When Tanning Beds Are in the Claim: How Experts Can Help

While the tanning craze of the 1980s and ’90s has faded, tanning salons aren’t obsolete. According to a market research report from IBISWorld, more than 27,300 U.S. tanning salons remain in operation in 2025, with the industry expected to grow in the next five years. 

Tanning beds, often considered specialty items, still appear in claims, including those involving residential properties. When they do, expert evaluations are crucial. Learn what experts can glean from onsite inspections that can help you resolve these claims more accurately. 

Both residential and commercial policyholders may file claims that include tanning beds, and adjusters and their carriers need to have a plan in place to ensure fair resolutions when they do.

Verifying Cause of Loss in Tanning Bed Claims 

Tanning beds can be damaged by water, fire, and power surges. But they can also fail due to wear and tear, and the difference isn’t always obvious to a policyholder. In some claims, tanning beds may even be working as designed. Identifying the specific peril that caused any damage is crucial, so you don’t risk settling a claim with a non-covered peril.  

Experienced, objective experts can thoroughly examine and test tanning beds through onsite inspections to pinpoint the cause of loss. Since improper maintenance can accelerate wear and tear, these consultants will also often review available repair and maintenance records in conjunction with their work onsite to gain a complete understanding of the equipment’s history. 

Excessively dusty vents, like the one shown here, could indicate a tanning bed has not been properly maintained and may be vulnerable to accelerated wear and tear. 

Confirming Scope of Damage 

While smaller salons may only have a few tanning beds, larger operations can house many more, and it’s not unheard of for policyholders to claim all beds onsite as damaged—even when some may be functioning as designed. To accurately determine the scope of loss, experts can disassemble tanning beds to inspect each component. Less-detailed assessments may fail to identify hidden damage that could compromise functionality over time. 

In one notable example, TechLoss Consulting & Restoration, part of Alpine Intel’s suite of services, was contacted to assess tanning beds that had been “deep cleaned” by a tanning bed repair company following a loss. Despite the cleaning, the insured reported ongoing tanning bed failures and requested full replacements from their carrier.  

Upon inspection, TechLoss found that the cleaning process had been insufficient. The beds had not been fully disassembled, and components were not cleaned with deionized water and appropriate chemicals. Without proper cleaning and drying of each part before reassembly, corrosion had begun to form, threatening the long-term functionality of the machines. 

TechLoss found evidence of corrosion during this inspection, including under the tanning bed’s acrylic.  

This example highlights the importance of involving objective experts early in the specialty equipment claims process. Their expertise can prevent unnecessary back and forth, ensure all damage is properly addressed to avoid future complications, and enhance policyholder satisfaction by saving time and reducing hassle. 

Recommendations for Restoring Tanning Beds to Pre-Loss Condition 

Just as you shouldn’t rely solely on a contractor’s or equipment supplier’s determination about cause or extent of damage, you shouldn’t take their recommendation for repair or replacement at face value. Doing so could result in unnecessary replacement costs because of bias or inaccuracy. 

Instead, your assessment partner should play a key role in this part of the claims process too, offering unbiased recommendations regarding the most appropriate solution for restoring tanning beds to their pre-loss condition. 

For instance, in the claim mentioned earlier, TechLoss recommended electronic restoration as the best course of action, not full replacements. This process may involve reinstating warranties or maintenance contracts, which TechLoss is also equipped to handle. In other claims, repairs can prove just as effective for returning tanning beds to pre-loss condition.  

Any replacement tanning beds that are deemed necessary should be Like Kind and Quality to the originals. An objective expert can verify that any quotes align with market value through comprehensive research, ensuring policyholders receive fair, accurate resolutions. Assessments can even equip you and your carrier with information that may be instrumental in determining whether to investigate subrogation potential. 

Get Timely, Actionable Insights 

With any claim, time is of the essence. But this can prove even more true when commercial policyholders rely on their tanning beds and other critical equipment for revenue. A good assessment partner understands this, and will act quickly to inspect equipment, perform necessary research, and keep you informed throughout. 

TechLoss excels in this area by providing written updates during the project, culminating in a final, unbiased report that empowers customers to make confident claim decisions. Backed by expertise in assessing electrical, mechanical, and electro-mechanical equipment losses impacted by a variety of perils, the TechLoss team delivers swift, actionable claim solutions.  

Submit an assignment to experience the difference an expert assessment can make in your business-critical commercial equipment or high-net worth residential claims. 

Alpine Intel’s content is meant to inform and educate readers using general terms and descriptions. They do not replace expert evaluations that determine facts and details related to each unique claim.