When it comes to choosing insurance for your gym, price is often a major factor. Recently, we’ve heard about some gym owners opting for lower-cost policies with premiums that seem too good to be true—sometimes up to 50% cheaper than others. While saving money initially sounds appealing, it’s critical to understand the potential risks: cheap insurance often comes with limited coverage that could leave your gym vulnerable.
These non-industry-specific policies are often riddled with exclusions that don’t address the unique needs of fitness facilities. Oftentimes, these policies exclude contact sports, such as martial arts, boxing and wrestling. If you offer any contact sports training, you should verify that the below exclusion is not on your policy.
“Exclusion – Designated Operations. Including training for cheerleading,vmartial arts, contact boxing, or wrestling.”
Let’s break down why it’s essential to choose insurance that actually protects your business
The Hidden Costs of Cheap Coverage
- DIY Gym Equipment? Not Covered
Many gym owners build their own equipment like plyo boxes or custom rigs. With some policies, injuries caused by DIY equipment are excluded. If a member gets hurt using this equipment, you could be left to handle the legal and financial consequences alone. - Gymnastics Movements Excluded
Movements like muscle-ups, pull-ups, or other gymnastics-based exercises are often excluded. If someone injures themselves performing these exercises, you could face unexpected liability. - Childcare Areas? Excluded
Many gyms have play areas for children while their parents work out. However, some policies exclude these spaces, meaning any incidents involving kids in these areas may not be covered. - Athletic Participant Exclusion
This is one of the most concerning exclusions. Some policies contain an “Athletic Participant Exclusion,” which can mean injuries sustained during sports, workouts, or athletic contests are not covered. For a fitness facility, this is a major gap in protection.
The Problem with Non-Industry-Specific Policies
Certain insurance providers offer policies that aren’t designed with fitness facilities in mind. These policies may include exclusions for:
- Cold plunges and saunas
- 24/7 gym operations
- Even coverage for bodily injuries sustained during typical gym activities
As a gym owner, you need insurance that accounts for the unique risks of fitness facilities—not a one-size-fits-all policy that leaves gaps in your protection
Why AGuard’s Coverage Stands Out
At AGuard, we focus exclusively on providing industry-specific insurance for fitness professionals. Here’s what makes us different:
- Comprehensive Protection: From gymnastics movements to childcare areas, our policies are designed to cover the real-world risks gym owners face.
- Customizable Solutions: Need adjustments to your coverage? We offer tailored options that ensure your business is fully protected.
- Fitness Industry Expertise: We understand the unique challenges of running a gym, and our team is here to help you navigate them with confidence.
Protect Your Gym, Protect Your Members
Cheap insurance might seem like a good deal, but the hidden risks can be devastating for your business. It’s worth investing in coverage that truly protects your gym and your members.
At AGuard, we’re committed to providing gym owners with insurance solutions that make sense for your business.
Ready to protect your gym with confidence? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help safeguard your fitness facility.
