Hands-on assists, heated rooms and covered classes.
General and professional liability, property, reformer and equipment coverage, and workers' comp for yoga, pilates and barre studios and the instructors who teach there.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Strained backs, slick floors and reformers
Most studio claims start in class: a student strains a neck during a hands-on adjustment, slips on a sweaty floor in a heated room, or gets hurt when a reformer spring or aerial rig fails. Some claims allege bad instruction rather than a fall, which is where professional liability comes in.
Studios also have to sort out who's covered. Staff teachers, contract instructors and renters who teach their own classes are treated differently, and California's worker classification rules matter for workers' comp. I place the studio policy first, then make sure every teacher on your schedule has coverage that fits.
- General liabilityStudent injuries from slips, props and equipment.
- Professional liabilityClaims that instruction or adjustments caused harm.
- Property and equipmentReformers, towers, props and studio build-out.
- Workers' compTeachers and front-desk staff on payroll.
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.
- Studio: address, square footage and number of rooms.
- Classes: styles taught, including hot, aerial or reformer.
- Teachers: employees, contractors or renters, and their training.
- Equipment: reformers, towers and other gear with values.
- Revenue and payroll: annual figures and class volume.
- History: current policies and any claims.
Yoga studio insurance, answered
Does the studio policy cover my instructors?
Employees usually are. Contract instructors and renters often need their own liability policy, and I check what your studio policy says about each.
Are hands-on adjustments covered?
Professional liability can respond to claims from adjustments and instruction, subject to the policy terms. Some studios also use consent cards for touch.
Does hot yoga change the coverage?
Insurers may ask about room temperature, hydration rules and staff training. Disclosing heated classes keeps the coverage accurate.
Do I need waivers if I have insurance?
Yes. A signed waiver and insurance work together. Waivers can help in a claim, and the policy can pay defense costs and covered damages, subject to its terms.
Do you offer yoga, pilates and barre studio 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 about your studio. I'll shop it.
Your class styles, teacher setup and revenue 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.