Owning a CrossFit affiliate isn’t just about running workouts and building a community—it’s about protecting your business from potential risks. Liability, injuries, and property damage are all realities that gym owners must consider. That’s why having the right insurance isn’t optional; it’s essential.
When comparing CrossFit Risk Retention Group (RRG) vs. Hiscox Insurance, the differences are clear. While Hiscox is a well-known provider offering small business insurance across various industries, CrossFit RRG is designed specifically for CrossFit affiliates and credentialed trainers. That distinction alone makes RRG the obvious choice for those serious about getting tailored protection for their gym. Let’s break down the differences and why CrossFit RRG stands out.
CrossFit RRG: Insurance Built for CrossFit Affiliates
CrossFit RRG isn’t just another insurance provider—it’s a Risk Retention Group (RRG), meaning its policyholders are also its owners. This structure allows affiliates to have greater control over claims, coverage decisions, and premium rates while keeping everything aligned with the specific risks and needs of CrossFit gyms.
CrossFit RRG offers:
● General liability insurance (for injuries, property damage, and lawsuits)
● Professional liability insurance (protecting trainers against claims related to coaching services)
● Coverage options specific to CrossFit training risks
● A claims process handled by people who understand CrossFit methodology
Most importantly, CrossFit RRG is available exclusively to official CrossFit affiliates and credentialed trainers, ensuring that policies are tailored to the unique movements, equipment, and coaching style that define CrossFit.
Hiscox Insurance: General Business Coverage
Hiscox is a major insurance company offering policies for a variety of small businesses, from tech startups to law firms and retail stores.
Their coverage includes:
● General liability insurance
● Professional liability insurance
● Business property insurance
● Cybersecurity protection
● Errors & omissions (E&O) insurance
While these offerings sound comprehensive, the problem is that Hiscox provides coverage for a broad range of industries—not specifically for CrossFit gyms. That means their policies aren’t designed with CrossFit’s unique risks in mind, making coverage gaps and misaligned claims handling a real possibility.
Why CrossFit RRG Is the Superior Choice
1. Specialization: Insurance Designed for CrossFit, Not Just Any Business
The biggest issue with Hiscox for a CrossFit affiliate is simple: they aren’t CrossFit specialists.
Hiscox insures thousands of businesses across multiple industries, but their policies are built around generalized risk models. That means:
Their liability coverage might not fully account for high-intensity workouts, Olympic lifts, or gymnastics movements.
Their claims process may be handled by adjusters unfamiliar with CrossFit, leading to potential delays or denials.
They lack insight into CrossFit-specific risks, such as injuries from functional movements or equipment-related liabilities.
CrossFit RRG, on the other hand, was created by CrossFit affiliates, for CrossFit affiliates. Every policy is designed around the real risks that come with running a CrossFit gym, ensuring that affiliates aren’t left dealing with insurance gaps or unnecessary claim disputes.
If you own a CrossFit gym, it makes sense to have an insurance provider that understands the way you operate.
2. Claims Handling: Control vs. Corporate Red Tape
One of the standout benefits of CrossFit RRG is its policyholder-controlled claims process.
Unlike traditional insurance companies like Hiscox, where outside underwriters make final decisions, CrossFit RRG allows affiliates to have a say in how claims are handled. This is a huge advantage because:
Decisions aren’t made by outsiders unfamiliar with CrossFit
Claims adjusters at Hiscox handle everything from retail shop slip-and-falls to tech company lawsuits. They don’t specialize in the type of risks that come with running a gym, which can lead to misjudged or denied claims.
Fairer resolutions
With CrossFit RRG, affiliates are dealing with a claims process that understands the difference between normal CrossFit training risks and actual negligence. That means fewer unnecessary denials and better coverage when it matters most.
No surprise rate hikes
Traditional insurance companies, including Hiscox, often raise premiums after claims—even if the claim is minor or unrelated to negligence. With CrossFit RRG, the policyholder-owned structure keeps rate adjustments fair and community-driven.
With Hiscox, a claim might be reviewed by someone who doesn’t know the difference between kipping pull-ups and a bodybuilding lat pulldown. That’s a risk you don’t want to take when your business is on the line.
3. Financial Stability and Long-Term Affordability
Insurance costs are a major factor when choosing a provider, and CrossFit RRG is structured to be more stable and cost-effective in the long run.
Hiscox operates like a traditional for-profit insurance provider.
Their primary goal is maximizing shareholder profits, which means higher premiums over time and unpredictable rate increases after claims.
CrossFit RRG is owned by its policyholders.
Instead of funneling money into corporate profits, premiums are reinvested to maintain stable rates & provide better coverage. Affiliates have more control over how funds are used, leading to a system that benefits gym owners rather than outside investors.
Fewer unnecessary premium hikes.
Hiscox evaluates risk across all industries they insure. That means that even if your gym has never had a claim, you could still see your premiums rise due to unrelated businesses in different industries. CrossFit RRG eliminates this risk by keeping rates within the CrossFit ecosystem.
4. A Commitment to the CrossFit Community
Choosing an insurance provider isn’t just about price and coverage—it’s also about who you’re supporting with your money.
When you buy a policy from Hiscox, your premiums contribute to a massive, for-profit insurance conglomerate that has no direct investment in CrossFit’s success. Their focus is spread across thousands of industries, and CrossFit is just another customer on their list.
When you choose CrossFit RRG, your premiums support a system designed for and by CrossFitters. That means:
Policies are continuously refined to better serve CrossFit affiliates.
More financial stability within the CrossFit business ecosystem.
A community-driven approach where affiliates work together to keep rates fair & claims processes effective.
CrossFit RRG isn’t just an insurance provider—it’s a support system that protects affiliates and their long-term success.
The Verdict:
CrossFit RRG is the Only Choice for CrossFit Affiliates
While Hiscox may be a well-known insurance provider, its one-size-fits-all approach is not ideal for CrossFit gym owners. Here’s why CrossFit RRG is the superior choice:
Designed specifically for CrossFit affiliates.
Hiscox covers businesses across many industries, but CrossFit RRG is built exclusively for CrossFit gyms and trainers.
More control over claims and premiums.
Hiscox follows a standard insurance model, meaning higher rates and less control over claims. CrossFit RRG allows affiliates to have a say in how claims are handled and how rates are set.
A system that reinvests in CrossFit.
Hiscox profits go to corporate shareholders. CrossFit RRG reinvests in the CrossFit community, keeping premiums fair and policies relevant to gym owners.
No unnecessary claim disputes.
With CrossFit RRG, claims are handled by people who understand CrossFit training methods, preventing unnecessary denials and misinterpretations.
For any serious CrossFit affiliate owner, CrossFit RRG is the clear choice. It’s not just about having insurance—it’s about having insurance that works for you, not against you. Contact today!