Match your studio to the right insurance package

UK Dance Studios & Schools

Studios buy packages, not policies: liability, premises, mirrors and the income that stops if the building closes. Six questions to find the right fit.

Answer the questions below; each option points toward the providers whose cover fits that answer. Your closest matches are the providers your answers point to most often.

Question 1: What’s your premises situation?

I own the building
Points to: Gallagher dance scheme (+2), AXA (+2)
Long lease on a dedicated studio
Points to: Salon Gold (Fitness Gold) (+2), Simply Business (+2), Gallagher dance scheme (+1)
I hire rooms by the hour — You may only need teacher-level cover, not a premises package
Points to: Markel Direct (+2)

Question 2: Who teaches in your studio?

Just me
Points to: Markel Direct (+1), Simply Business (+1)
Me plus freelance teachers — Freelancers under your direction may count as employees for EL
Points to: Gallagher dance scheme (+2), AXA (+2)
Employed staff and helpers
Points to: AXA (+2), Gallagher dance scheme (+2), Simply Business (+1)

Question 3: How much is your fit-out worth?

Sprung floors, mirrors, barres, sound and lighting

Substantial — a proper studio build
Points to: Salon Gold (Fitness Gold) (+2), Gallagher dance scheme (+2)
Modest — mirrors and a sound system
Points to: Simply Business (+1), Salon Gold (Fitness Gold) (+1)
Minimal — the venue’s kit
Points to: Markel Direct (+1)

Question 4: If the building closed for 3 months, what happens to your income?

It stops — the studio is the business — Business interruption cover is the priority
Points to: Gallagher dance scheme (+2), Salon Gold (Fitness Gold) (+2), AXA (+1)
I could teach elsewhere
Points to: Markel Direct (+1), Simply Business (+1)

Question 5: Do you run shows or competitions?

Shows
Points to: Markel Direct (+1), Gallagher dance scheme (+1)
Competitions and events
Points to: Gallagher dance scheme (+2), AXA (+1)
Classes only
Points to: no specific provider (neutral answer)

Question 6: How do you want to buy?

Online, quickly
Points to: Simply Business (+2), Markel Direct (+1)
Through a dance-specialist scheme
Points to: Gallagher dance scheme (+3)
From a household-name insurer
Points to: AXA (+2)

Providers in this tool

Gallagher dance scheme

The sector’s dedicated scheme — ~5,500 dance teachers, examiners and principals insured, from £72/year, with flexible add-ons up to buildings and business interruption. Also runs the ISTD member scheme.

https://www.ajg.com/uk/small-business-insurance/specialist-solutions/dance-teachers-insurance/

AXA

Covers dance schools and competitive teams with employers’ liability — including the often-missed point that senior students who help out count as volunteers.

https://www.axa.co.uk/business-insurance/dance-teacher-insurance/

Salon Gold (Fitness Gold)

Premises packages with the studio-relevant details: glass cover (mirrors!), business interruption, money and employers’ liability.

https://www.salongold.co.uk/health-and-fitness-insurance

Simply Business

Multi-insurer premises packages — a quick benchmark for leased studios.

https://www.simplybusiness.co.uk/

Markel Direct

Liability-led cover with £10m employers’ liability — right-sized for teaching-led studios with modest premises exposure.

https://www.markeluk.com/business-insurance/dance-teacher-ballet-instructor-insurance

This tool gives a guide match based on typical product features, not financial advice. Cover details, prices and review scores change — always read the policy wording and compare at least two quotes before buying. Information last checked June 2026.