Protect Your Martial Arts School with Insurance

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Two boys practicing a dynamic jiu jitsu throw in an indoor martial arts training session.
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Protecting your martial arts school with insurance is crucial to safeguard against unexpected events that can impact your business.

Accidents can happen even with the best safety measures in place, which is why having liability insurance is essential.

According to the article, a typical martial arts school can expect to pay around $500 to $2,000 per year for liability insurance.

This cost is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're protected in case of an accident.

Business interruption insurance can also help cover costs if your school is forced to close due to unforeseen circumstances.

In the event of a closure, business interruption insurance can provide up to 12 months of coverage to help you get back on your feet.

Insurance Options

Insurance options for martial arts schools can be a bit overwhelming, but let's break it down. Liability insurance is a must-have to protect yourself and your business from lawsuits.

You can choose between a general liability policy and a specialized martial arts liability policy, which covers specific risks like injuries from sparring or equipment malfunctions.

Some insurance providers offer a bundled package that includes liability, property, and business interruption insurance, which can be a cost-effective option.

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Program Highlights

Man in a Black Kimono and a Rice Hat Training Martial Arts in an Empty Hall
Credit: pexels.com, Man in a Black Kimono and a Rice Hat Training Martial Arts in an Empty Hall

Insurance Options provide a range of benefits for martial arts schools, including coverage for various styles of karate.

Coverage for karate styles is available, but only for instruction and training programs, not for events, competitions, or tournaments.

Some of the covered karate styles include Chito-ryu, Goju-ryu, Isshin-ryu, Shuri-ryu, Kyokushinkai, Seido juku, Keichu do, Keichu-ryu, Shorin-ryn, Shotokan, Shito-ryu, Uechi-ryu, Wado-ryu, and Yoshukai karate.

The insurance program offers a range of coverage options, including General Liability, Non-Registered Member Activity Coverage, Birthday Party Coverage, and Equipment and Contents - Inland Marine.

You can also choose from optional coverage options such as Abuse, Molestation, or Exploitation Defense Reimbursement Coverage, Hosted Tournament Coverage, Excess Liability, Directors’ and Officers’ Liability, Sexual Abuse or Sexual Molestation Liability, and more.

Here are some of the optional coverage options available:

  • Abuse, Molestation, or Exploitation Defense Reimbursement Coverage
  • Hosted Tournament Coverage
  • Excess Liability
  • Directors’ and Officers’ Liability
  • Sexual Abuse or Sexual Molestation Liability

Please note that coverage is subject to underwriting and may not be available to all applicants in all states. It's essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of any insurance quotation.

General Liability

Martial Artists Fighting in Close-up Photography
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General Liability is a crucial insurance option for martial arts schools and businesses. It can cover financial losses due to property or bodily harm sustained while participating in martial arts activities.

General Liability Insurance typically covers two main categories of risks: Bodily Injury and Property Damage. Bodily Injury coverage can help with medical costs, court costs, and potential settlements if a competitor, student, or spectator suffers a bodily injury while participating in martial arts training, events, or contests.

Property Damage coverage can assist with repair or replacement costs if a martial arts practice damages someone else's property, such as the equipment in a studio or a rented training area.

Some martial arts styles are excluded from coverage under General Liability Insurance, including events, competitions, and tournaments. These exclusions apply to styles such as Karate, including various styles such as Chito-ryu, Goju-ryu, and Shotokan.

Here are some additional coverage options that may be available under General Liability Insurance:

  • Non-Registered Member Activity Coverage (optional)
  • Birthday Party Coverage (optional)
  • Equipment and Contents - Inland Marine (optional)
  • Abuse, Molestation, or Exploitation Defense Reimbursement Coverage (optional)
  • Hosted Tournament Coverage (optional)
  • Excess Liability (optional)
  • Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Including Employment Practices Liability for Not-for-Profit Organizations (optional)
  • Sexual Abuse or Sexual Molestation Liability (optional)

Why Choose K&K?

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K&K has been a trusted name in the insurance industry for over 70 years, providing customized solutions for a wide range of clients.

Their stability is impressive, insuring over 350,000 events and organizations every year.

With over 80 sports, leisure, recreation, and motorsports programs under their belt, K&K has a wealth of experience to draw from.

If you're a martial arts school, you'll want to know that K&K has protected over 10,000 schools like yours.

But it's not just about the numbers - it's about the quality of their insurance policies. Not all liability policies will protect you from an expensive lawsuit, so it's essential to choose a provider that truly understands your needs.

Here are some key benefits of choosing K&K:

  • Longevity: Over 70 years of experience in providing customized insurance solutions
  • Stability: Insuring over 350,000 events and organizations every year
  • Experience: Over 80 sports, leisure, recreation, and motorsports programs

Coverage Details

Coverage Details matter for martial arts schools, and it's essential to understand what's included in a policy.

Liability coverage is a must-have, with a typical policy covering up to $1 million in damages.

Men Doing Martial Arts
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Personal injury coverage is also crucial, as it protects your school from claims of injury to students or staff.

Business interruption coverage can help you stay afloat if your school is forced to close due to unforeseen events like a natural disaster.

Equipment and property coverage can help you replace or repair damaged equipment, such as mats and equipment.

Many policies also offer additional coverage options, like cyber liability and equipment breakdown coverage.

It's worth noting that some policies may have specific requirements or exclusions for high-risk activities like sparring or contact training.

