I decided to save on rent and host my bootcamp in the city park. Mid-lunge, a client stepped in a hidden gopher hole and snapped her ankle. Then the Park Ranger showed up and fined me $500 for operating a business without a permit. Now the client is suing me and the City. The City is cross-claiming against me for indemnification.
Key Takeaways
- Premises Liability (Non-Owned): You don’t own the park, but you “controlled” the space for your class. You are liable for inspecting the terrain.
- Additional Insured (The City): To get a permit, the City will demand to be named as “Additional Insured” on your policy. If you didn’t do this, you breached the permit rules.
- “Commercial Use of Public Land”: Most cities require a permit for organized classes. Operating illegally might void your insurance (Illegal Acts exclusion).
- Terrain Inspection: You have a duty to arrive 15 minutes early and cone off hazards (gopher holes).
The “Why”: The Permit Requirement
The Trap:
You buy a “Personal Trainer” policy.
You assume it covers you anywhere.
The Reality: If you operate on public land without a permit, the insurance carrier can argue you were engaged in an “Unauthorized Activity.”
Also, the City’s lawsuit against you (for their legal fees) is only covered if you endorsed them as an Additional Insured.
The Investigation: I Quoted 3 Major Carriers
1. Thimble
- My Analysis: Perfect for this. You can add “Additional Insureds” (like the City of Austin) instantly in the app for free. You can show the Ranger the COI on your phone.
2. The Event Helper
- My Analysis: Good for one-off bootcamps. They generate the COI formatted exactly how municipalities like it.
3. FLIP (Food Liability Insurance Program – extended to events)
- My Analysis: They have a specific “Fitness Instructor” arm. Very affordable for outdoor classes. They explicitly cover “Damage to Rented Premises” (if you damage the park grass).
[IMAGE: Screenshot of a Certificate of Insurance with “City of [Name]” listed as Additional Insured]
Comparison Table: Outdoor Class Coverage
| Carrier | Instant COI? | Additional Insured Cost? | Permit Compliance? |
| Thimble | Yes | Free | High |
| Event Helper | Yes | Free | High |
| Standard Agent | Slow | 25−25− 50 | Low |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Get the Permit: Call Parks & Rec. Pay the fee.
- Add the City: Log into your insurance portal and add the City as “Additional Insured.”
- Site Check: Before every class, walk the field. Use cones to mark hazards. This simple act is your best legal defense (“I inspected the premises”).
- Waiver Update: Ensure the waiver says “Outdoor terrain risks (holes, mud, insects).”
FAQ
Why does the City need to be insured?
So if your client sues them, your insurance pays for their lawyer.
What if a stranger walks through my class and trips?
You are liable. You created the hazard (the class). Use cones to mark the perimeter.
Does this cover heat stroke?
Yes, Bodily Injury. But you must provide water and shade breaks to avoid negligence claims.