You buy your insurance, tick the box and get back to grooming. Each year, the renewal comes through and you let it roll over.

But if something happened tomorrow, would you know what you’re covered for?

In this episode, I’m joined by Kirsty Thorner from Brooks Braithwaite to tackle the insurance questions dog groomers often leave unanswered until they need to make a claim.

With questions submitted by members of The Dog Grooming Business Academy, we explore the jargon, the assumptions and the everyday situations that could leave you wondering where you stand.

We discuss:

• Public liability, employers’ liability, professional indemnity and care, custody and control — what do these terms mean?
• What paperwork you might need when making a claim, including those equipment receipts you’ve forgotten about.
• How to communicate with an owner after an incident and why your insurer needs to be involved.
• Whether a dog’s vaccination status could affect your cover.
• Taking equipment to grooming shows and competitions.
• The familiar claim that an owner staying to watch invalidates your insurance.
• When new groomers should start thinking about cover.
• What to do if an owner alleges an injury after their dog has left your salon.
• Reviewing your insurance when you add dog walking, sell treats or bring someone into your team.

Whether you groom from home, run a salon or work from a van, this conversation will help you ask better questions about the protection your business has in place.

Listener discount
Use code TDGBA10 for 10% off your next insurance quote with Brooks Braithwaite.
Find out more and request a dog groomers’ insurance quote

Kirsty also shares details of a free policy audit for members of The Dog Grooming Business Academy, designed to help identify potential gaps in their existing cover. Contact Brooks Braithwaite through the website above and mention your Academy membership.

Cover varies between policies. Use this episode as a starting point for questions, then check your own policy wording and speak to your insurer about your circumstances.

Want to dive deeper?

Watch Karen's free Dog Grooming Business Engine training here and discover the framework behind a business that supports your life instead of consuming it.

Want to build a calmer, more profitable dog grooming business?

The Dog Grooming Business Academy helps ambitious groomers master pricing, marketing, branding and customer experience so they can build a business that works for their life - not the other way around.

Enjoying the podcast?

If you're listening while grooming today, Karen would love to see what you're working on! Share a photo or selfie to your Instagram, Facebook or TikTok Stories, tag @thedoggroomingbusinessacademy, and she'll share your post. At the end of each month, one listener will receive a grooming goodie bag full of treats from some of Karen's favourite brands.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following, rating and reviewing the show. It helps more dog groomers discover the business education they never received in grooming school.