Push hard. Stay covered.
Professional and general liability for certified personal trainers working in gyms, clients' homes, parks and online, plus coverage for small studios.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Most claims are about an injury
A client strains a back on a deadlift, tears a shoulder on a new program, or says your nutrition advice made them sick. Trainers are usually sued over the instruction itself, which is why professional liability matters as much as general liability.
Gyms that let independent trainers work on their floor commonly require them to carry their own policy and name the gym. The gym's policy usually covers its own staff, not trainers renting time or bringing their own clients.
- Professional liabilityClaims about your instruction and programs.
- General liabilityInjuries and property damage at sessions.
- EquipmentWeights and gear you bring to clients.
- Workers' compRequired once you hire trainers as employees.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Certification: who certified you and when.
- Where you train: gyms, homes, parks or online.
- Services: one-on-one, group classes or nutrition coaching.
- Clients: sessions each week and any special populations.
- Staff: trainers working for you, employees or contractors.
- History: current policies and any claims.
Personal trainer insurance, answered
Does the gym's insurance cover me?
Usually not if you're independent. Gyms often require independent trainers to carry their own liability and name the gym as additional insured.
Is nutrition advice covered?
General diet guidance is often included in trainer policies. Meal plans for medical conditions may fall outside, so check the wording.
Am I covered training clients online?
Many trainer policies cover virtual sessions, subject to territory and policy terms. Tell me if you coach online.
Do trainers who work for me need workers' comp?
If they're employees under California's ABC test, yes. Calling someone a 1099 contractor doesn't decide it.
Do you offer personal trainer insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. Sam Alishahi is licensed in 48 states and Washington, DC and places policies there directly. In Florida and Washington, where Sam's licenses are still being issued, a partner agency in your state helps in the meantime. The shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Tell me where you train. I'll shop it.
Your certification, locations and weekly sessions are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. Your application link comes by email right away, and you get an update at every step until your quotes are ready.
(877) 711-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.