September 6th marks National Read A Book Day. We are a nation of avid readers and stories such as Harry Potter, George’s Marvellous Medicine, Lord of the Rings, The Da Vinci Code and Tales of the Brothers Grimm have captured the nation. But how would these stories pan out from an insurance perspective?
Alice in Wonderland
To get to Wonderland Alice slips down a hole following a white rabbit. After Alice falls down the hole she makes a personal injury claim against the landowner for personal injury.
Hansel and Gretel
The witch making a malicious damage claim against her home insurance after the gluttonous Hansel and Gretel eat part of her house. Although an unusual claim for insurers they paid for the witch’s losses but installed a no eating clause on future policies for this confectionery constructed house.
Goldilocks
The bears had unsuccessfully made a porridge theft claim against their home insurance policy as they had left the door open and there was no signs of violent or forcible entry. However, Goldilocks received a payment from the bears’ own home insurance policy and the public liability section following burns she had received from the scorching hot porridge.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
There was a massive health and safety investigation with a series of Public Liability claims against Willy Wonka under his business insurance policy for significant failures on his “magical” tour of the factory. He also needed to use his commercial legal expenses policy to seek advice following a series of allegations about the treatment of his largely migrant workforce.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Cedric Diggory’s death at the end of the Tri-Wizard tournament led to a claim from his father Amos Diggory for failures in care by Hogwarts School of Magic.
Lord of the Rings
After “The Ring” was stolen Gollum made a claim for its loss against his home insurance policy. He had wisely stated it as a specified personal possession on his policy allowing for cover anywhere in Middle Earth.
Lord of the Flies
After the plane evacuating a group of schoolboys from Britain is shot down onto a tropical island, it comes into question whether they had travel insurance leading to infighting.
So what do you think? Can you think of a story in which an insurance claim could have been made?
The world of books has brought so much to society and creates a world of imagination. However it is also important to highlight how apparent these potential claims are in stories and the importance of having the correct insurance on your policy, making sure you are covered and you know what you are covered for.
