Gym insurance can be a single policy or a combination of policies that protect businesses from customer injuries, subsequent lawsuits, or damage to equipment. General liability costs can range from $500 to $2,000 annually for small to midsize gyms.
The four most common coverage types are general liability, commercial property, business owner’s policy (BOP), and professional liability. Since a gym or health club may require many different policies, seeking help from an insurance professional to determine the best makes sense. Being properly insured is important due to the risks associated with workout equipment combined with high physical activity levels.
Next Insurance, my top recommended insurer, is a great provider of gym, personal trainer, and fitness instructor insurance. Its quote system is simple and intuitive and provides custom coverage for your specific business needs. Get a free quote in minutes.
Gym insurance cost factors
Multiple factors affect gym insurance costs, and these include
- Your gym’s square footage
- Your gym’s location
- Your business’s value
- The services and classes you offer
- The number of employees you have
- Whether you hire minors or let minors work out
Factors like equipment usage, physical activity levels, and potential customer injuries contribute to increased premiums, so when applying for insurance, be prepared to answer questions about all those things. Other questions may include your hours of operation and if you offer massage therapy.
Also, keep in mind that many insurers have either excluded the following activities from coverage or will charge significantly more for them due to the high liability risk:
- Training minors
- Giving nutrition or diet advice
- Hosting fitness competitions
- Selling private-label supplements
- Teaching martial arts
Gym insurance costs and deductibles by policy type
Policy | Annual Premium Cost | Deductible |
|---|---|---|
General Liability | $500 to $2,000 | $500 to $5,000 |
Commercial Property | $500 to $2,000 | $500 to $10,000 |
BOP | $1,200 to $9,500 | $1,000 to $5,000 |
Professional Liability | $300 to $1,000 | $1,000 to $5,000 |
Workers' compensation | $500 to $2,500 |
Note that the cost of workers’ compensation insurance is calculated using a formula that includes your business’ industry, claims history, and number of employees. The price can vary significantly even within the same industry.
Risk management strategies to reduce gym insurance costs
Gym owners can significantly lower their insurance premiums by implementing proactive risk management techniques that demonstrate to insurers their commitment to safety and loss prevention. Here are a few preventive measures to consider.
Gym insurance coverage types
Coverage | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
BOP | Is a comprehensive insurance package that combines general liability and property insurance into a single policy, designed to protect small and midsize businesses from various financial risks |
|
General Liability | Provides protection against third-party bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury claims that could occur on your business premises or as a result of your business operations |
|
Professional Liability | Covers financial losses resulting from claims of professional negligence and errors or omissions in the services or advice provided by fitness professionals |
|
Inland Marine | Protects movable business property and equipment while in transit or stored at off-site locations, ensuring coverage for valuable fitness equipment beyond traditional property insurance |
|
Workers’ Compensation | Is mandatory insurance that provides medical benefits and wage replacement to employees who get injured or become ill as a direct result of their job duties |
|
A BOP is a strategic insurance solution that bundles multiple coverage types into a single, cost-effective package specifically designed for small to midsize companies. It typically combines general liability and property insurance, protecting business owners from a wide range of potential financial risks, including property damage, business interruption, and third-party injuries that could occur on the premises.
It is particularly valuable for fitness businesses because it offers comprehensive protection at a lower cost than purchasing each type of coverage separately. This makes it an efficient risk management tool for gym owners with limited budgets.
General liability insurance serves as a critical financial safeguard for fitness businesses, protecting against third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury that may occur during business operations.
For gyms, this coverage becomes essential in scenarios like a member slipping on a wet floor, equipment causing accidental damage, or injuries sustained during fitness classes that could result in potentially devastating legal claims. It not only helps pay for medical expenses and legal fees, but it also provides peace of mind for gym owners, ensuring they can continue operating even if faced with significant liability claims.
Professional liability insurance, often called errors and omissions insurance, protects fitness professionals against claims arising from professional advice or services that allegedly cause financial harm or injury to clients. It is particularly crucial for personal trainers, fitness instructors, and nutrition coaches who provide specialized guidance that could potentially be challenged as negligent or inappropriate.
Unlike general liability, professional liability specifically covers claims related to professional recommendations, treatment plans, and expert advice. It ensures that fitness professionals are protected from potentially career-ending legal challenges stemming from their professional practices.
For a virtual instructor, professional liability is the most important coverage to consider. Even when teaching online classes, you could be held liable if your instruction for a specific exercise is incorrect and ends up injuring a client.
