Written by: Lindsey Lessard Director of Client Services, Broker Representative for Alternative Balance
We’ve all heard “that’s what she said” jokes, often when we are around friends and family. There is absolutely no shortage of sexual innuendo jokes, and no matter who you are with, there is a pretty high probability they are going to get a laugh.
That said, there is always a right time and place for everything. While the people that you’ve joked around with in the past haven’t been bothered, that doesn’t mean that everyone is comfortable with those kinds of jokes.
Sexual Abuse and Molestation coverage is incredibly important for all businesses, including trainers and sole proprietors. You, of course, know yourself and your employees (if you have them). So, when considering whether you need this coverage, you may think to yourself, “I would never do anything like that” or “my coaches would never put a client in an uncomfortable position, so I think I’ll pass on this coverage.” While that may be true, keep in mind that everyone has different boundaries on what they would consider inappropriate.
Perception is everything. While you may feel that a joke or a 3-second-long touch to the hip to correct someone’s squat form may be innocent, the recipient may not agree. Sexual Abuse and Molestation Insurance can help to protect you from those gray areas, especially in today’s increasingly litigious climate.
What is Sexual Abuse and Molestation coverage?
When most people consider Sexual Abuse and Molestation coverage, they think mainly of two things: children and physical touch. However, this additional insurance offers broader coverage than just those types of situations. It protects you, your business, employees, and clients of all ages from allegations of sexual abuse and/or molestation, regardless of how baseless the accusation is. This includes client to client or employee to employee interactions.
How to prevent these types of issues at your business
Prevention is the first start in protecting your business. Here are a few simple things that you can do to help mitigate abuse and/or molestation issues before they become problems:
- Discuss your clients’ boundaries ahead of time. If you operate a business where physical touch is necessary, talk to your client beforehand about what they are comfortable with. Let them know that you plan to touch them before you do so. Making your intentions clear is a simple way to avoid any misinterpretation.
- Avoid one-on-one situations wherever possible. This may not be possible for all professions (take massage for example), but it is recommended for those who can avoid one-on-one situations. Having a second pair of eyes around can not only alleviate unease for someone who may feel uncomfortable but can also provide a witness to client interactions.
- Background Checks. If you don’t already, we highly recommend that you process background checks on all employees, contractors, and volunteers, if you have them.
- Put a Sexual Abuse and Molestation policy in place. With Alternative Balance, you can add this important coverage to your liability insurance policy.
Is it worth the investment?
In short, yes! Our society has become increasingly litigious over the past few decades and abuse and molestation allegations have been on the rise. Even an unfounded accusation will still need to be defended in court if you are sued, which can get expensive quickly due to legal fees. Depending on the suit, it may be enough to wipe out a small business.
The cost of adding the Sexual Abuse and Molestation coverage to your Alternative Balance policy includes $50,000 per occurrence and $100,000 aggregate limits, giving you some of the best coverage limits available in the industry.
But is it worthwhile? Absolutely! The cost of this additional insurance coverage pales in comparison to the potential cost of an abuse and molestation lawsuit. It is a sound investment in your business, offering protection to not only yourself, but also to your employees if you have them.
To add Sexual Abuse and Molestation coverage to your policy, simply login to your account, navigate to your current policy, and click “Add” next to Endorsements/Protection Packages. You can also contact us Monday-Friday 9am-5pm EST for help adding this important coverage. Please visit our Coverage and Pricing page for up to date pricing.
Lindsey is a licensed agent and has worked in the insurance industry for 6 years, specializing in finding the best coverage for fitness and wellness operations. She is well versed in understanding the intricacies of these businesses to each of her clients are protected properly and have peace of mind. In her spare time, Lindsey enjoys reading, spending time in her vegetable garden, and spending time in the Las Vegas sunshine.