Typically, policies will have a deductible, which can range from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the policy.

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Cost and Coverage

The cost of insurance for your martial arts school can vary depending on several factors.

The type of coverage you select significantly influences the cost. You may need to choose between general liability insurance, professional liability insurance, and property insurance, among others.

People Looking the Insurance Policy
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A larger martial arts school or business with many teachers and students may have higher insurance rates due to increased exposure to potential claims.

Insurance premiums can differ depending on your business location, with urban areas often having higher premiums than rural areas.

Some insurance companies charge higher premiums for styles of martial arts that require more physical contact or exertion.

Your insurance rate may be impacted by your claims history, so it's essential to maintain a good record.

Choosing a larger deductible or lower coverage limits can help lower your insurance premium, but it also means you'll be more financially responsible in the event of a claim.

Some insurance companies offer flexible policies that allow you to adjust the coverage to fit your unique needs, but this may also increase costs.

Instructor and Equipment Coverage

Instructors hired as W-2 Employees and Volunteer Staff Members are covered under the policy, but those hired as Independent Contractors are not, unless they're added for an additional premium.

Decorative cardboard illustration of signboard with Insurance title under umbrella in rain on blue background
Credit: pexels.com, Decorative cardboard illustration of signboard with Insurance title under umbrella in rain on blue background

You can either require instructors to purchase their own martial arts instructor insurance and name your business as an Additional Insured, or add them to the policy for an extra fee.

Equipment is not automatically covered under the policy, but you can add equipment coverage to protect against loss and damage from theft, fire, flood, wind/hail, and more.

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Instructor

As a martial arts instructor, you want to make sure you're protected in case something goes wrong during a class. W-2 employees and volunteer staff members are covered under most policies, but independent contractors need their own insurance.

Having the right insurance can be a lifesaver if a student gets injured during training. Program A doesn't cover instructors hired as independent contractors, but they can get named as an additional insured on their own policy for an extra fee.

Lawsuits are a real concern in the martial arts industry, which is why you need the right insurance to safeguard against them. Program B offers independent contractor coverage for an additional premium of $75 per instructor, which is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Not all liability insurance is created equal, and some policies won't protect you from lawsuits brought by students who get injured during training. Martial Arts Group has the insurance you need to protect yourself and your business.

Is My Equipment Covered?

Martial artists in grappling position on mats during training session indoors.
Credit: pexels.com, Martial artists in grappling position on mats during training session indoors.

Equipment is not automatically covered under the policy unless you select and purchase the option for Equipment coverage.

You can add equipment coverage on the application, which protects your equipment against loss and damage resulting from theft, fire, flood, wind/hail, and more.

Common Claims Scenarios

As a martial arts school owner, you're likely aware of the potential risks involved in running a business that involves physical activity and potentially hazardous equipment. Your commercial general liability insurance may pay for medical expenses if a student gets injured during training.

Accidents can happen even with the best safety precautions in place. A student might lose their footing and fall, fracturing a wrist, which requires immediate medical attention.

Your commercial property insurance may cover damages to your studio and fixtures if your school is broken into and vandalized overnight. This could include repairing damaged walls, fixtures, and furniture.

It's not just physical accidents that can lead to claims. If a student feels that your teaching methods are ineffective and sues you for failing to deliver a service as promised, your professional liability insurance may pay for your legal fees and any compensatory award ordered by the court.

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Provider and Services

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When selecting an insurance provider for your martial arts school, it's essential to find a company that understands the unique needs and risks of your business. SFIC offers a range of insurance solutions, including general liability, professional liability, and property insurance.

SFIC is known for its flexibility and affordability, making it a great option for martial arts schools. Their policies can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your business.

Martial Arts Group specializes in covering martial arts instructors, schools, and studios, offering a variety of coverage options such as equipment coverage, tournament and special event coverage, liability insurance, and event coverage.

K&K Insurance Group offers protection for a range of sports and leisure pursuits, including martial arts. They provide excess accident medical coverage and have a good standing in the field.

PHLY provides insurance options for organizations involved in sports and fitness, including martial arts schools. They offer broad liability protection and can customize insurance to meet the requirements of various kinds of martial arts facilities.

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People Discussing a Home Insurance Policy
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The Martial Arts School & Instructors Association (MASIA) offers liability coverage, accident medical coverage, and other choices specifically tailored for martial arts schools and instructors.

Here are some key insurance providers for martial arts schools:

  • SFIC: General liability, professional liability, and property insurance
  • Martial Arts Group: Equipment coverage, tournament and special event coverage, liability insurance, and event coverage
  • K&K Insurance Group: Excess accident medical coverage
  • PHLY: Broad liability protection and customized insurance options
  • MASIA: Liability coverage, accident medical coverage, and other choices

Frequently Asked Questions

How does martial arts insurance work?

General liability insurance for martial arts studios covers third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury, protecting your business from unexpected incidents and lawsuits

How do I start my own martial arts school?

To start your own martial arts school, follow the essential steps of securing a location, creating a service offering, and establishing a business structure, then move on to marketing and securing liability insurance. Begin your journey by securing a location and creating a solid foundation for your martial arts school.

Ruben Quitzon

Lead Assigning Editor

Ruben Quitzon is a seasoned assigning editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in finance and journalism, Ruben has honed his expertise in covering complex topics with clarity and precision. Throughout his career, Ruben has assigned and edited articles on a wide range of topics, including the banking sectors of Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

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