If you own a studio or fitness club, or are the primary leaseholder for your facility, you need general liability insurance to protect your business against potential lawsuits.

Note: If you are an independent contractor using space in a facility that you do not own, or if you are not the primary leaseholder for the building, you may need professional liability insurance only.

If your business offers activities such as swimming, racquet sports, tanning beds, steam rooms, or climbing walls, Markel offers property and liability insurance for Health Clubs and Swim/Racquet Clubs.

Why Do You Need General Liability Insurance?

It's hard to imagine that a student would sue you. But imagine this: while helping a student with the swan exercise or perfecting a student's heron pose, she pulls a muscle. Months later, you receive legal papers in the mail claiming that your instruction caused her injury, and that she's been unable to work ever since she took your class. Or someone slips and falls due to excess water near the water fountain or is injured while using your equipment. Any of these scenarios can result in a lawsuit against you.

How Does General Liability Insurance Protect You?

Simply put, general liability insurance protects you from financial loss. Without insurance, if you are found negligent in a suit, you would have to pay for the losses out of your own pocket.