Easy Accordion FAQs

Question 1

Who is the insurance company?

Accepted Answer

Our Business Personal Property & Business Interruption Coverage Plan is backed by LIO insurance group. They are rated A- with A.M. Best.

Question 2

Business Interruption &#038; Extra Expense (BI/EE)

Accepted Answer

Business Interruption & Extra Expense insurance provides coverage when your business shuts down temporarily due to a covered loss. This helps replace your income and covered expenses like rent, payroll and other financial responsibilities during times when your business is not able to operate. The coverage amount is the dollar amount you choose that the insurance company will pay total during the time your business is unable to operate. We recommend planning for a maximum of 3 months of business income and expenses.

Question 3

Is damage to animals covered?

Accepted Answer

Our coverage is designed to cover you for bodily injury and property damage claims that you become legally obligated to pay due to your business operations and professional services. Since each situation is different, a claims adjuster makes those decisions at the time a claim is submitted and if it was deemed as a result of your negligence the insurance is designed to respond in that type of situation. Animals are NOT considered property covered by the Business Personal Property & Business Interruption coverage.

Question 4

I do hypnotherapy in several locations, am I covered?

Accepted Answer

You can travel anywhere in the world to work as long as you are abiding by all state and local laws pertaining to your trade.

Question 5

Are dental plans included in my membership?

Accepted Answer

We wish we could include dental plans in your membership, but what we do offer is exclusive discounts on plans from our partners. Access this benefit in your Members Only Area and save on the dental plan that is right for your needs. Rates vary in prices due to location, coverage choices and provider rates.

Question 6

How do accidents and injuries affect your business?

Accepted Answer

Accidents happen – no matter how well you prepare or how much training you have, it’s just a part of life. When this happens, unfortunately attorney fees can be expensive and devastating to a small business even if that business did nothing wrong.

That high cost often translates into higher rates. Sometimes that increase is $20, while other times it’s $100. It often depends on what is happening in that specific trade in the industry. Take for example the AcroYoga industry. When one or two studios or teachers have a client fall and tear their rotator cuff, that may amount to $300,000 in medical costs, especially if surgeries are involved. Multiply that by twenty studios, and you have claims costs upwards of $6 million!

Again, this is why our approach in creating optional choices is so important. Not all services feel the rate increase. For example, massage therapists aren’t paying for an increase when claims rise for those in the pole fitness industry, and vice versa.

Question 7

Do I need sexual abuse liability coverage as a bodyworker?

Accepted Answer

Sexual abuse liability coverage is an “optional” endorsement of coverage available anytime in your account. We highly recommend sexual abuse coverage for any professional doing “hands on” bodywork services.

Question 8

Am I covered for damages the dog causes to a place I visit?

Accepted Answer

Our plan offers coverage for damages to a premise that you may rent or have permission to use.

Question 9

I do massage in several locations, will this cover me?

Accepted Answer

As a massage therapist, you would be covered in several locations but must be abiding by all state and local laws regarding your service. A landlord or venue might require you to add them as an additional insured.

Question 10

Do you cover slackline yoga?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as the slackline is no more than 2-3 feet from the ground to minimize injury and if it is for the sole purpose of teaching yoga.

Question 11

Does CyberShield PLUS+ cover lawsuits for website CIPA violations?

Accepted Answer

No. Exclusion 25.b (page 13) of the CyberShield PLUS+ policy excludes wiretapping, eavesdropping, improper consent practices, and unauthorized use of tracking or monitoring tools.

Question 12

Can I offer my services to other AB members?

Accepted Answer

We LOVE that you want to support each other! We created a member-to-member discount area where our members can provide special offers exclusive to fellow members of Alternative Balance. To access this area, log in to your account center, hover over the Members Only tab and click Member to Member Discounts.

Question 13

I teach my trade, am I covered?

Accepted Answer

Our plan is designed to cover you for teaching and/or providing the services that you see on our 'Services Covered' page.

Question 14

I am a dog walker. Is there a limit to how many dogs I can walk at one time?

Accepted Answer

There in not a set limit as to how many you can walk at one time as a dog walker. We would suggest that you walk no more than you can safely control.

