Personal trainer business insurance: What it covers and what it costs

What insurance does a personal trainer need?

There are a variety of insurance policies that cover personal trainers, including:

General liability insurance

General liability insurance covers claims of bodily injury, property damage and advertising injury. This policy will cover a settlement or judgment as well as legal fees and court costs.

Workers’ compensation insurance

Workers’ compensation insurance covers an employee’s medical treatment and partial lost wages if they get sick or injured at work. This policy is required in most states for gyms and personal training businesses that have at least one employee on the payroll.

Commercial property insurance

Commercial property insurance covers damage to owned or rented gym spaces, as well as business equipment and inventory such as weights, towels and machines. Some of the perils that are typically covered include fire, theft, vandalism, wind and hail damage.

Business owner’s policy

A business owner’s policy (BOP) is a bundle that combines general liability insurance and commercial property insurance at a discounted rate.

Professional liability insurance

Professional liability insurance, also called errors and omissions insurance, covers claims of negligence, business errors, misrepresentation and poor business advice. It pays for a settlement or judgment and legal expenses.

How much does personal trainer insurance cost by month and year?

Here’s the average cost of workers’ comp and business owner’s policies for personal trainers based on rate data from Insureon.

What affects the cost of insurance for personal trainers?

The cost of personal trainer insurance depends on a variety of factors, including:

• Location
• Number of employees
• Revenue
• Claims history
• Policy type
• Coverage limits
• Deductibles
• Insurance company

Insurance providers that offer coverage to personal trainers

There are many reputable insurance carriers that sell coverage to personal trainers and fitness instructors. Some of the best commercial insurance providers that serve personal trainers and other fitness professionals include:

• The Hartford offers comprehensive coverage for personal trainers, including general liability insurance, data breach insurance, commercial property insurance, and other policies.
• Insure Fitness Group specializes in policies for trainers and instructors, including personal and general liability, personal and advertising injury, and ID theft protection. It also offers occurrence form coverage, which protects you from incidents that occurred while your insurance was active, even if a claim is filed after the policy has expired.
• K&K Insurance provides coverage to personal trainers who own gym spaces smaller than 3,000 square feet. The company also insures virtual personal trainers. You can apply for coverage online.
• NEXT sells a variety of personal trainer insurance policies, including general liability insurance and commercial property insurance. The company offers customizable coverage limits for each type of policy. NEXT is the recommended insurance provider of the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
• Sadler & Co insures personal trainers and other fitness professionals, like yoga teachers and group fitness instructors. There are several policy types and coverage limits available.

Comparing personal trainer insurance policies: What to look for

There are dozens of insurance companies that sell coverage for fitness instructors. However, not all insurers are created equal. To find the best personal trainer business insurance carrier, it’s important to compare multiple companies. In addition to comparing rates, you should consider these factors as well:

1. Coverage options. Every personal trainer business has different insurance requirements. When comparing companies, look at the coverage options available and choose an insurer that offers the types and amounts of coverage you need based on your potential risks.
2. Third-party ratings. Third-party ratings can help you better understand an insurer’s customer service reputation and overall customer satisfaction. It’s a good idea to check company ratings from reputable industry organizations, like J.D. Power and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
3. Financial strength. Choose an insurance company with an excellent or superior financial strength rating from AM Best. Financially stable insurers can meet policyholder obligations and pay claims. Companies that aren’t financially strong may have a harder time paying claims.
4. Online tools. If you prefer to handle your insurance needs online, look for insurance companies that offer online tools, such as policy management, claims, live chat and risk-management resources.
5. Cost. Before you purchase personal trainer insurance, get personalized rate quotes from at least three different carriers. This will help you find the cheapest premium for the type and amount of coverage you want.

How to choose the right insurance for your personal training business

Use these strategies to get the best insurance coverage for your business:

1. Consider your unique risks. Think about the risks that your business faces based on your industry, services, location and number of employees. Purchase policies that cover the potential risks you face, and choose coverage limits that offer adequate financial protection.
2. Find out what coverages are required. Your fitness business might be required to carry certain types of insurance to satisfy local laws, client requirements or lease agreements. Make sure to get the policies you need and provide certificates of insurance to relevant stakeholders, like your landlord.
3. Read the fine print of your policy. Every commercial insurance policy has different exclusions. It’s important to read the fine print of your policy so you understand what is and isn’t covered. You might need to purchase other policies or add endorsements to fill gaps in your basic coverage.
4. Compare quotes. The cost of personal trainer insurance depends on many factors, and some policy types are more expensive than others. Before you purchase any insurance policy, compare quotes from at least a few different insurance companies to find the best coverage at the most affordable rate.

What our expert says

Q: What’s one of the big benefits of having the right small business insurance?

Brian White Vice President of Product Strategy at specialty insurer AmTrust Financial

"The right insurance policies enable stability and peace of mind, allowing business owners to focus on what they are most passionate about and do best – growing and running their business – without fearing how these unexpected events could impact them financially."