If you do mobile instruction, say at a park, or rent a facility but own the equipment, then you’ll want inland marine insurance to cover your tools and equipment. For fitness businesses with expensive mobile equipment like portable weights, training systems, or specialized fitness gear that might be transported between locations or used in multiple settings, this coverage provides crucial financial protection against loss, theft, or damage.
The policy bridges gaps left by traditional property insurance. It ensures that valuable fitness equipment remains covered regardless of its location or method of transportation.
In nearly every state, workers’ compensation insurance is a required coverage. If an employee becomes injured or ill from their job, it helps with medical costs and wage replacement and, in some states, also protects the employer from liability.
Any type of gym that has at least one employee should check state guidelines to determine if this coverage is required. Beyond legal compliance, workers’ compensation serves as a critical safety net that helps maintain positive employee relations and demonstrates a commitment to worker well-being.
Importance of insurance for a gym
Insurance is a critical safeguard for gym owners, providing essential financial protection against potential catastrophic losses that could otherwise bankrupt businesses. By covering risks ranging from member injuries and equipment damage to professional liability claims and potential lawsuits, insurance ensures that a single unexpected incident doesn’t destroy years of hard work and financial investment.
Moreover, comprehensive insurance — often a legal requirement for operating a fitness facility — not only protects the business’s financial assets but also builds credibility with members and demonstrates professional responsibility.
Typical risks faced by gym owners
The fitness industry presents numerous potential risks that can threaten a gym’s financial stability and operational continuity.
Common risks confronting gym owners | |
|---|---|
Member injury | Is potential bodily harm from equipment usage, fitness classes, or facility conditions that could result in costly medical claims and legal action |
Equipment failure | Is the mechanical breakdown or malfunction of expensive fitness equipment that can lead to member injuries, significant repair or replacement costs, and potential liability issues |
Property damage | Includes facility damage from natural disasters, accidents, vandalism, or theft, which can interrupt business operations and require substantial financial investment to repair or replace |
Employee-related | Includes potential worker injuries, harassment claims, discrimination allegations, or workplace accidents that could result in workers' compensation claims or expensive litigation |
Professional negligence | Is a legal challenge arising from improper fitness advice, incorrect training techniques, or inadequate supervision that may cause physical harm to members |
Cyber liability | Is a data breach involving member personal information or payment details that can lead to significant financial penalties and reputational damage |
Product liability | Is a risk associated with selling supplements, branded merchandise, or fitness products that might cause harm or be deemed defective, potentially triggering expensive product recall or legal claims |
Business interruption | Includes unexpected events like pandemics, natural disasters, or major equipment failures that can completely halt gym operations, leading to potential permanent business closure without proper financial protection |
Examples of common losses faced by gyms
Gym insurance can help your business navigate a multitude of extremely common losses.
- A participant slips and falls on the hard floor, breaking a bone, during a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) class. This type of loss would fall under general liability insurance.
- Your gym offers early-morning yoga classes. The instructor is moving quickly between positions, and one of the new attendees is unfamiliar with the forms and pulls a muscle due to poor instruction. This type of loss is why professional liability insurance is important.
- One of your trainers is acting as a spotter for a member using a particularly heavy set of weights. The weightlifter’s grip slips. Thankfully, your employee catches the weight but, in the process, tears a muscle in their back. Workers’ compensation insurance will help cover medical expenses related to your trainer’s work-related injury.
- You come in early Monday morning to open the gym and discover that someone broke the front window and stole quite a bit of expensive equipment. Fortunately, you purchased a BOP for your business and have coverage for the damage to the building and the contents of your business.
How to choose the right insurance company for your gym
✅ Seek professional guidance. Consult an insurance broker or carrier specializing in fitness business insurance. These professionals can provide expert advice, help you navigate complex policy details, and potentially negotiate better rates or more comprehensive coverage based on their industry relationships and insights.
✅ Compare multiple quotes and coverage options. Request detailed proposals from at least three different insurers, carefully comparing business insurance quotes for not just the price but also the specific coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions, and additional services. Look beyond the cost and evaluate the overall value, including risk management resources, claims support, and flexibility of the policy.
✅ Verify the insurer’s financial stability and reputation. Research the financial strength and customer service ratings of potential insurance companies using independent rating agencies like AM Best. Check online reviews, ask for references from other gym owners, and investigate the provider’s claims process, response time, and reputation for supporting businesses during significant claims.
✅ Ensure comprehensive and flexible coverage. Select a provider that offers a comprehensive BOP that can be customized to your specific gym’s needs. Look for policies that can easily add riders or endorsements for additional activities like nutrition counseling, personal training, or specialized fitness classes without requiring a completely new policy.
