5 Mistakes Made When Purchasing Personal Training Insurance

Having the right kind of insurance is an important part of any business, and personal training is no exception. You want to push your clients to the limit, without worrying that you may be at risk should anything unforeseen happen. To make things simpler, we’ve compiled a few common mistakes personal trainers make when dealing with insurance.

1. Assume They Don’t Need Personal Training Insurance

This is the most critical mistake that people make. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most common. Having insurance isn’t just the responsible thing to do, it could save your business and livelihood.

Example: A trainer is working with his or her client. The client does not properly follow the trainer’s instructions, and performs an exercise improperly. As a result, she injures herself. Without insurance, the trainer would have to foot the bill for any defense costs if they decide to sue, rightly or wrongly.

2. Not Purchasing the Proper Type of Personal Training Insurance

Many businesses carry insurance, but aren’t fully aware of the finer points. It is important that you speak with a knowledgeable broker about what options will give you the best coverage. Keep in mind that your business may change over time, and as your business changes, your insurance needs might also change.

3. Not Properly Assessing the Amount of Personal Training Insurance Needed

A trainer can make a mistake by not taking into account who their client is. For example, if their client is an aspiring professional sports player, the damages from a lawsuit that takes their future earnings into account could be incredibly high. It is also possible that their local municipality requires a minimum amount of insurance in order to operate properly within regulations. These are all factors that should be taken into account when determining how much insurance is needed.  Again, a knowledgeable insurance broker can help with this.

4. Not Properly Disclosing Operations

If the trainer is working outside of the scope of their operations, are they properly covered? For example, a personal trainer might set one of their clients up with a meal plan. But if they aren’t a dietitian, this could be a service that lies outside of the scope of their operations, and their insurance policy might not respond to any claims that arise.

5. People Assuming They Don’t Need Their Own Personal Training Insurance Coverage

Just because the gym your employed by has coverage, it does not mean you are necessarily fully covered for everything you do there. For example, if you bring personal clients in for a private session, make sure you’re still covered by the gym’s insurance policy, or you have your own insurance in place. Either way, look at the gym’s insurance policy and learn how much coverage they have. As most professional liability policies are “claims made” policies, make sure you look into how your coverage is affected if you decide to leave that facility and ensure your past work continues to have coverage.

Insurance Has Other Benefits for Personal Trainers

Many people consider personal training insurance to be something of a burden. You do pay for other things for your business however, like tools, marketing and education, and insurance should be no different. Insurance has other benefits for personal trainers:

•   It gives your piece of mind
•   It is a tax write-off as a business expense
•   It adds legitimacy to your business.
•   It can add to your marketing, as clients will know you’re a professional who takes risk and responsibility seriously.

Apply here for your Personal Training Insurance now!

Do you want to be covered to work internationally and/or train clients on line? Do you have a different service you offer for your clients? Contact Sonja directly and she is happy to help and add that to your coverage.

Sonja Aracena
Metrix Account Executive
Direct Line: 604-629-2671
Toll Free: 800-690-7475 ext. 601
Fax: 888-294-9647
1500-1166 Alberni Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6E 3Z3