Personal Trainer Liability Insurance

When someone is first thinking about becoming a personal trainer they do not usually consider the potential legal matters. Choosing an attorney and obtaining liability insurance are two important items to take care of at the beginning.

In today’s litigious society, certified personal trainers, like other professionals, can be subject to claims of professional negligence. Fortunately, insurance is available that protects the owner of the policy from negligence in his or her duties that results in some form of loss to the client. 2 Types of Insurance Coverage Personal Injury Liability Insurance for Personal Trainers covers legal claims involving libel, slander, or wrongful invasion of privacy. Miscellaneous Personal Trainer Insurance covers against bodily injury claims arising out of delivering or failing to deliver services.

When and Where Does Coverage Apply?

Because personal trainers work in a variety of settings, it is important to first determine both where and how services are rendered. Personal fitness training can occur at a private residence, a health maintenance facility or even remotely by means of video tutorials. For example, if you train outside or travel to a client's home, you exert no control over the environment and might not need as much liability insurance as someone who trains in his or her own gym. If clients use your equipment in either case, however, you could still be held responsible for losses due to ordinary negligence related to that equipment.

Personal trainers who work in health clubs may or may not be covered by the gym's personal training liability insurance policy.

Some health club employees are included in their employers' general insurance policies, which cover accidents involving maintenance crews, salespeople and personal fitness trainers who are employees of the club. If you work as an independent contractor, however, you may not be covered. That's why it is important to determine if this applies at the facility where your work.

Do not presume that you are protected by a general insurance policy in the same way as an actual employee of the club. If you pay rent to a gym where you train, you also likely need personal training liability insurance. So, even if you work at a gym, it may worthwhile to look into carrying your own personal trainer liability insurance. The good news is that no matter where you train, there are policies available that address the situation.

Discounted Rates for NFPT Affiliates

As part of a complementary IDEA Health & Fitness Association e-Membership, NFPT affiliates are entitled to discounted rates on professional liability insurance tailored to the needs of the personal trainer, athletic trainer and sports conditioning professional. IDEA and Fitness and Wellness Insurance have been partnered for over 20 years, providing strong policies tailored to the needs of personal trainers. Fitness and Wellness Insurance is one of the world’s largest insurance underwriters and is a member of the A+ rated Philadelphia Insurance Companies. IDEA members also benefit from stable and competitive liability insurance rates that a low loss ratio and the clout of IDEA’s 5,000+ member studios and clubs help make possible. Basic personal trainer coverage provides for up to $1 million of coverage per incident, or a $3 million aggregate limit. Sexual abuse personal trainer insurance also carries the $1 million per incident/$3 million aggregate limit, and products liability insurance for personal trainers carries $1 million aggregate limit, with other amounts available. In many cases, that equates to personal trainer insurance for less than 50 cents per day. And you can increase your personal trainer insurance limits of liability at very reasonable rates.

In addition to professional liability insurance for personal trainers, as a member of the IDEA Health & Fitness Association, NFPT affiliates have access to discount rates on insurance for other related fields such as yoga, group fitness, and Pilates as well as policies for health maintenance facilities. Building and personal property/home liability insurance can be purchased in most states and provinces. If you are renting a facility, both you and the property owner can be covered. Coverage can also include: baby-sitting negligence claims; all employees, regardless of where they teach; and independent contractors. Protect all you have worked to build with comprehensive personal trainer insurance programs designed to fit your needs!

[link] Learn more about NFPT Personal Trainer Certifications

[link] Read: How To Become A Personal Trainer

[link] Learn more about Personal Trainer Software