These Insurances Every Skater Should Have

Skateboarding is all about pushing limits, learning new tricks, and having fun while doing it. Whether you're cruising the streets, hitting the local park, or perfecting your ollie, there’s always a chance for accidents to happen. While skateboarding is an awesome and rewarding sport, it can also be risky. And that's why every skater should consider having the right insurances to cover their back when things go wrong. Here’s a breakdown of the most important insurances that skaters should have in their wheelhouse.

1. Health Insurance

Health insurance is the most obvious and essential form of coverage any skater should have. Whether you're shredding the streets or attempting a huge gap at the skate park, the chances of a fall—whether it’s a twisted ankle or something more serious—are always a possibility. Having health insurance ensures that you won’t face hefty medical bills after a trip to the ER for an injury.

Why it’s important:

• Skaters face a variety of injuries, from sprains and fractures to concussions.
• Emergency room visits and treatments can be costly without health insurance.
• Health insurance can also cover rehabilitation, physical therapy, and long-term recovery costs.

What to look for:

• Comprehensive coverage for injuries.
• Low out-of-pocket expenses for accidents.
• Coverage for specialist consultations (for things like physical therapy or chiropractic treatment).

2. Liability Insurance (For Skateboarders)

Liability insurance protects you if you accidentally injure someone else while skating. We all know how quickly a trick can go wrong, and sometimes that wrong turn can lead to a collision with a fellow skater or even a pedestrian. Liability insurance ensures you're covered if you cause harm to someone or damage their property while on your board.

Why it’s important:

• If you accidentally injure someone, they might file a lawsuit for damages.
• Liability insurance helps cover the legal costs, medical bills, and potential compensation to the injured party.
• Provides peace of mind, knowing you're protected in case of an accident.

What to look for:

• Affordable coverage that still provides a decent protection limit.
• Specific coverage for activities related to skateboarding (not all policies include this).

3. Sports Accident Insurance

Skaters often face the risk of specific injuries related to their activity—whether it’s broken bones, sprains, or even more severe head injuries. Sports accident insurance is designed to cover the costs of medical treatments and hospital stays that result from a skateboarding accident, regardless of who is at fault. It usually doesn’t cover illnesses or non-accident-related injuries.

Why it’s important:

• Sports-specific insurance can bridge the gaps that regular health insurance may not cover.
• It often provides quicker claims processing for athletes involved in high-risk activities like skateboarding.
• Some policies cover lost wages if you're unable to work due to your injury.

What to look for:

• Coverage for all types of skateboarding-related injuries (fractures, concussions, etc.).
• Low-cost policies for skaters who aren't professional athletes but still need coverage.
• Specific limits for things like rehab or prosthetic replacements, if necessary.

4. Travel Insurance (For Skaters on the Go)

Skateboarding often leads to travel—whether you’re heading to a competition, a skate park in another city, or simply traveling to skate with friends. Travel insurance is an excellent option for skaters who are constantly on the move. It covers unexpected events like missed flights, lost luggage, or even a skateboarding injury while on a trip.

Why it’s important:

• Traveling with a skateboard comes with risks. What if your board is damaged or lost by the airline? Travel insurance can cover the loss.
• If you’re injured while traveling, your travel insurance can cover medical costs, especially in places where your regular health insurance may not apply.
• Travel insurance offers coverage for delayed flights, hotel stays, and more.

What to look for:

• Coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged skateboards.
• Medical coverage for skateboarding injuries while traveling, including emergency evacuation or repatriation.
• Coverage for travel disruptions or cancellations due to injury.

5. Life Insurance (For the Extreme Skaters)

While life insurance might sound like a stretch for many skaters, it’s something that should be considered—especially if you’re engaging in extreme skateboarding or if you have dependents who rely on you financially. This insurance is particularly useful if you engage in high-risk activities like downhill racing or street skating, which could lead to severe injuries.

Why it’s important:

• Provides financial support to your family or loved ones if something happens to you.
• Can ease the financial burden of funeral expenses, medical bills, and more.
• It’s an investment in securing the future of those who depend on you.

What to look for:

• Affordable term life policies (if you're young and don't have dependents).
• High-risk activity clauses that cover extreme sports like skateboarding.

6. Disability Insurance

If you’re an avid skater, your board is likely as essential to your life as your job. But if an injury leaves you unable to skate or work, you might face financial difficulties. Disability insurance can help provide you with an income if you're unable to work due to an injury or illness. It’s especially beneficial if your livelihood depends on physical work or if you're a professional skater.

Why it’s important:

• Protects your income if an injury puts you out of work for a while.
• Ensures you can still cover living expenses while recovering.
• Helps supplement income from skating if you have sponsors or gigs that depend on your physical ability.

What to look for:

• Short-term vs. long-term disability coverage (based on how long you might be out of action).
• Policies with easy application and claim processes.

Conclusion:

Skateboarding is a thrilling and rewarding sport, but it’s important to recognize the risks involved. Whether you're hitting up your local park or skating across town, injuries are always a possibility. To protect yourself and your loved ones, it's essential to have the right insurance coverage. From health insurance and liability insurance to sports accident and travel insurance, having these protections in place allows you to skate confidently without worrying about the financial fallout of an accident. So, get insured and keep pushing your limits—your body and your future will thank you!