factual

What is required of a Degree Wellness franchisee regarding insurance policies?

Degree_Wellness Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

r right or remedy we may have, you agree to pay the employee's current or former employer twice the employee's annual salary, plus all costs and attorneys' fees incurred as a result of the violation. This amount is set at twice the employee's annual salary because it is a reasonable estimation of the damages that would occur from such a breach, and it will almost certainly be impossible to calculate precisely the actual damages from such a breach.)

10.8 Insurance

a. Before you open the Franchise and during any Term of this Agreement, you must maintain in force, under policies of insurance issued by carriers in good standing in the state where your Studio is located: (1) comprehensive commercial general liability and motor vehicle liability insurance against claims for bodily and personal injury, death and property damage caused by or occurring in conjunction with the operation of the Franchise or otherwise in conjunction with your conduct of the Franchise business pursuant to this Agreement, under one or more policies of insurance containing minimum liability coverage of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $3,000,000 in the aggregate; (2) worker's compensation and employer's liability insurance as required by law, with limits equal to or in excess of those required by

statute; (3) professional liability (malpractice) insurance, for each doctor practicing in your Franchise business, having limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $3,000,000 in the aggregate; and (4) any other insurance required by applicable law, rule, regulation, ordinance or licensing requirements. We may periodically increase or decrease the amounts of coverage required under these insurance policies, and/or require different or additional kinds of insurance, including excess liability insurance, to reflect inflation, identification of new risks, changes in law or standards of liability, higher damage awards, or other relevant changes in circumstances. In addition to the foregoing required policies of insurance, we highly recommend that you obtain property damage, business interruption, employment practices, cyber liability, and electronic data loss insurance coverage. You agree that compliance with any state minimum insurance requirements does not relieve you from the obligation to comply with the contractual insurance requirements in this Agreement.

  • b. You must provide us with 30 days' advance written notice of any material modification, cancellation, or expiration of any policy.
  • c. Deductibles must be in reasonable amounts and are subject to review and written approval by us.
  • d. Your commercial general liability insurance policy must be an "occurrence" policy and must name us (and, if we so request, our members, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates) as an additional insured.
  • e. The malpractice policy for each doctor working in your Franchise business must be endorsed to name us (and, if we so request, our members, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates) as an additional insured. If any of these policies are written on a "Claims Made" basis, you agree to purchase and maintain unlimited tail coverage that shall remain in effect following the termination or expiration of this Agreement and/or such policy.
  • f. You must provide us with (i) certificates and copies of additional insured endorsements evidencing the existence of such insurance concurrently with execution of this Agreement and prior to each subsequent renewal date of each insurance policy, and (ii) upon our request stating the reason therefor (such as a claim has been filed against us), copies of the insurance policies, along with all applicable endorsements.

Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 66–257)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Degree Wellness's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must maintain certain insurance policies both before opening their franchise and throughout the term of the agreement. These policies must be issued by carriers in good standing within the state where the studio is located.

The required insurance includes comprehensive commercial general liability and motor vehicle liability insurance, protecting against claims for bodily injury, death, and property damage. The minimum liability coverage must be no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $3,000,000 in the aggregate. Additionally, franchisees must have worker's compensation and employer's liability insurance as mandated by law, with limits at least equal to those required by statute. For each doctor practicing within the Degree Wellness franchise, professional liability (malpractice) insurance is required, with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $3,000,000 in the aggregate. Franchisees must also carry any other insurance required by applicable laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, or licensing requirements.

Degree Wellness retains the right to periodically adjust the required coverage amounts or types of insurance to reflect factors like inflation, new risks, changes in laws, or higher damage awards. While Degree Wellness mandates specific insurance coverage, they also recommend franchisees obtain additional coverage such as property damage, business interruption, employment practices, cyber liability, and electronic data loss insurance. Compliance with state minimum insurance requirements does not relieve the franchisee from meeting the contractual insurance obligations outlined in the Franchise Agreement.

The FDD also states that Degree Wellness's insurance requirements are for its own protection, and franchisees should consult their own insurance professionals to determine what additional coverages and protection levels they may need or desire beyond what Degree Wellness specifies. Franchisees remain responsible for all losses, damages, and contractual liabilities to third parties arising from the franchise's operation, regardless of the existence of the required insurance. They must also defend and indemnify Degree Wellness against any related claims, losses, or damages, even after the termination or non-renewal of the Franchise Agreement. Franchisees must also maintain any and all insurance coverage in such amounts and under such terms and conditions as may be required in connection with your lease or purchase of the Premises.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.