Will liability insurance cover you if you don't have a business license?

For the most part Jason, most certified personal trainers don't have businesses and are required to carry liability insurance at their places of employment (that is, of course, if they are working at a fitness center). You just need to be sure that your insurance covers you if you are a mobile trainer or are performing training outdoors.

Too, it is not a bad idea to speak with your insurance carrier directly.

Hi Jason. This is a question that you should ask your insurance agent. But, more importantly, first things first. You need to check with your local government agency (it's usually listed as something like "Business Licenses" or something like that) to see if they require you to have one. The answer to that question is a local one, and they can give you that answer. If for some reason you can't get the answers you need from these two entities, I would suggest that you spend a little time with an attorney in your area to answer this and any other business-related questions you may have since it sounds as if you're just starting to set-up your business.

I hope this helps.

LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com

Ask your state, county, city and insurance company. Do this everytime you operate in a new area too.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. Heres my issue in a little more detail. I spent a year setting up my garage to use as a studio. After doing this, I talked to the City Planner to get a Home Use Permit and he told me one of the restrictions for the permit was that I couldnt have customers or clients on site. I dont have the money at the time to lease a place and dont want to train out of a gym or do all outside training. To do what I want to do, I either need to A) Get the license and be openly defiant, or B) not get the license and just play ignorant if I get caught. Everyone Ive talked to, many of which own businesses, tell me to go with B. Ive been training people here for free the whole time I was putting my place together and now I just want to get it going. I dont plan on training at my home forever, but I do need to start here for money reasons so I guess I gotta be an "outlaw" for now. That is why I wanted to know if I can get liability insurance. If you would check my site out, www.juggernautstrenth.com you can see I put a decent place together and will not let it go to waste. Again, thank you all for your time.

Jason, thank you for giving us more insight.

After looking at your profile, I notice that you are certified as an ACE Personal Trainer.

The only thing I would like to say to you is look at the ACE Code of Ethics. Too, don't forget that you've explained your situation to the cyberspace world and defined yourself as a "outlaw." No offense intended but how can you now play ignorant. You've shared it with the world.

Very tricky situation. I wish you the best.