The Best Personal Trainer Insurance Options for 2024

If you're uncertain about the necessity of personal trainer insurance or if it's the right fit for you, look no further. This comprehensive guide provides you with everything you need to know to make an informed decision. We have carefully curated our top picks for personal trainer insurance, taking into account various pricing options and coverage needs. With our expert recommendations, you can confidently select the ideal insurance solution tailored to your specific requirements. Empower yourself with the knowledge and insights necessary to protect your career and ensure a successful future as a personal trainer.

Best Overall: Next

Cost & Coverage:

• Instant personal trainer insurance quotes and coverage, with affordable prices
• Save up to 25% on various business insurance coverage options
• Web-based and 100% online

Customer Satisfaction & Convenience:

• Average rating of 4.7 from customers
• Insures a broad range of businesses
• "A-" AM Best financial strength rating

Best On-Demand: Hiscox

Cost & Coverage:

• Rapid online quotes and speedy claims process
• Covers hundreds of specialties and professions

Customer Satisfaction & Convenience:

• "A" AM Best Rating
• Established in 1901

Best Short Term Coverage: Thimble

Cost & Coverage:

• Full range of business insurance coverage
• Flexible short- and long-term coverage options by the job, month, or year

Customer Satisfaction & Convenience:

• Represents multiple carriers, including companies with "A" and "A-" ratings from AM Best
• Exceptionally easy quote process
• Modify, pause, and cancel policies instantly

Best for Low Premiums: Coverwallet

Cost & Coverage:

• Free, no commitment business insurance policy quotes
• Top rated carriers to compare pricing

Customer Satisfaction & Convenience:

• Personalized service to guide coverage choice
• Digital policy wallet

Best for Virtual Classes: Tivly

Cost & Coverage:

• Online quote process
• Commercial insurance effective in minutes

Customer Satisfaction & Convenience:

• Multiple insurance partners
• Effortless policy pricing comparison

What Is Personal Trainer Insurance?

Personal trainer insurance is a business insurance package designed for companies and individuals that offer fitness coaching to the public. Policies typically include general and professional liability coverage. Property protection is also available, but you may not need this coverage if you're employed by a fitness center or other business.

Policies are designed for personal trainers who are sole proprietors, independent contractors, business owners, and even employees. Regardless of business structure, all personal trainers are responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of their clients. That responsibility makes them possibly liable for injuries and any loss or damage to personal property that occurs in the course of training. That's why business insurance is critical.

Do I Actually Need Personal Trainer Insurance?

You may need personal trainer liability insurance to earn or maintain a license, certification, or privileges at a public or private gym, health club, or CrossFit facility. This includes:

• Pilates Instructors
• Fitness Instructors
• Dance instructors
• Boxercise instructors
• Boot Camp Instructors
• Amateur Athletes
• Professional Athletes

Indeed, anyone who offers fitness instruction services to the public for a fee, whether at a gym, online, or for private groups, may benefit from personal trainer liability insurance.

Landlords and lenders may also ask you to carry personal trainer liability and property liability insurance. Coverage is strongly recommended because supervised exercise and personal training sessions carry risks. You, as a personal trainer—regardless of your client's fitness level—have a duty to protect them from physical injury and harm while providing services.

Personal trainer liability insurance is a tool that you can use to manage these risks and protect yourself from financial losses that can arise if a client is injured, dies, or files a claim for lost or damaged property.

What does Personal Trainer Insurance cover?

Personal trainer insurance is a type of business owner's policy that typically includes general and professional liability insurance as well as property coverage. General liability protects the trainer from third-party claims, legal costs, and medical expenses if a client or visitor is hurt or injured. In contrast, property insurance protects the trainer's building, provides equipment coverage, or will even pay if a client's belongings are damaged or lost. You can purchase these policies separately although bundles can be customized for your needs.

Gymgoers, CrossFit participants, and personal training clients who participate in exercise assume a certain level of risk. Some gyms and trainers may even require their clients to sign a waiver holding the gym or trainer harmless in case of injuries or losses. Regardless of how any injury or accident occurs, our litigious society means that the trainer can be held responsible, even if it's not their fault.

