Automatic products liability inclusion with public liability
Source: AXA
If you sell products and you get public liability, then you are automatically covered for products liability insurance.
Hairdressing
Claims AXA makes that competitors do not (1)
Claims competitors make that AXA does not (7)
Personal accident cover with specific lump sum for accidental death
Source: Direct Line
We'll pay a lump sum of £50,000 if there is an accidental death, accidental loss of limbs or sight, or if someone in your business becomes permanently disabled following an accident.
Business interruption cover for key employee disability
Source: Direct Line
Our business interruption cover can insure you if you or one of your key employees becomes seriously disabled and is unable to continue work. We will cover the incurred costs, up to £25,000, to minimise any interruption to the business.
Home emergency cover with same-day response
Source: Direct Line
We'll aim to have a certified contractor, such as a plumber, glazier, locksmith, or drainage engineer, at your home the same day your claim is registered, to secure the property or prevent further damage.
Terrorism cover extension for property damage
Source: Direct Line
If you have commercial premises, you can extend your cover, for an additional premium, to include property damage as a result of an Act of Terrorism.
Cyber and data insurance for digital threats
Source: Hiscox
You likely manage appointments and enquiries online, so cyber insurance for hair and beauty professionals can respond to digital threats.
Legal protection insurance for contractual disputes
Source: Hiscox
You might be in the midst of a contractual dispute with the supplier of your nail dust and fume extractors, or a former stylist could take you to an employment tribunal. Either way, building support for legal costs into your hair and beauty insurance can prove reassuring.
Portable equipment insurance for owned or hired items
Source: Hiscox
Whether owned or hired, items such as hair straighteners, nail dryers and microdermabrasion machines can be covered for replacement or repair with portable equipment insurance for hair and beauty professionals.
Areas where AXA's language is weaker (6)
Treatments liability coverage specificity
AXA says:
— nothing on this topic —Direct Line says:
Whether you tint lashes, shape nails or wax body hair, our Treatments Liability cover includes particular treatments based on your profession as standard. But, you can add other treatments too.
Equipment breakdown cover as standard
AXA says:
— nothing on this topic —Direct Line says:
If you insure your business premises where you work, as standard we'll give you equipment breakdown cover, which pays to repair or replace your boiler if it breaks down (excludes wear and tear).
Theft of takings coverage
AXA says:
— nothing on this topic —Direct Line says:
Theft of Takings covers cash or cheques stolen from you in transit, from a safe or on you while you're working at other premises, such as your clients' homes.
Business interruption for supplier/customer damage
AXA says:
— nothing on this topic —Direct Line says:
If your main supplier or customer suffers damage to their premises and can't trade, we'll cover you for the loss of business you'll suffer.
Flexible payment options clarity
AXA says:
10% of our customers paid from £7 for ten months between July and December 2025 after an initial deposit.
Direct Line says:
Plus, if you'd like to spread the cost of your policy in your first year with us you can pay monthly for your beauty insurance for no extra cost (Subject to status. 18s and over. 0% APR representative).
Specialist combined liability product
AXA says:
— nothing on this topic —Hiscox says:
With Hiscox, those working within the hair, barbering and beauty sector can buy our specialist professional, treatment and public liability insurance policy. This product combines treatments and professional liability with public and product liability and offers cover for both treatment and non-treatment public and product liability claims.
Differentiation suggestions (6)
Develop and prominently feature a combined professional, treatment and public liability product similar to Hiscox's offering, positioning it as a simplified all-in-one solution for hair and beauty professionals
Both competitors offer specialist combined liability products that streamline coverage. AXA's current messaging treats these as separate modular choices, which appears less convenient than a pre-packaged specialist product designed specifically for the sector.
Add cyber and data insurance to the standard or optional extras lineup, with messaging around protecting client appointment data and online booking systems
Hiscox explicitly addresses digital threats and data protection—a growing concern for beauty businesses managing client information online. AXA makes no mention of this risk, creating a gap in perceived modern business protection.
Introduce personal accident cover with specific lump-sum payouts (e.g., £50,000 for accidental death or permanent disability) and temporary injury income replacement
Direct Line's personal accident offering is concrete and quantified. AXA has no equivalent, missing an opportunity to address the financial vulnerability of self-employed beauty professionals who rely on their hands and physical ability.
Highlight equipment breakdown cover as a standard inclusion (or prominent optional extra) for premises and portable equipment, with clear examples (hair straighteners, nail dryers, UV lamps)
Direct Line positions equipment breakdown as automatic with premises/equipment cover. AXA does not mention this protection, leaving a gap for businesses concerned about costly equipment repairs or replacement.
Promote 0% APR monthly payment options without minimum premium thresholds, using clearer language than current deposit-based messaging
Direct Line's payment flexibility messaging ('no extra cost', '0% APR', 'no minimum premium') is more transparent and customer-friendly than AXA's footnoted deposit structure. This is a low-cost way to improve perceived affordability.
Add legal protection insurance as an optional extra, with specific examples relevant to hair and beauty (e.g., employment disputes, supplier contracts, confidentiality breaches)
Hiscox explicitly offers legal protection for contractual and employment disputes. AXA does not mention this, missing a way to address real business risks that beauty professionals face beyond liability claims.