I loaned a cotton D-ring strap to a student for Supta Padangusthasana (reclined leg stretch). The metal buckle snapped under tension, and the metal ring whipped back, shattering her front tooth. She sued me for providing defective equipment. My insurance denied it because I sold her the strap 10 minutes prior, making me a “Retailer.”
Key Takeaways
- Use vs. Sale: If they use your studio gear, it’s Premises Liability. If you sold it to them, it’s Product Liability.
- The “Retailer” Exclusion: Many teacher policies exclude claims arising from goods you sell.
- Inspection Duty: If it was a studio strap, did you inspect it? “Negligent Maintenance” is the claim.
- Subrogation: Your insurance pays the tooth bill, then sues the strap manufacturer (Manduka/generic) to get the money back.
The “Why”: Products-Completed Operations
The Trap:
Look at your policy limits.
General Aggregate: $2,000,000.
Products-Completed Operations: $0 or Excluded?
If you sell mats, straps, or water bottles, and one of those items hurts someone, you need Product Liability. A standard “Yoga Instructor” policy often covers services, not goods.
The Investigation: I Quoted 3 Major Carriers
1. K&K Insurance
- My Analysis: They ask: “Do you sell equipment?” If yes, they add a Product Liability charge (usually small, based on gross sales). If you lie and say no, the claim is denied.
2. Travelers
- My Analysis: Great for studios with retail spaces. They cover the “Stream of Commerce.” Even if you didn’t make the strap, you sold it, so you are liable. Travelers covers this well.
3. Amazon Reseller Policy
- My Analysis: If you private-label straps from China, you are the “Manufacturer” in the eyes of the law. You need a dedicated Product Liability policy, not a yoga policy.
[IMAGE: Close-up photo of a frayed yoga strap buckle]
Comparison Table: Gear Liability
| Scenario | Coverage Needed | Standard Policy? |
| Loaned Strap (Studio) | General Liability | Yes |
| Sold Strap (Retail) | Product Liability | Check Limits |
| Private Label Strap | Manufacturing Liab | NO |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Inspect Gear Weekly: Tug on every buckle. Throw away frayed straps.
- Don’t Sell Used Gear: If you sell old studio mats, you pass on the liability. Sell only new items with manufacturer warranties.
- Check “Products” Limit: Ensure it is at least $1,000,000.
- Save Receipts: Know where you bought the gear so your insurer can subrogate against the vendor.
FAQ
Am I liable if they brought their own strap?
No, unless you instructed them to use it in a dangerous way.
What if the block crumbled?
Same issue. Defective equipment or negligent maintenance.
Does the waiver cover this?
Waivers usually cover “inherent risk,” not “defective products.”