✅ Choose an insurance company with specific experience in gym and fitness. Providers offer specialized policies that address the unique risks facing fitness centers. This means they’re more likely to provide comprehensive and tailored coverage that addresses the specific challenges of your gym.
Best gym insurance companies
- Next Insurance: Best for gym owners
- Simply Business: Best for comparing quotes from top carriers
- The Hartford: Best for established fitness centers and instructors
- Hiscox: Best for personal trainers and small gyms
- Thimble: Best for fitness professionals needing seasonal or on-demand coverage
- K&K Insurance Corporation: Best for 24-hour clubs
- THREE: Best for boutique fitness studios offering specialized group classes
Quote Process | Accessibility | Financial Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Online | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT | ✓ | A- (Excellent) |
 | Online | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET | ✓ | |
 | Online | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET | ✓ | A- (Excellent) |
 | Online | Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET | ✓ | A (Excellent) |
 | Online | Online support by chat or email Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET | ✓ | A+ (Superior) |
 | Create an account to begin the process or call an agent | Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET | ✓ | A (Excellent) |
 | Online or by phone | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET | Available on request | A++ (Superior) |
Next Insurance: Best for gym owners
What We Like
What's Missing
Next Insurance, in partnership with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), is best for gym owners, especially those with standard operating hours, because it provides high liability and property limits. It can offer all of the different types of insurance you may need: general and professional liability, workers’ compensation, and commercial property.
It also offers savings of up to 10% when you bundle multiple coverages. Despite being less than a decade old, Next Insurance’s AM Best rating is an A- (excellent).
Next Insurance offers a streamlined online quote process through its website or mobile app. Using AI-driven technology, it provides customized gym insurance quotes in minutes after answering a series of business-specific questions about your fitness facility.
The policies can be written for general liability, professional liability, commercial property, and workers’ compensation. It primarily serves small and midsize gyms; however, it can accommodate larger facilities on a case-by-case basis.
It also offers tool and equipment protection, hired and non-owned auto insurance, enhanced coverage for specialized fitness activities, and customizable endorsements to address specific risks like nutritional counseling or competition hosting.
I reached out to Next Insurance and was able to get a generic quote for general liability for a fitness center in Georgia with three employees and less than 5,000 square feet. The quote I received was for aggregate limit ranges from $1,500,000 to $4,000,000 and occurrence limit ranges from $500,000 to $2,000,000. The monthly range started at $30 to $100 and went up from there depending on additional coverage needed.
You can obtain a quote and purchase a policy online. If you want to speak with someone directly, Next Insurance is only available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT.
However, unlike the other insurers on this list, it offers an app exclusively for commercial services. The app functions like a 24/7 call center, allowing you to manage your policy, file a claim, or get an instant certificate of liability insurance (COI).
Next Insurance boasts a strong customer satisfaction rating on Trustpilot, earning an impressive 4.7 out of 5 from over 1,100 reviews.
Simply Business: Best for comparing quotes from top carriers
What We Like
What's Missing
Digital insurance brokerage Simply Business specializes in providing online insurance options from over 100 of the best carriers without the need to speak to anyone. The broker’s emphasis is on smaller businesses.
After entering key information about your business, Simply Business will provide multiple quotes with information on the coverage and provider, giving you the freedom to pick the right one. You can also purchase coverage and then manage your policy online after becoming a customer.
Simply Business works with top-rated carriers. For the quotes I received, the carriers were NASW, with an AM Best rating of A- (Excellent) and Hiscox, which AM Best rated an A (Excellent). Also, Simply Business is owned by Travelers, and Travelers’ AM Best rating is A++ (Superior).
Simply Business operates as a specialized insurance broker for fitness businesses, providing an online comparison platform where you can enter your business details just once and receive multiple quotes from various top-rated insurance carriers, allowing for easy side-by-side comparison of coverage options and pricing.
The broker lets you tailor the coverage so that after the quotes are generated, you can interact with the coverage and change the limits. Then, it will update the quotes in real time. You can purchase the policy online or call to speak more about the coverage.
I was able to get a generic general liability quote from Simply Business for a personal trainer. The coverage limits ran from $100,000 to $2 million depending on the plan, with premiums starting at $21 monthly.
After purchasing a policy, you can manage it and initiate the claims process through your online account, which you have access to 24/7. You can also request a COI. If you prefer speaking with someone directly, Simply Business is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
Customers are happy with their experience using Simply Business. The brokerage has more than 1,370 reviews on the independent review site Trustpilot, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
The Hartford: Best for established fitness centers and fitness instructors
What We Like
What's Missing
For established fitness centers and fitness instructors working as independent contractors, The Hartford is the best provider. It offers a professional liability policy specifically for fitness professionals, which helps you if, for example, you instruct someone how to lift incorrectly and they are injured.
