Workers' compensation for Texas salons and barbershops

Direct answer: Most private Texas employers may choose to buy workers' compensation insurance or operate as non-subscribers. That choice is different from liability insurance for client claims.

Workers' compensation pays medical and income benefits for employees' work-related injuries when you subscribe. Non-subscribers do not have that coverage and generally lose certain common-law defenses if an employee sues — a legal tradeoff you should discuss with counsel.

Non-subscribers must notify the Division of Workers' Compensation (typically DWC Form-005 on the annual cycle and when first hiring), post the required workplace notice, and give written notice to new employees. Details: Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation.

Independent contractor booth renters are not automatically your employees, but misclassification is a fact-specific risk. Lease language and day-to-day control matter. Liability policies for renters and owners address client claims; they are not a substitute for a workers' compensation decision about employees.

Stockton Hill Insurance can help you explore workers' compensation quotes if you choose to subscribe. We are not your attorney; non-subscriber compliance questions belong with qualified counsel and TDI resources.

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