When a trusted broker partner approached MX Underwriting Europe with a multi-site gym risk that other markets might have been wary of, we knew we were well placed to help.
The challenge
The client owned three medium-sized gyms, each with extensive facilities including wet areas, climbing walls, running tracks, various indoor courts and outdoor pitches hosting multiple sports and other activities.
The broker’s goal was to bring all locations under one insurer with a single renewal date, consolidating the programme for greater efficiency and cohesion.
While the consolidation made sense for the client, the risk profile raised potential red flags for many markets:
- A small number of claims on record
- High-risk activities such as climbing and contact sports
- Multiple locations, each with different facilities and exposures
Rather than going out to market and risking delays or unsuitable terms, the broker came straight to MX, knowing from experience that we have a strong track record underwriting leisure and fitness risks with these challenges.
“We know what a well-run gym looks like and how to drill into the detail of claims history to understand what’s really going on,” says Seán Leonard, Head of Commercial: Liability.
If you’re managing complex multi-site risks like this, reach out to explore how to streamline your client’s insurance programme.
The approach
Instead of making assumptions based on surface-level information, Seán, Joe O’Rourke (Underwriter), and Conor O’Brien (Liability Underwriter) reviewed the client’s risk management practices in detail. This included:
- Post-loss actions to mitigate repeat incidents
- Pool safety protocols, spillage management and staff ratios
- Use of clear signage and risk acknowledgements for higher-hazard activities
- Solid documentation from the broker
This deep dive allowed the team to move beyond the headline hazards and see the true picture of how the gyms were managed day-to-day. Crucially, it showed that the client was actively invested in risk management, making them the right fit for a tailored insurance programme from MX.
Armed with these insights, Seán and the team built a tailored solution that reflected the true risk — not just the headline hazards.
Got a leisure, fitness, or sports facility in your pipeline? Get in touch.
The outcome
By partnering with MX, the broker secured a long-sought after client, and the client gained the simplicity, consistency, and confidence of having all sites under one tailored programme.
As a specialist MGA with the authority, insight, and experience to make decisive calls on complex leisure risks, our solution unlocked this opportunity by delivering:
- A competitive premium based on years of real sector data
- A two-year Long-Term Agreement
- A low-claims rebate for strong performance in year one
- Confidence in a proactive, experienced claims partner via ATPA/Sedgwick
The longer-term value for both parties was clear: the broker strengthened their relationship by solving a long-standing challenge, and the client gained certainty and stability for their business.
Seán Leonard and his team brought market insight, sector expertise, and underwriting authority to bear, cutting through complexity to deliver terms others wouldn’t consider. Our hands-on approach and deep understanding of fitness and leisure risks made all the difference, proving why specialist expertise matters when navigating complex insurance challenges.
Ready to unlock opportunities?
Since 2017, MX Underwriting Europe has been supporting brokers with complex risks across the leisure and fitness sector. Whether your client runs a single gym or a multi-site facility, our team has the insight and authority to respond quickly and decisively with the solution they need.
Got a leisure, fitness, or sports facility in your pipeline? Contact Seán and the team today.