What type of insurance do you need for a personal training business?

Personal trainer liability insurance, also known as a general liability (GL) policy, is the minimum type of insurance recommended for a solo personal training business. However, property coverage is something that you should consider.

If you own a gym or lease a space where you conduct training, both GL and property insurance will be required by most landlords or possibly by your mortgage or financing company prior to occupancy, build-out, or disbursement of funds. This is because the financial risk of not having insurance could expose you to millions of dollars in claims, including legal fees, medical bills, reimbursement, tort actions, and restitution.

If you're an employer, you may also be required by the state to carry workers' compensation insurance. This will provide benefits as specified in the state workers' compensation law, including medical costs for an employee who suffers a bodily injury or death during the course of business.

Workers' compensation is sometimes paired with employers' liability coverage. Under employers' liability insurance, a trainer would be covered if they are held liable for an employee's bodily injury that doesn't qualify for workers' comp.

Professional Liability Insurance

Personal trainer professional liability insurance is coverage in the event that a trainer makes a mistake that harms a client financially. It can sometimes be known as E&O, or errors and omissions insurance. This covers good faith accidental clerical or other mistakes made in the ordinary course of business that result in a financial loss to another person or entity.

Cyber liability is another example of professional liability insurance. This type of insurance covers personal training businesses from losses related to database breaches, hacks, or thefts of private customer information. This can include banking, identity, health, and fitness information. Coverage can also protect against legal claims related to misrepresentation, damage to reputation, and lost revenue or business.

How Much Does Personal Trainer Insurance Cost?

Personal trainer insurance is affordable. However, monthly premiums will vary based on location, coverage types and limits, business type, deductible, and any endorsements or add-ons. The average policy for a sole trainer starts around $50 per month, but rates could be much higher for training businesses that have a gym location, multiple trainers, and employees.

What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Personal Trainer Insurance Companies

While there are a variety of factors to consider when choosing the best insurance company for your personal training business, the most important thing to consider is the quality of the carrier. Remember, your financial protection is only as good as the company providing that coverage.

AM Best Rating

AM Best is a credit rating agency that measures insurance carriers' ability to pay claims and satisfy their financial obligations. Higher ratings indicate that companies have a strong ability to pay any claims, which can provide a greater degree of protection to policyholders.

Here are some other points to consider when picking your insurance company to protect your personal training business and your personal finances:

Coverage Area

Coverage area is the location or locations where you will conduct your business. Carefully evaluate where you will train and hold fitness classes. Here are some probable training locations:

• Retail space you own or lease
• Your home
• Your clients' homes
• Traveling gym trailer
• Commercial gym
• CrossFit facilities
• Public parks
• Community or senior centers

Depending on where you train and who you work for, you may need property coverage in addition to general liability insurance. If you're employed by a gym or fitness center, the facility may already have this coverage in place. Additionally, if you work in multiple states, verify with your carrier that your coverage applies out of state.

Coverage Amount

Coverage amounts are usually offered at $250,000 intervals up to several million. Always choose more coverage than you think you'll need while maintaining proportionate deductibles and affordable monthly premiums. Coverage is priced in bands, so the more protection you buy, the less you'll pay per thousand. Keep in mind, a single claim against you or your business can balloon to millions in medical bills, legal costs, and damages. This can put your personal finances and professional training business in jeopardy.

Business Type

The legal structure of your business may determine what type of personal trainer insurance you need. Whether you're incorporated or operate as a sole proprietorship, small businesses will typically qualify for a business owner's policy. Businesses that own significant assets, have revenues in the millions, or employ multiple individuals may require commercial property insurance and commercial general liability insurance.

Quote Process

Modern-day insurance carriers offer online quotes, instant coverage, and convenient policy management tools. Choose a carrier with a website where you can review your policy, request certificates of insurance, and modify your coverage 24/7.

Claims Process

Choosing the best company means selecting one that can be reached immediately after a loss and offers excellent customer service. Insurance protection is only as good as the company's ability to support you. This includes fair and fast claims resolution and a pledge to defend you against lawsuits.