Question 15

If I have an instructor teaching a fitness class with me are we both covered?

Accepted Answer

Any independent contractors, employees, or volunteers are not covered under your policy. Please contact our broker for a review of your business to determine appropriate coverage!   NEXO Insurance Email: info@nexofit.com Phone #: 424-321-8955

Question 16

I submitted my information to be a featured member. When will it showcase?

Accepted Answer

We are excited to showcase our members and their work through our 'Get Featured' member benefit! When we are going to feature your information, our social media team will typically tag you (if possible) so you can also share it with your network. We cannot provide an exact date and time of when it will be shared.

Question 17

I do aerial and paddle board yoga, is this covered?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can add aerial yoga and paddle board yoga as premium services.

Question 18

Tenant Glass

Accepted Answer

This limit covers building glass at a covered rented or leased premises caused by or resulting from a covered incident. You must be a legal tenant of the property or have a contractual responsibility to insure the glass or a contractual responsibility to pay for loss or damage to that property. Tenant glass coverage is only available on higher limit BPP policies so please reach out to our customer service department to assist you!

Question 19

I teach yoga in several locations, am I covered?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you would be covered teaching yoga in several locations but must be abiding by all state and local laws regarding your service. A landlord, school or venue might require you to add them as an additional insured.

Question 20

I am a hairstylist. Am I covered if I do a wedding or event?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as a hair stylist you would be covered in several locations but must be abiding by all state and local laws regarding your service.

Question 21

What address do I put on the application?

Accepted Answer

Please use your mailing address so we can send any important information, renewal notices, etc., to you. The Alternative Balance policy membership covers you anywhere you work as long as you are a U.S. resident and are abiding by state and local laws pertaining to your trade.

Question 22

I have a mobile dance company where I teach at schools, am I covered?

Accepted Answer

You are covered everywhere you provide your service. A landlord or venue might require you to add them as an additional insured.

Question 23

Can I use one email if I am signing up different people?

Accepted Answer

No, each account must have a unique email address. This is for security reasons as well as to ensure that errors do not occur.The policy holder should be present while you are completing the application for them since they will be the owners of that policy and account and will need to agree to the terms and conditions.

Question 24

Do you cover the transportation of animals during treatment?

Accepted Answer

We do not cover the transportation of animals during treatment. Please contact your auto insurance provider to review your transportation coverage.

Question 25

What benefits do I get as a member?

Accepted Answer

Your Alternative Balance membership gives you access to everything you need to protect and grow your business! Each benefit focuses on specific resources to grow and strengthen your education and business. Immediately after you sign up for membership, you’ll receive access to your own online account, insurance documents and members-only area. Login 24/7 to access marketing tools, business templates, social and billing resources, member webinars, other insurance plans, discounts with partnering companies and more when the time is right for you!

Question 26

I do not live in the U.S. Can I join the affiliate program?

Accepted Answer

No. Unfortunately, at this time, you have to be a legal U.S. resident with a U.S. address to join the affiliate program.

Question 27

Do you cover massage therapy for dogs and pets?

Accepted Answer

Yes, We cover massage therapy for dogs, pets as well as horses.

Question 28

How do I get a quote?

Accepted Answer

We like to make the process as clear and simple as possible, so you can view our rates and pricing on our Coverage & Pricing page.

Question 29

Can you explain what you mean by not covering “performance” in Aerial/Acro Yoga?

Accepted Answer

The insurance classification and use of the term “performance” in Aerial/Acro Yoga can imply that the individual is entertaining and not implementing Aerial/Acro Yoga with others for the sole purpose of fitness, flexibility or therapy.

Question 30

What are the most common types of claims with airbrush tanning?

Accepted Answer

Some of the risks of airbrush tanning include fainting clients, poor application of solution, allergic reactions, privacy issues and eye irritants.

Question 31

General Liability Insurance (slip and fall)

Accepted Answer

A form of insurance designed to protect practitioners from liability exposures arising out of accidents resulting from the premises.

Question 32

Can I offer my body and face painting services on a cruise ship?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your general & professional liability coverage follows you anywhere you are providing your service, including cruise ships/international waters.

