Common Exclusions in Sports Facility Insurance

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What sports facility insurance typically doesn’t cover — and how to avoid gaps in protection

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What Doesn’t Sports Facility Insurance Cover?

Sports facility insurance can be tailored to cover many risks — but all policies include exclusions. Understanding what is not covered helps facilities avoid unexpected claim declines, underinsurance and gaps between liability, property and event cover.

Common Exclusions in Sports & Leisure Facility Policies

  • Wear and tear – gradual deterioration of equipment or buildings
  • Poor maintenance – damage caused by lack of servicing or inspection
  • Deliberate acts – intentional damage or fraudulent claims
  • Unattended theft conditions – theft where security requirements aren’t met
  • Known defects – issues existing before the policy started
  • Contractual liability – liabilities accepted in contracts beyond legal duty (unless covered)
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Liability Insurance — Typical Exclusions

  • Injuries arising from excluded activities not declared to the insurer
  • Claims involving professional advice or instruction unless professional indemnity is in place
  • Motor-related incidents (usually require motor insurance)
  • Participant injuries where participant liability is not included
  • Fines, penalties and punitive damages (commonly excluded)

Contents & Equipment Cover — Typical Exclusions

  • Mechanical breakdown unless equipment breakdown cover is added
  • Electrical failure without sudden external cause (policy dependent)
  • Theft from unlocked premises or without forcible entry (policy dependent)
  • Outdoor equipment left unattended without required security
  • Unspecified items not listed where itemisation is required

Business Interruption — What’s Usually Not Covered

  • Closure without insured property damage (unless extensions apply)
  • Pure loss of bookings without a covered trigger event
  • Supply chain or utilities failures (unless specifically included)
  • Pandemic and widespread disease disruption (often restricted/limited)
  • Under-insured property (can reduce claim settlements)

How to Reduce Exclusions and Avoid Gaps in Cover

  • Declare all activities (classes, events, hire-outs, coaching)
  • Maintain equipment servicing logs and inspection records
  • Check security conditions (alarms, locks, CCTV, storage)
  • Add participant liability and professional indemnity where needed
  • Review sums insured annually (equipment, contents, turnover)

Why Use Insure24 to Review Sports Facility Insurance?

  • We identify common coverage gaps and exclusions
  • Policies tailored to your facility type and activities
  • Access to specialist sports and leisure insurers
  • Support with policy wording, certificates and claims
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

+- What are exclusions in sports facility insurance?

Exclusions are situations or causes of loss that are not covered by the policy, such as wear and tear or poor maintenance.

+- Is equipment breakdown automatically covered?

Not always. Mechanical or electrical breakdown is often excluded unless equipment breakdown cover is added.

+- Are participant injuries covered under public liability?

Not necessarily. Many facilities need participant liability cover for injuries to people taking part in organised activities.

+- Does business interruption cover loss of bookings?

Only if there is a covered trigger event, such as insured property damage. Pure loss of bookings is usually excluded.

+- How can I reduce exclusions or avoid claim issues?

Declare all activities, follow security requirements, maintain equipment records and ensure sums insured are accurate.

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