6 Actual Insurance Claims Every Fitness Instructor Should Be Aware Of

Disclaimer: These examples below are intended for educational and illustrative purposes only. Coverage limits, claim approvals, and payouts may vary based on the specifics of each situation and the policyholder’s individual coverage. Always review your policy terms, conditions, and limits to understand your specific protections.

Think it will never happen to you? These real insurance claims say otherwise.

If you work as a fitness instructor, you face real risks every day—risks that can lead to unexpected accidents and costly claims. Here are actual claims that insurance providers and industry professionals reported. We’ve adjusted some details to protect privacy, but each story reflects a situation that really happened.

Real-Life Insurance Claims: Stories & Lessons

If you’re a fitness instructor or training to become one, it’s important to keep in mind that accidents during your training sessions can lead to unexpected and costly claims.

Here are a few real-life examples of situations that turn into expensive claims. Each focuses on a specific risk and shows how having the right coverage can help when things go wrong. It’s a good reminder of what can happen in your day-to-day work and why being properly covered matters.

1. Wrongful Lawsuit Defense

A fitness instructor once faced a lawsuit for something that happened during a session, even though it wasn’t their fault. Although they were eventually cleared, they still had to deal with a lawsuit and pay legal fees. The legal process cost $61,045. Professional liability insurance took care of those expenses, saving them from a serious financial hit.

2. Accidental Property Damage

During a training session, a client’s exercise band broke and accidentally shattered a glass door. The repair cost was $3,000. Fortunately, the instructor’s general liability insurance covered the damage, so they didn’t have to pay out of pocket.

3. Data Breach

An independent fitness instructor who managed their own client scheduling and communications through a personal laptop and cloud-based system became the target of a cyberattack. Hackers gained unauthorized access to the instructor’s client database, which contained sensitive personal information such as emails, phone numbers, and payment details.

Thankfully, the instructor had Identity Theft Protection Coverage through their NACAMS policy, which provided up to $25,000 to assist with:

• Cybersecurity recovery services

• Client notification requirements

• Credit monitoring for affected clients

• Reputation management efforts

4. Equipment-Related Injury Claim

A client sustained an injury while using gym equipment and filed a negligence claim against both the gym and the instructor. The lawsuit led to a settlement of $217,814. Thanks to professional liability insurance, the instructor was protected from having to pay this large amount personally.

5. Client-On-Client Injury

In a group class, one client accidentally injured another. The injured person needed medical treatment, and the bills totaled $5,789. General liability insurance helped cover the costs, showing how coverage also matters when clients hurt each other during a session.

6. Trip-And-Fall Injury In Class

A client was injured during a training session and had to have surgery. What led to the injury? They tripped over an object left on the gym floor. They lost wages because the client had to stay away from work and recover after surgery. 

The total cost for lost wages and medical bills was $43,175. Luckily, general liability insurance provided coverage for the full amount, so the instructor didn’t have to pay anything.

Other Claims You Should Be Aware Of

Apart from the more common claims above, there are other risks you should know about as a fitness instructor. One of them is Personal Injury & Advertising Coverage.

This coverage helps protect you if someone accuses you of things like libel (saying something false that harms someone’s reputation), slander, or false advertising. For example, if a client feels you’ve made damaging statements about them—whether on social media, in marketing materials, or elsewhere—this coverage can help with legal defense costs and any settlements or judgments.

It also covers claims related to invasion of privacy, such as accidentally sharing someone’s personal information without permission, which can be a big deal in today’s digital world.

These kinds of claims don't usually happen daily, but they can be costly and stressful when they eventually do. Having this coverage means you’re not facing those challenges alone—it helps protect your business and your good name.

How the Right Insurance Protects You

Choosing the right insurance ensures you’re truly protected from the real risks you face as a fitness professional. Here’s how general liability and professional liability insurance keep you covered.

General Liability Insurance

General liability insurance protects you from claims not directly tied to your professional services. Think of it as coverage for the everyday accidents in your studio or during off-site sessions.

For example, if a client trips over equipment or you accidentally damage a client’s property during a session in their home, general liability insurance helps cover medical expenses as well as legal defense costs should they decide to sue you.

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional liability insurance (sometimes called malpractice insurance or errors and omissions insurance) protects you against claims tied to your professional advice, instruction, or services.

This coverage can help with legal costs, settlements, and damages if a client alleges they were injured because of your training guidance or claims your service caused them harm, even if you did nothing wrong.

It also covers claims related to the products you use during your services, such as if a client has an allergic reaction to a product you provide.

Why Purchase Insurance Coverage With NACAMS?

NACAMS offers both general and professional liability insurance under one comprehensive policy, so you don’t have to worry about gaps in your protection. This all-in-one approach means you’re covered if an accident happens on the gym floor or a client claims your professional advice caused them harm.

With NACAMS, you get peace of mind knowing your coverage follows you wherever you work—at your studio, a client’s home, or anywhere in the United States—all with one simple policy. Get personal trainer liability insurance today and protect your career, clients, and future.

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