ll provide a variety of services ranging from bathing and hairstyling to nail trimming and ear cleaning. At any point during these procedures, there is inherent risk involved.
Some animals could be more difficult to work with than others, posing a danger to your physical safety. Others could wreak havoc on your salon, damaging costly equipment. There’s also the issue of safeguarding your building from break-ins, vandalism and other crimes.
Pet groomers insurance exists for all of these reasons. It’s designed to add a level of protection to your business and keep you financially secure in the event that the unspeakable happens. Pet business insurance is a key
Pet Groomers Insurance Cost
The exact cost of your groomers insurance policy will vary depending on the type of coverage you select and the agency you partner with. It will also hinge on the number of employees you hire and your specific coverage risks.
A basic policy can cost around $150 or more per year. If you select add-on services to broaden your coverage, you’ll be required to pay an additional premium.
As such, it helps to know the different types of groomers insurance policies available so you can make an informed decision on which ones to purchase.
What Are the Best Types of Pet Groomers Insurance Policies for you?
Ready to open shop and start accepting new clients? Before you hang that “Open” sign on your door, you’ll need to pick out the appropriate insurance policy for your new business. Let’s take a look at the most common kinds of dog grooming insurance.
General Liability Insurance
General liability insurance for dog groomers is the most basic kind of coverage available in this realm. It keeps you protected in the event that any kind of property damage or bodily injury takes place under your watch as a result of standard grooming procedures. It also covers any other risks that can happen inside of your building, including those posed by your products or equipment.
Keep in mind that bodily injury can occur to anyone who enters your facility. For instance, a client might bring in her dog for a groom, and another dog in the room bites her. In this case, that client can sue you for damages. General liability insurance can keep you financially stable and ensure you don’t close your doors if a situation like this occurs.
Commercial Auto
Mobile pet groomers are those who travel in a specially-equipped van to perform services at their clients’ homes or offices. Is this the kind of business setup you’re eyeing?
If so, you’ll need commercial auto insurance to cover you while you’re on the road. This also applies to any groomers who transport animals in any way, including picking them up or dropping them off.
If you’re involved in an accident, this coverage can help cover vehicle repairs, medical treatments and other expenses incurred. Most commercial auto policies will also cover any theft or vandalism that occurs to your vehicle.
Worker’s Compensation
If you have at least one employee working under you at your grooming business, you’re required by law to purchase worker’s compensation insurance. This policy covers any illnesses or injuries that your team members might experience while they’re on the job during normal business hours.
For example, a dog might scratch your employee while she’s giving him a bath. If the scratch becomes infected and requires medical treatment, worker’s compensation insurance can help cover those costs. It can also cover any lost wages incurred as a result of job-related medical appointments, rehabilitation or hospital stays.
Business Owners Policy (BOP)
A Business Owners Policy, or BOP, combines general liability insurance and property damage coverage, as well as any other extra endorsements you select, into one comprehensive policy.
Most professionals in this space opt to invest in this form of business insurance for pet groomers. Why? It helps to protect their entire business, similar to the way a homeowner’s insurance covers an entire home and its possessions. Rolling individual policies into one can also help them save money on their insurance rates.
Business Income
If grooming is your full-time job and livelihood, you could quickly find yourself in debt if you’re out of work for an extended period of time. This is where business income insurance comes into play.
This policy helps cover the loss of income you’ll face if you’re forced to temporarily close your business due to property damage it sustained. While you’re working to rebuild and recover, this coverage can keep you on your feet financially and help you bounce back quicker.
Off-Premises Business Income
Especially if you own a mobile grooming business, there’s a chance that your property or equipment could become damaged while it’s off-site. For instance, your van could become vandalized or damaged while you’re working at a client’s home.
If this happens, you’ll be unable to provide services until you get the issue fixed. In the meantime, off-premise business income insurance can help replace your lost wages and ensure your business stays afloat while you’re unable to work.
Professional Liability Insurance for Pet Groomers Insurance
Especially when you’re working around jittery or rambunctious animals, it can be easy to make a mistake on the job. Unfortunately, any errors or omissions you make can result in expensive damages or injuries. It’s not uncommon for clients to file lawsuits against groomers whose mistakes caused their animal distress.
If you’re sued, professional liability insurance can provide financial protection and help cover your defense costs.
Mobile Grooming Equipment
Another form of optional pet groomer insurance, you can easily add coverage for the mobile grooming equipment you use. This policy covers your grooming van, as well as all of the gear inside of it. That way, if you’re in an accident or someone breaks into your van, you can repair or replace it with ease.
Animal Bailee
Though you try your best to be diligent, there’s always the risk that an animal could disappear, suffer an injury or even pass away while under your care. Animal bailee insurance can protect you in times like these, providing coverage for a range of needs, including:
- Veterinary care expenses
- Advertising and marketing for stolen pet rewards
Data Breach
Any time you add a client, their personal information becomes part of your manual or electronic database. As with any other company, your grooming business could fall victim to a data breach, wherein that sensitive material becomes compromised.
Data breach insurance can help you prevent such damages, and manage them if they do occur.
Business Income Extension
There are some circumstances in which your grooming property or equipment might suffer damage off-site. For instance, you might damage the dog washing station in your mobile grooming van while you’re in a client’s driveway.
As a result, you’ll have to cancel future appointments until you can get it fixed. While you’re out of work, business income extension insurance can help replace any income you lose.
Protect Yourself With Pet Grooming Insurance
You’re only a few steps away from realizing your dream! Soon, you’ll be snipping, soaping, and styling precious pets all day long.
Before that day arrives, you’ll need to make sure your new business is protected from every angle. Pet grooming insurance, in all its forms, can give you the peace of mind you need as you move forward.
If you are a looking into mobile pet grooming insurance or pet grooming insurance and are Interested in learning more about different types of coverage? Fill out the form below and an agent will reach out soon.