Deductible

Before an insurance company will pay a claim, the deductible has to be paid by the insured. Deductibles and premiums determine the total cost of your policy. The lower the deductible, the higher the premium, and vice versa. Ideally, you want to choose a plan that offers an accessible deductible with an affordable monthly premium. Make sure that you have enough cash on hand to cover your deductible if you need to file a claim.

Additional Policies

Each personal training business is unique and has different needs. Endorsements and add-ons required by some businesses may include:

• Business interruption and lost income insurance
• Employment practices coverage
• Employee dishonesty insurance
• Business auto insurance
• Earthquake/flood insurance

How to get personal trainer insurance

1. Determine what type of policies and how much coverage you need

Whether you have a new or established fitness business, carefully evaluate all the risks your personal training enterprise faces. For example, waivers signed by clients do not totally absolve you from legal claims and expenses.

Also, remember that insurance premiums are typically considered a business deduction, so you can maintain proper coverage while potentially reducing your tax liability. While some fitness instructors may only need minimal coverage, umbrella policies are another option. This type of policy can supplement your existing liability insurance while offering protection against claims that may not be covered under other policies or exceed regular coverage limits.

2. Get multiple quotes

Always get at least two quotes from different carriers. When carriers compete for business, consumers win. Answer any application questions truthfully to get the most accurate quote. Omissions or concealment on an insurance application could result in denials, cancellation, or even criminal liability.

3. Compare providers and purchase a policy

If you have colleagues or know other personal trainers, ask them about their experience with their carrier and the cost of coverage. Be sure to compare apples to apples when judging coverage only by monthly premiums.

Personal trainer insurance requirements

Insurance requirements for personal trainers may depend on state rules and requirements established by licensing and certification bodies. Additionally, any landlord, mortgage or finance company, or fitness facility may require trainers to secure appropriate coverage. Each may require a certificate of coverage as evidence, or they may ask to be listed as an additional insured on your general liability or property policy.

Protecting your financial assets and income as well as the health, safety, and property of others will afford you peace of mind to focus on operating and growing your business instead of worrying about what could go wrong.

Best options for personal trainer insurance

Next Insurance

Next is a customer-focused web-based insurance carrier offering instant quotes and coverage. With an outstanding "A-" rating by AM Best, they stand as their own carrier, ensuring reliability and financial strength. If you're seeking insurance coverage for your personal training business or other trades and businesses, obtaining a quote has never been easier. On the company's website, you can discover the convenience of their user-friendly platform and explore the tailored solutions available to meet your specific needs. Get a quote to experience the peace of mind that comes with comprehensive insurance coverage from this versatile provider that's trusted by a wide range of industries.

Other great online options where you can get quotes and compare pricing:

• Tivly
• Insurance 321
• Coverwallet
• Hiscox
• Thimble

Do You Need a Personal Training Certification to Start Your Business?

If you're considering starting a personal training business, it's highly recommended that you obtain a personal training certification beforehand. Securing this certification not only enhances your professional credibility but also equips you with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the fitness industry.

Fortunately, there are numerous reputable certifying bodies that offer convenient and affordable options for obtaining your personal training certification online. Explore these trusted certification programs to kick-start your personal training journey efficiently and effectively.

• International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
• The National Council on Strength & Fitness (NCSF)
• American Council on Exercise (ACE)
• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

Personal training is a profession dedicated to the health and well-being of others. It can be a well-paid occupation and business that doesn't require a significant investment to start. Experience, education, and safe practices can ensure your success as a personal trainer.

Additionally, proper certification and insurance tailored to the fitness industry are great marketing tools to build trust and confidence with current and prospective clients.

Enhanced Business Protection Using Both An Insurance Policy and A Client Waiver

Waivers are a type of voluntary disclosure and release form that businesses use to make clients aware of the risks of participating in personal training or other potentially dangerous activities. Additionally, it includes language stating that the client will not hold the company responsible in the event of an accident, an injury, or property damage or loss.

Whenever a member of the public engages in an activity with inherent risks, including sporting events, the participant assumes some liability. That said, waivers only offer a certain amount of protection. They do not apply in willful, criminal, malicious, or grossly negligent circumstances and will not protect you from the costs of defending a suit filed by a claimant.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Do you really need professional liability insurance as a personal trainer?