An established carrier with over 200 years of experience, The Hartford’s AM Best rating is A+ (Superior).
The Hartford provides robust insurance solutions for businesses of all sizes, be it an independent contractor or a brick-and-mortar fitness center owner. It offers general liability, property insurance, business income coverage, professional liability, workers’ compensation, and a BOP — as well as specialized packages for gyms generating revenues from $100,000 to well over $10 million annually.
I was able to get a generic quote for general liability from The Hartford for a fitness center located in Georgia with three employees. The occurrence limit quote was for $1,000,000 with a $2,000,000 limit aggregate. The monthly premium was $41.83.
The Hartford is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET for claims or policy services. It works with independent agents who can give you advice on your coverage, and you can manage your policy online.
It is evident that its customers are happy with their experience since it has a lower-than-expected number of complaints filed with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
Hiscox: Best for personal trainers and small gyms
What We Like
What's Missing
Hiscox excels at serving personal training businesses and specialized fitness centers like Pilates or yoga studios. Its policies are particularly valuable for professionals seeking flexible coverage options with strong professional liability protection, customizable BOPs, and risk management resources designed specifically for the fitness sector.
It distinguishes itself through its deep understanding of fitness industry challenges, offering specialized coverage for equipment damage, professional advice liability, fitness-related injuries, and other sector-specific risks that generic business insurance might overlook. Its definition of personal injury is expanded to include personal and advertising injury coverage, a bonus for professional liability since that is usually a general liability coverage.
Hiscox has its roots in a brokerage that goes back nearly 100 years. AM Best rated Hiscox an A (Excellent).
Hiscox provides a streamlined quote process through its specialized fitness business online portal, direct phone consultation with industry-specific underwriters, or extensive network of independent agents who understand the unique risks facing gym owners.
Comprehensive coverage options include general liability protection, professional liability insurance, BOPs with specialized gym endorsements, and commercial property coverage designed to address the unique equipment and facility risks associated with the fitness industry.
I was able to get a quote from Hiscox for a fitness center occupying less than 5,000 square feet in Georgia. The occurrence limit was quoted at $1,000,000 with an aggregate limit of $2,000,000. The premium showed $42.73 monthly for general liability.
If you need to speak with someone, you can email or call Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. While Hiscox does not have a 24/7 call center, its web page functions like one. You can access and manage your policy, request a COI, and file a claim online.
It offers flexible payment options without any fees for monthly payments. Its coverage isn’t limited to the US and its territories but is valid worldwide, making it ideal for a virtual trainer too.
Hiscox places customer satisfaction as a top priority. The Better Business Bureau gave it an A+ rating.
Thimble: Best for fitness professionals needing seasonal or on-demand coverage
What We Like
What's Missing
Thimble Insurance offers highly flexible, on-demand coverage specifically designed for fitness professionals and smaller gym operations with changing or temporary insurance needs. Its innovative approach allows you to purchase insurance by the hour, day, week, or month, making it ideal for pop-up classes, special events, or seasonal fitness operations.
The carrier’s digital-first platform provides quick quotes and instant coverage through a user-friendly mobile app, letting you secure liability protection in minutes rather than days or weeks. Its specialized policies include general liability coverage, professional liability options, and equipment protection that can be adjusted as business needs change, providing peace of mind without the commitment of traditional annual insurance contracts.
Thimble is under the parent company Arch Insurance, and Arch Insurance’s AM Best rating is an A+ (superior).
Thimble offers an expedited quote process through its intuitive mobile app or website, allowing you to secure coverage in minutes by answering a few simple questions about their business operations and coverage needs.
It provides flexible general liability and professional liability coverage options for fitness businesses with no strict revenue thresholds, specializing in short-term policies that can be purchased by the hour, day, week, or month to accommodate varying business needs. There are also several add-on coverage options available, including equipment protection, additional insured endorsements, and higher liability limits that are perfect for independent gyms.
I was not able to get a generic quote from Thimble for just general liability. The system gave me a quote for BOP which included general liability, business personal property coverage and the silver policy package with a $1,000,000 occurrence limit. The quote was $417.67 monthly for everything combined.
Thimble is available to assist Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. It also allows you to get a quote in seconds and get coverage in minutes, according to its website.
Since it is an online-based managing general agent (MGA), it does in-house underwriting with quick turnaround times, providing coverage to over 300 different types of businesses in 50 states. It offers flexible insurance terms and flexible payment options since you may only need coverage for a short time.
Thimble has an excellent customer satisfaction rating with 4.45 out of 5 from over 2,000 reviews on Trustpilot.
