Have you joined the online dance craze, yet? Since the coronavirus lockdown has forced most of us to stay at home, there has been a huge upswing in the popularity of online classes – and now there is an insurance solution to meet that demand.
Brokerage giant Gallagher has expanded its public liability insurance for dance schools, to incorporate virtual classes.
The company points out that even when dance teachers are holding classes virtually they can still be held liable – for example, for injuries to students and anyone accompanying them during classes, whether that comes from a piece of equipment breaking to tripping over a mat. As such, Gallagher has worked with its insurer partners to adapt its coverage to include instructors working remotely – including coverage for legal fees, which could potentially run into their thousands.
“Although dance schools have undoubtedly been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting social distancing measures, instructors have proved their resilience and adaptability by turning on-site, in-person classes into online services and experiences that their students can perform at home,” said Barry Duffin, managing director, SME, Gallagher’s UK retail division.
“Unfortunately, as with any physical activity, things can occasionally go wrong - even when students are taking part in classes in the comfort of their own home. That’s why we’ve incorporated digital classes as regular activity undertaken by our customers who work in this sector.
“With our public liability insurance, we’re able to provide our clients - from self-employed instructors to dance schools employing multiple staff members - with the reassurance they need that they have appropriate protection in place, subject to the usual risk assessments and general conditions of the policy, as they navigate this new way of teaching.”
The brokerage is also urging dance teachers to minimise risks by providing clear advice to participants – whether through pre-recorded or live sessions, such as ensuring there are no obstacles and hazards, and that they are fit and well enough to participate.
