Over fifty-four million Americans have gym memberships, and the number of accidents that happen there are climbing rapidly. In 2012 over 460,000 people sought treatment in emergency rooms because of injuries that occurred in a fitness center or gym, and that number doesn’t include those who saw their own doctors or had simple sprains. Treadmills are one of the largest causes. Additionally, dangerous equipment or inadequate spacing between machines/equipment can create problems. Gyms have even been held accountable for infection spread from unsanitary conditions.
If you are the owner of a gym, you are likely committed to helping others to lead a healthy and fit lifestyle, but accidents can and do happen. So how can you protect your business when they do? There are several insurance policies that you can obtain that can cover different circumstances.
A General Liability policy can include:
• Premises Liability – if a person suffers an injury it can cover their medical payments, or if their personal property is damaged, it can reimburse for repair or replacement costs.
• Products Liability – this can pay for legal bills, settlements and medical bills if customers are harmed from products that you sell, such as clothing, health drinks etc.
• Completed Operations – this can pay for damages resulting from workout classes or personal training
A Business Owners Policy includes General Liability and can also provide additional coverage for:
• Your building and its contents
• Business income loss and extra expense
• Electronic data liability
• Employee dishonesty liability
Other coverages may be needed, such as a Business Automobile policy for any employee driving for business purposes. Workers Compensation coverage can take care of an employee’s medical expenses if they are injured on the job. Commercial Umbrella Policies can provide additional coverage if regular business policies reach their maximum payout limits.
It’s easy to see that choosing the proper insurance for a gym owner could be overwhelming. Fortunately, a knowledgeable insurance agent can advise you on the best coverage for your business.
For additional help with insurance needs for your gym, contact Pettineo Insurance Agency today at (954) 493-9424 or visit www.pettineo.com for a free quote.
Pettineo Insurance Agency Inc. Provides insurance for gyms and fitness centers in Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, North Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Oakland Park, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Hollywood, Sunrise, Coral Springs, Pembroke Pines, Sunrise, Tamarac, Plantation, Lighthouse Point and all of Florida. As an independent agent we represent many top rated companies in both the personal and commercial lines. We place your policy with the company offering the best coverage at a reasonable price. We offer a complete line of personal, commercial, life and health insurance products, designed exclusively for your insurance needs. Serving South Florida for almost 30 years, Pettineo Insurance offers the highly personalized service and stability that you should expect from your insurance agent.
