Do Personal Trainers Need Liability Insurance?

So you have qualified on a personal trainer course, congratulations! Before you can start training clients there is something you must invest in and that is liability insurance.

What is liability insurance?

The purpose of liability insurance for personal trainers is for protection from claims of inadequate supervision and instruction and in case of equipment accidents. Your job as a personal trainer can be risky at times and unfortunately accidents do happen. Liability insurance ensures that you are covered when accidents happen, making insurance a safety essential. Liability insurance protects you and your business. If you’re not at fault you could still face high lawyer fees which could have detrimental effects on your business and even your family.

What if the venue has insurance?

If you go to the gym with your clients but are not employed by the gym then you won’t be covered by the gym’s insurance policy. If you are employed by the gym, you may still not be fully covered. The gym will probably provide some form of coverage but you must check the small print before you start training. If you train with your clients outside, at the local park for example, then you will definitely need your own insurance.

What if clients sign a disclaimer?

Liability insurance is still required even if a disclaimer is signed. Disclaimer forms will not protect you in court. It could be argued that at the time of signing the disclaimer form, the equipment didn’t appear to be broken, for example.

How do I get insured?

There a lots of companies that specialise in liability insurance for personal trainers and fitness instructors. Just like car and home insurance, you can receive quotes online. Be sure to do your research before committing to an insurer, check what you will be covered for.

 

In order to get insured you need to be professionally qualified. If you’re not certified already, then visit the Premier Training website. Premier Training has been providing fitness qualifications for more than twenty years.

If you are a personal trainer and would like to share your experiences, please feel free to leave your comments below.