Choosing the Right Insurance for Your Sports Club

One of the most common questions asked by sports clubs is whether Public Liability Insurance alone is sufficient, or whether a Combined Sports Club Insurance policy is required. While Public Liability is a critical foundation, it rarely provides complete protection for modern sports clubs.

Sports clubs face a wide range of risks beyond injury to spectators or visitors. These include damage to clubhouses and facilities, theft of equipment, employment claims, management liability, loss of income following closures and event-related risks.

This guide explains the difference between Public Liability Insurance and Combined Sports Club Insurance, helping you decide which option is right for your club’s size, activities and risk profile.

What Is Combined Sports Club Insurance?

Combined Sports Club Insurance brings together multiple types of cover into one integrated policy. It is designed to protect not only third-party injury risks, but also the club’s property, finances, people and governance.

Rather than purchasing individual policies separately, a combined policy provides broader protection under a single contract, often at a more competitive cost.

• Public & third-party liability
• Employers’ liability
• Buildings and clubhouse insurance
• Equipment & fixtures cover
• Business interruption / loss of income
• Management / directors & officers liability

When Public Liability Insurance May Be Enough

In limited circumstances, Public Liability Insurance alone may be appropriate, particularly for very small or informal sports clubs.

• No owned or leased facilities
• No equipment of significant value
• No employees or paid coaches
• No regular events or tournaments
• Minimal income or financial exposure

Cost Considerations – Is Combined Insurance More Expensive?

While combined insurance includes more cover, it is not always significantly more expensive than Public Liability alone. In many cases, bundling cover provides better value than purchasing multiple standalone policies.

The cost difference is often outweighed by the financial protection offered in the event of property damage, income loss or management claims.