Insurance
Public Liability Insurance for Martial Arts Clubs
Full-contact sparring, weapons training and competition aren't covered by a standard business policy. Our broker arranges cover specifically for martial arts schools, associations and promotersso you're covered for what actually happens on your mats.
$10M–$20M
Cover limits available
30+
Martial arts styles covered
- Full-contact fighting in rings and cages
- Sparring and competitions for members and non-members
- Weapons training
- Outdoor sessions — on the beach, in the mountains or park
Why it matters
What Level of Liability Is Available Through Insurers?
The Martial Arts Industry has been using the following limits 5-20mil Public Liability insurance for the past 20+ years based upon insurer recommendations. Martial Arts Businesses (clubs / schools / promoters) require a specialised sports insurance, not a standard liability product, to cover the unique activities of martial arts training and competing. Instructors can buy a product online without speaking with a broker, but can end up with a product that doesn't cover what they do. With a specialist broker, instructors have the opportunity to ask questions and therefore make a fully informed decision on their insurance policy.
$10M
Standard cover limit
Suited to most single-location schools running regular classes, sparring and gradings.
$20M
Extended cover limit
For schools running competitions, full-contact events, multiple locations or larger membership bases.
At a glance
Public Liability
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Industry standard
$10M
The most common public liability limit for martial arts schools.
Often asked by venues
$20M
Landlords and venues increasingly ask for the higher limit. It can cost around 25% more.
Typical excess
$1,000–$5,000
A nil excess policy can be arranged through the broker.
Small club guide
Under $600
Per year for $10M public liability with $5M professional indemnity.
What Are Some of the Questions
You Can Ask Your Martial Arts Specialty Broker:
The level of cover is ultimately up to the business owner to decide. The venue / landlord may specify a minimum limit of 10mil or 20mil Public Liability to meet what they feel the risk needs to cover.
Does the policy cover martial arts training with full contact fighting in the ring and/or a cage?
What is the excess in the event I have to make a claim?
Do I need all my members to sign a waiver?
What is the process to make a claim and will I get any help in the process?
What qualifications do you need to have for the insurance to be valid?
Are your non-member events covered under the policy?
Does the cover include training outside - on the beach, the mountains, or the park?
OUR PREFERRED BROKER
Martial Arts Australia Insurance Services
Our preferred broker
Martial Arts Australia Insurance Services
maainsuranceservices.com.au
Martial Arts Australia Insurance Services Pty Ltd ABN: 31 632 785 329 Authorised Corporate Representative No: 001283262 of United Insurance Group Pty Ltd ABN 31 131 564 522 AFSL 327131 who arrange the insurance and are not an insurer.
Coverage
Public Liability Insurance for Martial Arts Club Coverage
Written for every major style, not just the safe ones. From striking arts to grappling to weapons-based systems, the policy is built around the realities of full-contact training.
Built by people who train, for people who train
Words From the Broker
“Martial Arts Schools require a different Public Liability cover than Gyms / PT Studios because of the diverse range of activities and equipment used in a club. Clubs / Schools require a specific type of cover to include sparring / fighting as well including weapons training.”
Some insurers use the term 'participation' which relates to members partnering up (sparring bouts including full contact).
General martial arts training includes pre-arranged techniques, semi / full contact sparring / fighting, so a policy needs to cover all aspects of what is taught at each facility.
It's common knowledge by long term club owners that some styles have been restricted, with only a percentage of a club's activities being covered. That said, you can still get cover for the following styles, and not limited to:
Karate styles
Kung Fu and internal arts
Striking, grappling and more
…to name a few.
Some martial arts styles are deemed to have a higher risk of injury than others based upon a number of factors. For example Tai Chi can be practised slowly without contact with another person, whilst Karate does the same, but also has partner drills and sparring.
Whenever there are two or more people making contact with each other, there is a higher risk of injury than not touching each other.
The frequency / intensity of contact
Coaching standards
Curriculums
Equipment used
…are all factors in assessing the risk between styles.
Speak To Our Preferred Insurance Broker
Our preferred broker
Martial Arts Australia Insurance Services
maainsuranceservices.com.au
Martial Arts Australia Insurance Services Pty Ltd ABN: 31 632 785 329 Authorised Corporate Representative No: 001283262 of United Insurance Group Pty Ltd ABN 31 131 564 522 AFSL 327131 who arrange the insurance and are not an insurer.
Your questions
Public Liability Questions, Answered.
Straight answers to the questions school owners ask most. Open any question to read the answer.
What level of public liability cover do I need?
The industry standard is $10 million, but venues and landlords are increasingly asking for $20 million. Limits run from $1 million to $20 million. About 20% of the industry ends up with the higher limit, and it can cost around 25% more. Public liability is usually packaged with professional indemnity or civil liability of $5 million to $10 million, and the lower figure is generally enough.
Is public liability all I need?
Public liability is generally all a landlord asks for before handing over the keys. Some landlords are now advised by their lawyers to also ask for professional indemnity or civil liability, because a tenant is far more likely to be sued over advice and coaching direction than over a slip or trip.
Do I need to tell the broker about my gym space?
Yes. Many martial arts schools include a small gym area, and some have a much bigger one. The risk of martial arts activity is different to a full or hybrid gym, so tell the broker what percentage of your space is used for each. That lets them arrange the most appropriate policy.
How much does martial arts insurance cost?
Price depends on your number of members, annual turnover, state stamp duty, level of cover, broker fees and the insurer's rates. As a guide, $10 million public liability with $5 million professional indemnity can cost under $600 a year for a small club.
Is there an excess when I claim?
Usually. A standard excess is between $1,000 and $5,000 on public liability. A nil excess policy can be arranged through the broker.
Will a claim raise my renewal cost?
It can, especially if a significant amount was paid out. Weak incident reporting, no waiver or an unsuitable one, unqualified instructors, or unprofessional operation can add to the increase.
Can I switch insurers to get a better price after a claim?
You can ask your broker to try other insurers, but you must disclose your claims for the past five years. Only a limited number of insurers cover gyms, and virtually only two include martial arts. Your broker may advise staying put for a year or two instead.
How can I reduce my public liability premium?
Keep a low claims ratio and strong risk management, hire and keep training highly qualified instructors, run regular risk assessments or audits, install cameras to capture incidents, ask for a multi-policy discount, and use a broker with preferred rates.
Is public liability my first line of defence?
Not really. Preventing an incident comes first, through sound risk management and policies. Next is an appropriately worded waiver form, which can strengthen your defence in a claim. Insurance is there for when an incident happens anyway.
What should I do after an incident?
Tell your broker about anything that could become a claim. Record everything: a full incident report, witnesses, video footage and all communication with the injured person. Do not admit fault, hand over your insurance details or offer a payout, as that can be treated as admitting liability. Do show concern, pause their membership and wish them a speedy recovery.
Will the insurer always defend a claim?
No. The insurer can decline a claim if its criteria are not met, for example no recorded injury at the training facility, no current policy, or an unpaid premium.
Get Your School Covered Properly.
Talk to a broker who already knows the difference between a boxing gym and a BJJ academy, no explaining your business twice.