Question 33

Do I need sexual abuse liability coverage as a massage therapist?

Accepted Answer

Sexual abuse liability coverage is an “optional” endorsement of coverage available any time in your account. We highly recommend sexual abuse coverage for any professional doing “hands on” bodywork services.

Question 34

Aggregate Limit of Indemnity

Accepted Answer

This is the most the policy will pay for Accidental Death, Dismemberment and Paralysis benefits total during the policy period.

Question 35

How do you pay out affiliate earnings?

Accepted Answer

We will pay out affiliate earnings to your PayPal email address. You will receive commission payouts each month if you have a minimum of $40 in commissions for that month.

Question 36

I work in several locations. Will this plan cover me in any location?

Accepted Answer

Yes, coverage follows you everywhere you teach or provide your services, anywhere in the world. You must be a U.S. resident and abiding by state and local laws for your specific trade(s) for the insurance to be valid. Participant Accident, EquipProtect, and EquipProtect PLUS+ coverage apply only to accidents/incidents in the United States.

Question 37

I am in school for only 7 months. How do I make sure I am covered after I graduate?

Accepted Answer

You can purchase a membership complete with coverage at any time starting at $269. This also gives you flexibility with your work hours and you'll also have access to all our member benefits.

Question 38

How do I know if an incident may be a covered claim?

Accepted Answer

Since each claim and situation is unique, we cannot speculate on if a scenario that has not happened yet would be covered.

Our coverage & cost page provides a brief break down of what limits and types of coverage are available.

Question 39

Do you cover yoga trapeze and yoga with hoops or hammocks?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as the practice is focused on fitness, flexibility and therapy and is NOT for the purpose of performing arts, circus movements, aerial/flying trapeze, or gymnastics-focused training.

Question 40

Is my equipment covered?

Accepted Answer

Alternative Balance members have access to purchase a Business Personal Property coverage plan to cover business equipment. You can find more information on this plan via your members only area when logged into your account at www.AlternativeBalance.com.

Question 41

I sell supplements made by a third party. Is this covered?

Accepted Answer

We cover you recommending and using products during a session and selling pre-manufactured products if product sales make up less than 20% of your total income. This is designed to protect the recommendation, use, and sale of pre-manufactured products as well as any products, teas, tinctures, blends that you have made and use during a session with a client. If you are selling/distributing any other products that you manufactured, rebottled, repackaged, or relabeled or that are to be injected or used invasively, you will need a separate product liability policy.

Question 42

I work in several states and work in different trades. Will I be covered?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this policy will follow you wherever you go as long as you follow the specific state laws regarding the service you provide.

Question 43

Can I add additional coaches and instructors to my policy?

Accepted Answer

Any independent contractors, employees, or volunteers are not covered under your policy. Please contact our broker for a review of your business to determine appropriate coverage!   NEXO Insurance Email: info@nexofit.com Phone #: 424-321-8955

Question 44

Do you cover waxing, including brazilian?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we cover waxing including bikini/brazilian waxing.

Question 45

What do I need to become an affiliate?

Accepted Answer

Nothing! Just your desire to be an affiliate and support the industry. You don't even need a website (although having your own website helps). You can promote our product via search engines like Google, postings in internet forums, tweeting, posting links on Facebook, LinkedIn, recording videos, or simply emailing your affiliate link to all your friends and people you know.

If you do have your own website, include your affiliate link to send people to us who are looking for association membership tools, benefits, and insurance coverage for their business. All you need to do is to send a visitor to our site via your own unique affiliate link, and if they sign up as a member of Alternative Balance you will get $20!

Question 46

Renew Online

Accepted Answer

You can renew your insurance and membership 24/7 at your convenience by logging into your account center.

STEP 1: Login to your account
STEP 2: Click 'My Policies'
STEP 3: Click 'RENEW'.
STEP 4: Complete the new form and make a secure payment with credit card.

That's it! You are issued a new policy. Confirmation is instantly emailed to you and your documents are available instantly in your account center.Please note: Your effective date will not change unless it has lapsed.

Question 47

Why do the premium therapies cost more?

