I ran a live simulation for a Personal Trainer in Dallas, TX, making $60,000/year, with zero prior claims. I wanted to see who actually offers the best value in the inflated 2026 market.
Key Takeaways
- The “Algo” vs. The “Specialist”: NEXT (Algorithm) is faster and often cheaper for generic risks. K&K (Specialist) is more expensive but has better coverage for specific fitness risks like Rhabdo and Molestation.
- Bundling: Buying GL + Professional Liability together saves ~20%.
- Hidden Fees: Some brokers add a $50 “Association Fee” or “Processing Fee.”
- Deductibles: The cheapest quote often has the highest deductible ($2,500 vs $0).
The “Why”: The Rating Basis
The Trap:
- NEXT: Rates based on “Revenue.” If you make more, you pay more.
- K&K / SFIC: Rates often flat per “Certified Professional.”
- Result: If you are a high-earner solo trainer ($150k+), K&K might actually be cheaper than NEXT because K&K charges a flat fee, while NEXT scales with your sales.
The Investigation: The 2026 Rate Card
1. NEXT Insurance
- Quote:
14.50/month(14.50/month(174/yr) - Pros: Instant app, monthly billing, great UX.
- Cons: Claims support is automated. Strict exclusions on “Extreme” activities.
2. K&K Insurance
- Quote: $225 / year (paid upfront)
- Pros: They know the industry. Better Abuse/Molestation options. “Occurrence” form standard.
- Cons: Clunky website. Paperwork feels old school.
3. Insure4Sport
- Quote: $169 / year
- Pros: Very competitive. Good for part-timers.
- Cons: Limits can be lower ($1M max usually).
[IMAGE: Bar chart comparing Annual Premiums for 3 carriers]
Comparison Table: 2026 Trainer Rates
| Carrier | Est. Annual Cost | Deductible | Policy Type | Best For… |
| NEXT | $175 – $250 | $0 – $1000 | Claims Made or Occ | Gig/Side Hustle |
| K&K | $225 – $300 | $0 | Occurrence | Career Trainers |
| Insure4Sport | $170 | $500 | Claims Made | Part-Time |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check Coverage Form: Is it “Claims Made” or “Occurrence”? Occurrence is better (covers you forever for that year). K&K is usually Occurrence.
- Check Exclusions: Does the cheap policy exclude “Supplements” or “Virtual”?
- Read the Reviews: How do they handle claims? Cheap is expensive if they deny everything.
- Buy Direct: Avoid broker fees if you can buy directly from the carrier website.
FAQ
Why did my rates go up?
Inflation and rising medical costs for slip-and-fall claims.
Is the cheapest always the worst?
Not always. NEXT is legit, just automated.
Can I write this off?
Yes, 100% tax deductible.