Fitness Insurance: An Instructor's Most Important Piece Of Equipment   by Maddie Wilson

in Insurance    (submitted 2011-05-26)

Fitness insurance is a term describing a package of coverage that protects professionals and business owners in the fitness industry. Fitness instructors give advice, place clients on heavy equipment, instruct them to do challenging maneuvers, and sometimes must place their hands on them for assistance. These are just a few daily activities that put industry professionals at legal risk. The right insurance eliminates this risk. To know whether one needs fitness coverage, he or she must first know who and what it protects.

Who Does Fitness Insurance Protect?

Those who need this type of insurance can generally be divided into two groups: owners of fitness clubs and independent fitness professionals. The second group does not include individuals who are employees of a company. However, it does include independent contractors who are getting paid by a company, an important distinction to note. Policies are tailored to the individual's field of practice and duties performed therein. For instance, someone with a policy as a yoga instructor will not be protected from lawsuits that arise when he or she decides to help someone with personal training.

What Does Fitness Insurance Insure?

The types of insurance that are typically included in an independent's fitness package are general liability, professional liability, personal injury, sexual abuse, and products liability. Owners of businesses get club insurance. These different insurance types all cover different things.

General liability insurance covers lawsuits that arise from ordinary negligence such as slippery or worn floors. Suits arising from these problems are commonly called "slip and fall" claims. These policies include protection against negligence lawsuits from members of the public.

Professional liability insurance is equivalent to professional malpractice insurance. It covers lawsuits brought by clients due to an instructor's negligent performance of duties owed a client. This would cover injury caused by an exercise recommendation, fitness information that was dispensed, or issues with supervision during an exercise session.

Personal injury coverage refers to protection against slander, libel, and invasion of privacy lawsuits. Sexual abuse insurance protects against sexual harassment and abuse claims. Products liability insurance covers claims from injury arising from equipment or products provided.

Fitness club coverage refers to special policies that business owners need. It includes general liability, as well as coverage for club property, monies, employees, equipment, and more. It also includes liability coverage for instructor-employee. Typically a club owner can buy one policy that covers all employees.

There is no doubt that professionals in the fitness industry are at high risk of being sued. It is vital to be protected when accidents happen. Otherwise a business might be ruined before it begins. The only way professionals can focus on the work they love without fear of lawsuits is by getting a comprehensive fitness insurance package.

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