When you become a personal trainer, you take on the responsibility of helping your clients improve both their physical health and safety. This means you must have the proper insurance coverage if something goes wrong.
In 2016, a Stamford jury granted a $14.5 million verdict against a personal trainer after his client suffered a massive stroke due to overexertion on an exercise machine. The right insurance protects you and your career should you be held liable for a similar incident.
But what type of insurance do personal trainers need? Here’s a look at the different types of insurance, why you need them, and how to find the best insurance for your case.
The Different Types of Insurance Personal Trainers Should Consider
According to a 2016 survey, 4,975 injuries were reported by personal trainers – proof that no matter how adept you are in your field, accidents can happen. Investing in insurance is the best way to protect yourself and your career.
Here are the two basic types of insurance personal trainers should consider:
Professional Liability Insurance
Personal trainer liability insurance, also called errors and omissions insurance, protects trainers from negligence, malpractice, errors, and breach of contract claims. This insurance covers legal expenses, settlements, and any lost personal income associated with these claims.
Let’s say you instruct an exercise class, and one of your attendees sustains an injury due to claims that the class was too strenuous or that they weren’t correctly trained. Your insurance will cover the costs of defending yourself and any settlement you may need to pay.
General Liability Insurance
This insurance covers any physical or property damage resulting from your business operations. This includes injury to clients on the premises, third-party medical costs, damage to rented equipment, and any other property damage that may arise from your activities.
For example, if a client slips and falls during a session, general liability insurance covers medical, legal, or settlement costs. Likewise, if you’re demonstrating how to use a piece of equipment and accidentally drop the weight on the client’s phone, the insurance will cover the cost of the phone.
Additional Insurance Options for Personal Trainers
Today’s fitness industry involves more than just one-on-one training sessions. Many personal trainers offer group classes, seminars, and conferences, which means that insurance needs to be tailored to the specific risks associated with each event.
For instance, if you plan on running a fitness seminar at an off-site location, consider investing in general commercial insurance to cover any property damage that may occur during the event.
That being said, here are other insurance options personal trainers may want to consider:
Sports Accident Insurance
If you work with professional athletes, this insurance is a must. It covers medical and legal expenses related to athletes injured during your training session.
Let’s say you’re training a professional tennis player, and they sprain their ankle while performing a new drill you instructed. Sports insurance would cover the medical costs associated with their injury and any legal defense costs should they decide to sue for negligence.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
If you own a personal training business and employ other trainers, workers’ compensation insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages for any employee injured on the job. This includes physical therapists, massage therapists, and nutritionists who work alongside you.
Business Property Insurance
Commercial buildings damaged by fire, storms, or other natural disasters can be a serious financial setback for any personal training business. Business property insurance protects you from any losses that arise from unexpected events such as these.
If you rent a training space, the landlord may require you to secure this insurance.
Commercial Auto Insurance
This type of insurance covers vehicles used for business-related activities. Suppose you drive a car, van, or truck to transport equipment or clients to and from training sessions. Commercial auto insurance protects you from expenses resulting from personal injury, property damage, and even death.
Cybersecurity Insurance
Cybersecurity insurance protects you from malicious attacks if you manage any of your client’s health or financial data electronically. This includes coverage for money lost due to fraud and any legal fees associated with defending your business against a lawsuit.
Note that each type of insurance provides varying levels of coverage and protection. Make sure you read the fine print of any policy before signing on the dotted line.
How Much Does Insurance Cost for Personal Trainers
The cost of insurance for fitness trainers varies depending on the type of coverage you choose and the amount of risk you’re taking on. Generally speaking, personal trainers will pay anywhere from $1,240 to $2,800 annually for general and professional liability insurance.
Workers’ compensation and business property/commercial auto insurance will cost more, as these policies offer significantly higher levels of protection.
The cost of your personal trainer insurance will vary based on a few key factors, including:
- Type of training offered
- Number of Policies
- Employee count
- Business Location
- Professional training experience
- Previous insurance claims
It’s essential that you thoroughly research each type of insurance and the associated costs before making a decision. Working with an experienced insurance agent can help you determine what kind of coverage best suits your needs.
Choosing the Right Insurance for Your Training Business
It is essential to carefully consider the risks associated with your training business and select a policy that will provide adequate protection. Consider these tips when choosing an insurance policy:
1. Research the Different Types of Coverage Available
Understanding the types of insurance available and comparing policies can help you make an informed decision. When selecting a policy, review the limits for each type of coverage. This will help you determine how much protection is included in the policy and whether it meets your needs.
2. Understand the Terms & Conditions of Your Policy
Carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of your insurance policy, including the exclusions and exceptions. This helps you catch any details you may have missed before signing and committing to the policy.
3. Secure multiple quotes
Before you select a policy, compare quotes from different insurance providers. Hiring an insurance broker can be helpful, especially if it’s your first time selecting insurance for your business. As you compare your options, consider:
- The coverage and limits
- The cost of the policy
- The reputation of the insurance company
- Any additional benefits included in the policy
Personal Training Insurance FAQs
Do I need to be insured to practice as a personal trainer?
While the laws may vary by state, in most cases, having some form of insurance is recommended for any professional providing personal training services. For instance, if you’re starting a business in California, you must have Workers’ Compensation Insurance to operate as a private training facility legally.
I’ve been training people for years, so why do I need insurance now?
Insurance protects yourself and your business from potential legal issues that may arise in the event of an accident. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and make sure you are adequately insured.
Who should be included in my insurance policy?
Your training insurance should cover your clients and any employees you hire. This includes massage therapists, nutritionists, yoga instructors, and other staff members. Additionally, consider adding coverage for any subcontractors you work with.
I have a tight budget. Are there any cost-effective insurance options for me?
Yes, there are several affordable insurance policies available, depending on your needs. For example, liability coverage can be purchased for as little as $100 per year. Policies that include additional benefits, such as equipment and professional indemnity insurance, may cost a bit more. Still, you can find a policy that fits your budget with the right provider.
What if I’m uninsured and something happens?
If you operate without insurance and an accident occurs, you may face substantial legal and financial consequences. All expenses related to the incident would be taken out of pocket.
Conclusion
The right personal training insurance is essential to protecting yourself and your business. Understanding the different types of coverage available, selecting a policy that meets your needs and budget, and reading the fine print can help you choose the right insurance for your business. With the proper protection in place, you can have peace of mind that both you and your clients are covered.
Find the Best Personal Trainer Insurance for Your Needs
API Fitness offers complete insurance packages tailored specifically to personal trainers. We provide comprehensive coverage for trainers and other wellness professionals, including yoga instructors, nutritionists, and massage therapists.
We understand the unique needs of personal trainers, which is why we offer policies with no waiting period and low deductibles. Plus, you can get a free, no-obligation quote in minutes. Get started today, and take the hassle out of finding the best personal trainer liability insurance.
