Burbank, CA (PRWEB) July 16, 2013
USA Business is announcing that General Liability Insurance as well as broad coverage insurance plans are now being written for all participants in the Fitness Center Industry. At one time it was believed that these policies were only available to actual full-service gyms and health clubs. Now affordable policies are being written for single providers who offer their professional services at a home studio. This could be a personal trainer, a yoga instructor, Pilates coach, in-home massage therapist and other professionals.
General Liability Insurance can be written for these individuals as well as the brick and mortar businesses. Plans protect the business owner or service provider against claims, by clients who state they were injured while working on the owners machines or slipped and fell in a wet area. Even if the owner being sued is found not responsible for the injury, general liability insurance will cover the legal fees. Some municipalities require minimum limits on bodily injury coverage prior to issuing a business license or certification of occupancy. Owners should keep abreast of these ever-changing limits.
Gym equipment is expensive whether it is present in a home office environment or in a full service health club. Water pipes breaking, a storm causing a ceiling to collapse or any damaging circumstances can render equipment useless. Along with property damage coverage the smaller gym or individual provider may want to include loss of income provisions.
An important area that service providers avoid even though it is a growing concern is Abuse and Molestation Insurance Coverage. In todays environment companies of all classes are very sensitive to this issue and have Human Resource manuals which cover appropriate behavior. Although strict guidelines are enacted to prevent inappropriate behavior on premise, it is important to recognize that rules are capable of being violated by employees and clients alike. Either way a lawsuit can not only hurt the establishments reputation but can be extravagant in legal fees. These cases take highly specialized legal talent as well as expert witnesses. Having this coverage under a fitness center insurance policy will protect the owner or service provider from having to cover legal fees and any settlements out of pocket.
Most states allow suits to be filed against club owners and supervisors of a person who is accused of molestation alleging that there were not proper background checks, on-site security or adequate supervision of the accused. Establishments that offer massages, manicure and pedicures, body waxing and/or personal training are especially vulnerable. What is surprising to many is that humiliation, embarrassment and perceived threats allegedly suffered by a client can fall under Abuse and Molestation Insurance Coverage.
To learn how bundling an insurance policy may be the right decision for a gym, health club or private service provider, go to http://www.businessinsuranceusa.com/fitness-center-gym-commercial-insurance.
About USA Business Insurance: USA Business Insurance writes general liability insurance for every class of business and is educated on specific state requirements. Underwriters examine types of common liability and make sound suggestions based on years of research.