Whether you train 1-on-1 at a gym, lead a group class in the park, run a small studio, or coach clients online, your business is exposed to risks that a single "basic GL policy" doesn't fully cover. Here's the checklist we walk new fitness trainers through.
1. General liability (GL)
The foundation. Covers third-party bodily injury (a client trips over a kettlebell) and property damage (you knock over a gym monitor with a med ball). Most facilities require $1M / $2M as a condition of working there.
2. Professional liability ("trainer's E&O")
GL doesn't cover claims that you gave bad advice — e.g. a client claims your form correction caused a back injury. Professional liability fills that gap.
3. Inland marine / equipment
Your bands, kettlebells, TRX, mats, sound system, sleds — none of that is covered by GL. Inland marine schedules your tools so they're replaced if stolen from your car or damaged on the road.
4. Cyber liability
If you store client health forms, intake PDFs, or take card payments through a portal, a breach could cost five figures even for a sole proprietor. Cyber policies for solo trainers usually run $20–$50/month.
5. Commercial auto (or hired-and-non-owned)
If you drive to clients' homes, your personal auto policy will deny a claim. Either a commercial auto policy or a hired-and-non-owned (HNOA) endorsement on your business policy is required.
6. Workers comp (if you have any helpers)
Even a single 1099 assistant can trigger workers comp obligations in many states. The penalties for going without are steeper than the premium.
7. Mobile training endorsement
Standard GL often excludes locations outside your "declared premises." If you train at parks, beaches, or client homes, you need an endorsement that explicitly schedules those locations or a true mobile-trainer policy.
8. Goat yoga / animal-assisted endorsement (if applicable)
Bringing animals into the workout? Most standard policies exclude animal-related bodily injury. Get the endorsement written explicitly — vague language gets denied.
9. Sexual abuse & molestation (SAM)
Underwriters increasingly require SAM coverage, especially for trainers working with minors. Even if you don't train minors, having SAM coverage protects against allegations.
10. Disability income (for you)
If you can't demonstrate exercises, you can't bill clients. Disability income is the most-forgotten coverage in fitness — and the one we hear "I wish I had this" about most often.
Ready to get coverage? Start a fitness-trainer quote →