You’re running your gym, coaching your clients, and doing everything right. You know having the right insurance in place is part of protecting your business. But what happens when you actually need it?
A member tweaks their back during a deadlift, a trainer accidentally damages a client’s personal equipment, or worse—someone trips and gets seriously hurt. No problem, right? You’ve got insurance for exactly these situations.
Or at least, that’s what you thought.
When you go to file a claim, suddenly, the provider you trusted isn’t so easy to reach. That “comprehensive coverage” you were sold comes with a laundry list of exclusions. Your claim gets denied, and now, you’re stuck paying out of pocket for something you assumed was covered.
This isn’t just bad luck; it’s the result of working with the wrong insurer. How do you spot an insurance provider that’s more about the sale than actually protecting your business? Let’s break it down.
1. They’re Selling Before They’re Listening
A legitimate insurer will ask questions, lots of them. They’ll want to know what kind of gym you run, how many members you have, what services you offer, and any risks unique to your business.
An unqualified insurer? They’ll jump straight to the pitch. No questions, no customization, just a cookie-cutter policy that may or may not cover what you need.
If they’re more focused on closing the deal than understanding your business, take that as a sign to walk away.
Also Read: Do’s and Don’ts – Insurance Quotes for Gyms
2. They Can’t Explain Your Coverage in Plain English
You shouldn’t need a law degree to understand your policy. A good insurance provider will make sure you know exactly what’s covered, what’s excluded, and where you could be at risk.
A pushy or unqualified insurer will either drown you in technical jargon or gloss over important details. Worse, they might avoid giving straight answers altogether.
If you ask, “What happens if a client gets injured in class?” and the response is anything other than a clear, direct answer, that’s a red flag.
3. They Rush You Into a Decision
“This deal is only available for 24 hours.”
“You need to sign now or risk missing out.”
“Trust me, this is the best option—you don’t need to waste time shopping around.”
If an insurance agent is trying to pressure you into making a decision on the spot, step back. The right provider will give you time to compare options, ask questions, and make an informed choice.
Insurance is an important investment, not a limited-time offer at a car dealership.
4. Their Reputation Doesn’t Hold Up
When was the last time you Googled your insurance provider? If you’re seeing repeated complaints about denied claims, surprise exclusions, or shady business practices, take it as a warning sign.
Even if an agent seems helpful upfront, their track record speaks louder than their sales pitch. A handful of bad reviews might not mean much, but a pattern of negative feedback is a big red flag.
Do your research. Read reviews, ask other gym owners, and find out if the company stands behind its policies when it matters.
5. They Don’t Specialize in Gym or Fitness Insurance
Gyms aren’t like other businesses. You’ve got trainer liability, equipment risks, and high-intensity movements that require industry-specific coverage.
If your insurer is used to working with coffee shops and retail stores, there’s a good chance they don’t fully understand what you need. And that’s a problem.
An agent who specializes in gym insurance will be able to answer questions like:
- “Am I covered if a client injures themselves using my equipment?”
- “Does my policy protect me if a trainer is sued for giving bad advice?”
- “What if someone gets hurt during a competition or event?”
If they can’t answer with confidence, they probably don’t have the right experience.
6. Their Prices Look Too Good to Be True
A policy that’s dramatically cheaper than the competition probably comes with a catch—like high deductibles, major exclusions, or coverage that won’t actually protect you when it counts.
Some providers lure you in with low rates but make filing a claim so difficult that you might as well not be covered at all. Others hide loopholes in the fine print, only for you to find out when it’s too late.
Price matters, but if a deal looks too good, take a closer look at what you’re really getting.
7. They’re Evasive About the Claims Process
You don’t want to wait until disaster strikes to find out your insurer is impossible to reach. A reliable provider should walk you through the claims process upfront before you ever need it.
Ask them:
- “What’s the process for filing a claim?”
- “How long does it typically take to get a payout?”
- “Are there situations where a claim might be denied?”
If they can’t give you clear, direct answers, or if they brush off your concerns with vague reassurances, that’s a huge red flag.
Also Read: 5 Key Traits of Successful CrossFit Affiliates
Work With an Insurance Provider Who Actually Has Your Back
At CrossFit RRG, we take a different approach.
Unlike other providers, our policy was created by CrossFit, LLC and Affiliates, meaning your coverage is designed specifically for the way you train and operate. We won’t restrict, cancel, or refuse to renew your policy just because you’re running a CrossFit gym.
Even better, Affiliate owners have direct input into the underwriting and design of the CrossFit RRG policy through representation on our Board of Directors. You’re not just buying insurance—you’re helping shape a program built for the CrossFit Community.
When it comes to claims, we handle things differently, too. The CrossFit, LLC legal team coordinates all claims defense—not some corporate insurance company looking to minimize payouts. Their mission is to defend Affiliates and stand up for the community. They don’t settle to save a buck, and they won’t back down from a fight that needs to be fought.
At CrossFit RRG, we don’t do pushy sales tactics, hidden exclusions, or confusing legal language. Just solid, transparent coverage designed specifically for CrossFit Affiliates like yours.
Need real protection for your gym? Let’s talk. Contact us today for a free consultation and get the coverage you deserve, without the surprises.