Sharing your expertise in both one-on-one settings with clients and with groups during classes and workshops can be a huge responsibility. Throughout your career you will give advice to a wide variety of people on correct use of equipment, exercise plans and healthy living, as well as an abundance of encouraging words.
Despite your experience, whilst offering this service there is always the chance that something can go wrong. Every fitness instructor should consider investing in professional indemnity insurance or more specifically personal trainer insurance, amongst other insurance covers, to protect against any potential legal action that could be taken by a client as a result of a mistake or error on your part.
Covering fitness plans and advice
From time to time, clients can be disappointed with the results of your service, even if you’re not necessarily at fault. Professional indemnity insurance covers the legal costs when defending a claim and compensation that may be awarded to your client if you give advice that is seen as negligent or incorrect - which is why it is a fundamental asset for many trainers. The amount of cover you need depends on your individual preference, and although it varies from business-to-business, a good way to determine it is to consider how many clients you work with and the costs that would be incurred in a ‘worst case’ scenario.
Covering client injuries
Another insurance cover that many fitness instructors consider a necessity is public liability insurance. In the course of running classes and training sessions, clients can get injured even when you haven’t given incorrect advice – this could include, for example, if someone injured themselves after tripping over a dumbbell that had been left lying around after a previous session. With an abundance of ‘no-win no-fee’ solicitors around, some will choose to take legal action against you to recover the losses they’ve suffered. It also protects you if damage is caused to third party property, such as a room you hire for a workout class. Public liability insurance can cover the legal fees and compensation payouts involved with these kinds of claims.
Covering equipment
If you provide fitness advice and training from fixed premises, such as a gym or leisure centre, but use your own equipment, you may find business equipment cover useful. This covers portable equipment essential to workouts like sound systems, dumbbells and mats, as well as equipment you might use to manage your business, like laptops and mobile phones. This insurance usually covers use at your work premises, but can also be expanded to provide cover on a worldwide basis.
