Common Exclusions & What Sports Club Insurance Doesn’t Cover

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Understand the most common exclusions in sports club insurance policies - and how to avoid unexpected gaps in cover.

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We work with leading UK sports insurers

  • Allianz
  • Aviva
  • QBE
  • RSA
  • Zurich
  • NIG

WHY UNDERSTANDING EXCLUSIONS IS AS IMPORTANT AS BUYING COVER

Sports club insurance is designed to protect clubs against a wide range of risks - but no policy covers everything. Exclusions define what is not insured, and misunderstanding them is one of the most common causes of declined claims.

This guide explains the most common exclusions found in UK sports club insurance policies, why they exist, and how clubs can manage or insure around them.

1. Normal Sporting Injuries (Without Negligence)

One of the most misunderstood exclusions relates to normal sporting injuries. Public and participant liability insurance does not automatically cover every injury that occurs during sport.

If an injury occurs as part of the accepted risk of the sport - for example, a collision, tackle or fall where no negligence is involved - liability insurance will not usually respond.

  • Injuries inherent to the sport itself
  • No breach of duty by the club
  • No unsafe facilities or supervision failures

How to manage this risk: Participant Injury (Personal Accident) insurance provides no-fault benefits for injuries where no negligence exists.

2. Undeclared or Non-Standard Activities

Sports club policies are underwritten based on declared activities. Claims may be excluded if an injury or incident arises from an activity that was not disclosed to insurers.

  • Unapproved training sessions
  • Social events with higher risk elements
  • Additional sports not declared on the policy
  • External hires using facilities without approval

Tip: Always inform your broker if your club introduces new sports, activities, age groups or events.

3. Wear, Tear & Gradual Deterioration

Property and equipment insurance covers sudden, unexpected damage - not gradual deterioration over time.

  • General wear and tear
  • Poor maintenance
  • Corrosion, rot or mould
  • Gradual water ingress

Clubs should maintain buildings, pitches and equipment and keep records of inspections and repairs.

4. Alcohol-Related Incidents

Many sports clubs operate bars or host social events. Claims arising from alcohol misuse can be restricted or excluded if proper controls are not in place.

  • Serving alcohol without a licence
  • Failure to supervise intoxicated individuals
  • Events outside declared bar operations

Clubs should ensure licensing, training and bar management procedures align with policy requirements.

5. Deliberate or Reckless Acts

Insurance does not cover deliberate, reckless or criminal acts. This applies across liability, property and personal accident policies.

  • Intentional injury
  • Deliberate property damage
  • Gross misconduct

Clear codes of conduct and disciplinary procedures help manage this risk.

Quote

Understanding exclusions helped us avoid a serious coverage gap when we expanded activities.

Club Chair, Amateur Sports Club

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Why do insurance policies have exclusions?

Exclusions define the boundaries of cover and allow insurers to price policies fairly.

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Can exclusions be removed?

Some exclusions can be amended or insured separately, depending on the risk.

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Will exclusions differ by sport?

Yes. Contact sports and higher-risk activities often have additional exclusions.

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Can Insure24 review exclusions in our policy?

Yes. We regularly review policy wording and highlight exclusions that may affect clubs.

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