Teaching Online Part Two: Location regulations

Teaching online allows you to reach people in places you never would have anticipated. From East Coast to West Coast, from Europe to South America, the power of the Internet can bring you worldwide reach like never before. With that comes some additional considerations.

State Licensing

State licensing can be somewhat tricky when offering your services online. One way of being able to teach anywhere is to specifically identify your state and where a lawsuit must be filed in case of a claim. If a lawsuit is brought against you, you want to make sure it’s brought against you in your state, not the participant’s state or country.

Since you can’t really control where your participants are located when you’re offering online classes, you need to include a territory clause in your liability waivers that tells the participant what state lawsuits are required to be filed in. Alternative Balance members have access to customizable waiver templates and discounted legal services for customized waivers and disclaimers.

Insurance Coverage Worldwide

You also need to make sure your liability insurance covers you for teaching in other states and countries. Many insurance policies restrict your work to the state in which you live, only the United States, only North America, or other limitations. If your current policy falls into this category, you may want to consider switching to a company that covers you worldwide. This will ensure you have coverage for all your online services. Alternative Balance policies cover U.S.-based professionals worldwide.

In Summary: Online Liability Checklist

Take just a few moments to ensure you have considered the following aspects of your insurance coverage.

1. Make sure your insurance covers you for teaching online classes!
2. Find out if you’re covered for live videos, pre-recorded videos, or both. Alternative Balance members are covered for both live and pre-recorded videos, as long as they are privately accessed (meaning the participant has to be logged in or pay a fee to get access to the videos).
3. Verify your coverage area. Ask your insurance company if you’re covered only locally, nationally, or worldwide. Alternative Balance members are covered worldwide.

Alternative Balance wants to help you grow your business through the toughest of times. With positive thinking, preparation, and dedication to your clients’ safety and well-being, you will navigate this new world with grace and success.

Contact us if you have questions about your coverage.