An online insurance quotation platform called Insurance Noodle has been launched enabling US salons and spas to compare insurance offerings and receive bindable quotes within minutes.

Formerly a subsidiary of Willis Group Holdings, a US insurance brokerage company, Insurance Noodle provides insurance agents with online access to insurance products and services through a single-entry, multi-insurer, web-based portal.

The new facility focuses primarily on general liability, professional liability, property and workers’ compensation. Target classes include an assortment of personal appearance and spa-related occupations, such as hairdressers, spa owners, barbers, manicurists, massage therapists and aestheticians.

“Approximately three in every ten salon-industry professionals are self-employed,” said Ralf Blust, president of Insurance Noodle. “An independent insurance agent who can provide the right solutions for these professionals has significant opportunity in this industry, even in their immediate community.”

“The launch of this facility will help agents [of spas and salons] take advantage of a tremendous opportunity,” said Ted Devine, Insurance Noodle CEO. “The personal appearance services industry saw steady growth over the past decade, despite the recession, and that trend is expected to continue.”

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predict that personal care professions will continue to grow in the next eight years.

Here are some of the predicted fastest-growing occupations by percentage of growth:

Skincare specialists: 40 per cent
Massage therapists: 23 per cent
Manicurists/pedicurists: 16 per cent