K&K Insurance Corporation: Best for 24-hour clubs
What We Like
What's Missing
K&K Insurance provides industry-leading coverage solutions specifically designed for fitness facilities. Its risk management resources help 24-hour gym operators implement proper safety measures like surveillance systems, emergency communication devices, and access controls that can mitigate risks and potentially reduce premium costs.
With decades of sports and recreation insurance experience, it offers tailored programs that include general liability, property protection, and professional coverage specifically structured to protect gym owners operating round-the-clock facilities.
K&K Insurance is owned by Aon, and AM Best rated Aon A (Excellent).
To obtain a quote, you will need to call K&K, reach out to an independent agent, or create an online account and request one.
K&K offers a general liability policy with add-ons such as inland marine for your equipment. Its policy is open to health clubs, fitness centers, gyms, and CrossFit facilities collecting less than $2 million in yearly revenue.
Those limitations aside, the policy does provide many relevant coverages for gym owners, such as saunas, massages, gyms with childcare, and noncontact martial arts. There are options for maintaining your policy and filing a claim online. You can also work with an agent.
I was able to speak with a K&K representative for a generic quote for a fitness center located in Georgia. General liability for a 5,000 square foot facility starts around $1,100 annually, which is around $91 monthly. This was for $1,000,000 of coverage.
You can reach the carrier Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. Its products are available in all 50 states.
Customer satisfaction seems top priority for K&K Insurance. The Better Business Bureau shows an A+ rating.
THREE: Best for boutique fitness studios offering specialized group classes
What We Like
What's Missing
THREE specializes in providing comprehensive, all-in-one business insurance tailored for small gyms, including boutique fitness centers. This makes it ideal for specialized training — such as yoga, Pilates, or HIIT classes — where both instructor liability and business property protection are essential.
With its streamlined application process and instant online quotes, THREE provides comprehensive packages, including general liability, professional liability, commercial property, and equipment protection specifically for fitness operations.
THREE is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, and Berkshire Hathaway’s AM Best rating is A++ (Superior).
THREE has a streamlined digital quote process through its website and mobile app. It requires just basic business information and coverage preferences to generate an instant quote tailored to your gym’s specific needs.
Its policies are made for small to midsize independent gyms and boutique fitness studios with revenues under $5 million, offering flexible coverage limits, specialized fitness endorsements, and competitive rates without sacrificing necessary protections. This allows owners to manage their entire insurance experience online.
Policy add-ons to extend coverage past the normal limits are available. This includes equipment breakdown protection, business interruption insurance, cyber liability coverage, and enhanced injury protection specifically designed for fitness-related accidents and claims. This gives gym owners peace of mind knowing all their bases are covered.
I was unable to get a general liability quote from the carrier. The quotes issued are all customized based on different factors, such as gym location, owner information, and the exact classes and services offered. It’s advisable to contact THREE directly for a personalized quote tailored to your fitness center’s specific needs.
Its 24/7 digital customer service tools, combined with dedicated insurance specialists available by phone during business hours, offer you the convenience of managing all aspects of your policy online while still having access to expert guidance when facing complex insurance questions or during the claims process.
On its website, THREE consistently receives positive customer reviews. Clients highlight its responsive claims process, user-friendly digital platform, and specialized support that understands the unique challenges faced by gym owners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Gym insurance is a policy or combination of policies purchased to protect a gym from the financial loss of claims. Each gym will have its own unique needs based on the classes and services offered. For a gym club owner, the best policy is a BOP, closely followed by workers’ compensation for employees. Personal trainers or fitness instructors will want to consider professional liability.
General liability for a gym can range from $500 to $2,000 annually. However, since gyms occupy a potentially risky space — especially ones that are open 24/7, employ dieticians, or host fitness competitions — the risks, coupled with the expensive property and equipment, can lead to a premium being over $10,000 annually.
No. While a business liability waiver can help protect your business from lawsuits, it isn’t a magic shield that covers every scenario. It must be in compliance with state laws and regulations, and depending on the activity or loss, it doesn’t mean the injured party cannot still pursue litigation against your business
You can get gym insurance by contacting an agent or insurance company directly to get a quote and purchase a policy. You can also go with a broker that works with multiple carriers. The advantage of working with a broker is that they can give you options from different providers, letting you compare coverage and pricing.
Bottom line
It’s easy to sweat the small stuff, but with the right policy, you won’t need to worry about your business. Whether you own a 24/7 fitness club or work as a personal trainer, gym insurance is a key part of a successful business. It protects you against claims of negligence and provides coverage for your equipment and building.
