Why do Personal Trainers need Insurance?
Introduction
Amidst the exciting career of personal training; an exciting job which involves helping others achieve their goals, in a positive work environment, partaking in an activity you more than likely enjoy, it is easy to forget about the less exciting but just as important aspect that every PT must consider; insurance.
The Necessity of Insurance
Whilst it may not invoke excitement, insurance is a fundamental and absolutely necessary part of the profession. Operating as a personal trainer without insurance is a gamble that puts both the PT and their clients at significant risk. Working without insurance means lacking protection if a client were to make a liability claim against you.
What is a Liability Claim?
A liability claim is made when a client or class participant is injured during a training session supervised by you, and they decide to seek compensation. These claims can quickly become financially burdensome for the personal trainer, especially if you don’t have the right insurance in place.
The right PT insurance policy ensures that the financial responsibility for such liability claims fall to the insurance company, sparing the personal trainer from expenses.
Potential Risks in Personal Training
Exercise involves inherent risks that are always prevalent, even if you have not experienced them before. Equipment can malfunction, your client may trip in the gym, or they may just experience an accident whilst lifting, running, jumping or walking around. Moreover, advice given as part of your personal training can lead to unforeseen issues, further emphasising the need for insurance coverage. Be sure to check out our article on the legal limitations for personal trainers whilst you’re here.
Key Considerations whilst choosing Insurance Policies
When selecting an insurance policy, personal trainers should always read the fine print carefully, focusing on liability coverage limits, specific exclusions, and the required excess. It’s also vitally important to ensure that your qualifications align with your insurance policy. Having a mismatch between your policy’s qualification requirements and your actual qualifications may lead to potential claims not being paid out.
What PT Qualifications do you need for Insurance?
To be eligible for insurance, personal trainers should always possess at least a Level 2/3 qualification in their area of instruction. Completion of the PFCA Level 3 Personal Trainer Course guarantees access to Personal Trainer Insurance policies. The course is CIMSPA approved, and the PFCA is a CIMSPA accredited, meaning that you can guarantee you’re getting the best possible teaching.
Minimising Risks
Beyond insurance, trainers should always take proactive steps to minimise liability risks, such as ensuring that clients are aware of risks, and are taught about general gym environment and equipment safety. Practices such as this, paired with the right insurance, help to create a more safe and secure environment for both trainers and their clients.
Conclusion
The importance of insurance in personal training cannot be overstated. It provides a vital legal and financial safety net, ensuring that trainers can focus on their coaching with peace of mind. If you’re a personal trainer and you’re looking to get more clients, then be sure to check out our blog article on how to get more personal training clients. You should also check out our personal training business course, GROW, for more guidance.
If you have any general questions about personal training, then be sure to check out our Personal Training FAQs.