Accepted Answer

Our premium therapies are considered higher risk services, so higher rates are individually determined. This provides us a way to open up more therapies while maintaining a stable and balanced rate when it comes to membership pricing.

Question 48

Maximum Benefit Period

Accepted Answer

This is the period of time between the date of the accident causing injury to the participant and the date when no further eligible expenses may be incurred by the injured participant.

Question 49

Can I do my energy work in a group setting?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your energy work can be done individually or in a group such as in a reiki share or guided meditation.

Question 50

Can I get group health insurance as a member?

Accepted Answer

We wish we could offer a group plan for health insurance that could fit everyone. However, what we do offer is a direct link to our partner that can design a health plan as unique as you! Access this link in your Members Only Area.

Question 51

General &#038; Professional Aggregate Limit

Accepted Answer

The maximum amount your policy will pay in a 12-month policy period for bodily injury and property damage claims that you become legally obligated to pay due to your business operations and professional services.

Question 52

Can I add additional pilates instructors in my studio to my policy?

Accepted Answer

Any independent contractors, employees, or volunteers are not covered under your policy. Please contact our broker for a review of your business to determine appropriate coverage!   NEXO Insurance Email: info@nexofit.com Phone #: 424-321-8955

Question 53

Who is the insurance company?

Accepted Answer

Our liability policy is backed by LIO Specialty Insurance Company.

Question 54

Am I covered for pet sitting services?

Accepted Answer

Our coverage does not extend to pet sitting services at this time, just dog walking and pet grooming.

Question 55

Can I add my spouse or family members on my nail technician policy?

Accepted Answer

As a nail technician if you employ professionals you can add them to your liability policy. If they are independent contractors they must get their own individual policy. All professionals must be abiding by state and local laws pertaining to their services.

Question 56

Incurred Period

Accepted Answer

The Incurred Period (or Incurral Period) means the time period the covered loss or covered expense must be claimed. The Incurred Period begins on the date the accident causing the loss happened.

Question 57

I have a website where I provide advice, is this covered?

Accepted Answer

Covered services that our members offer online, including providing advice on a website, are covered by the Alternative Balance insurance program. If you are compiling others' information or using media resources you have not received permission to use in that published content, that would not be covered under our policy. We also recommend adding the CyberShield Plus+ protection package if you work online. You can read more about that optional coverage here.

All terms and conditions of the policy apply, and coverage for a specific claim is determined by the claims adjuster.

Question 58

I teach pilates in several locations, am I covered?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you would be covered teaching pilates in several locations but must be abiding by all state and local laws regarding your service. A landlord, school or venue might require you to add them as an additional insured.

Question 59

Does CyberShield PLUS+ cover regulatory fines and penalties?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in some cases. If a government agency brings a regulatory proceeding against youafter a security breach, the CyberShield PLUS+ policy is intended to pay fines and penalties brought against you, including defense costs (up to any applicable state limits).

Question 60

Can I add independent contractors that work in my salon?

Accepted Answer

We cannot offer coverage for independent contractors at this time.

Question 61

How can I help keep rates low in the industry?

Accepted Answer

Together as a group everyone should contribute to help keep costs low. You can do that by doing some of the following:

Take extra precautions in your work.
Pay attention to the cleanliness of your work space.
Put extra effort into creating and administering safety briefings and instructions, especially for new clients.
Ensure you have the appropriate waivers and disclosures signed by your clients.

Be sure to visit the Members Only section for waivers, intake forms and more tools specific to your industry. If you don't see one for your business type, please let us know.

Question 62

General &#038; Professional Each Occurrence limit

Accepted Answer

The maximum amount the insurance carrier will pay for any one bodily injury or property damage claim that you become legally obligated to pay due to your business and professional services.

Question 63

How do I update my address?

Accepted Answer

You can update your contact information by logging in to your account, go to 'My Policies', click on the most recent policy number, then scroll to the bottom of the page and click 'Edit Policyholder Info'.

Question 64

Can my membership be pro-rated?

Accepted Answer

We do not pro-rate. All memberships are for one full year.

3 months of business income & expenses:		$45,000
Business personal property:	+	$35,000
Total Coverage Needed:		$80,000

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