Professional liability insurance is affordable coverage that protects you as a trainer if you make an unintentional mistake that results in harm or loss to another. While general liability may be more critical, a package policy that includes professional liability coverage is an affordable way to protect yourself in the event of a claim or accident.

What does personal trainer insurance cover?

Personal trainer insurance covers the cost of a claim up to the specified limit for the type of coverage. Once you pay your deductible, your plan will cover legal costs to defend against the action. It may also pay any requested damages, replacement or repair costs for lost or damaged property, and medical expenses incurred by the injured party.

What's the best liability insurance for trainers?

The best liability insurance for trainers depends on the type of business and your individual needs. Most carriers offer a variety of policies and packages that may include general and professional liability coverage as well as property protection, if needed.

Are virtual classes covered by personal trainer insurance?

Virtual classes are typically covered by professional liability insurance under personal and advertising injury. However, make sure to verify this directly with the carrier or your agent before purchasing.

Which insurers offer a plan for personal trainer students?

Some carriers offer a discount for personal training students while they work toward their personal trainer certification. Next and Hiscox both offer student discounts or reduced rates for lower-limit policies.

What is occurrence form coverage, and do I need it as a personal trainer?

Occurrence form coverage is for incidents that happen during a policy period, regardless of when the claim is reported. For example, this covers a scenario where your personal training client is injured during a workout but doesn't file a claim until months or years after the incident.

This coverage is in contrast to a claims-made policy where the loss and the claim must be reported during the policy period. Both occurrence and claims-made coverage with extensions may be included as a standard benefit or available as an optional endorsement for a fee.

In the insurance industry, the word occurrence can also mean a specified amount of coverage per incident or occurrence. This would be different from the aggregate limit of a policy, which may be limited per year, per incident, or to a total maximum over the lifetime of a policy.

Are there deductibles for personal trainer insurance?

Most personal trainer liability insurance policies have a deductible that must be paid with each claim. In general, the higher the deductible, the lower the premium.

What are some examples of general liability claims for personal trainers?

General liability claims typically fall into four categories:

• Slip and Fall
  • Customer slipping on a wet floor
• Property Damage
  • Broken window caused by an overthrown medicine ball
• Product Liability Coverage
  • Severe illness caused by a drink made in the health club smoothie bar
• Client and customer Injury
  • Broken ankle caused by malfunctioning treadmill.
• Personal and advertising injury
  • Copyright infringement suit for similar branding

What are some examples of professional liability claims for personal trainers?

Professional liability claims usually fall into these three categories:

• Negligence or errors and omissions
  • Sending sensitive physique photos or private health and fitness information to an entire email list or accidentally posting it on social media accidentally or without permission.
• Breaches of contract or failure to uphold contracted services
  • Taking payment for training but never providing those services.
• Serious financial damages due to alleged oversight
  • Not asking if a client has a heart condition resulting in an overly intense workout that results in a heart attack and death.

What types of exercise workouts/training programs are covered?

Types of exercise covered include routine and typical workouts performed in safe conditions or fitness facilities. This would exclude extreme risk-taking, such as jumping from excessive heights or performing unsupervised and dangerous exercises, such as bench pressing heavy weights without a spotter.

Can you access your personal trainer insurance online?

Yes, several carriers offer online quotes and coverage as well as printable certificates of insurance that can be downloaded instantly.

Can you access your personal trainer insurance through an app?

Some carriers and agencies offer mobile phone apps that make accessing your policy convenient and simple.

Who has the cheapest personal trainer insurance policy?

The cheapest personal trainer insurance policy is only as good as the quality of the carrier. Make sure to consider the carrier's rating and coverage rather than just looking at the premium. Remember, just one claim can result in significant losses.

How long does it take for my new liability insurance for personal trainers to kick in?

It depends on the agent and/or carrier. In most cases, business insurance will go into effect within 24 to 48 hours. Some companies allow personal trainers to get a quote and purchase insurance online 24/7. As soon as the application and payment are approved, you may be able to print policy documents and download proof of insurance.