The Weird and Wonderful World of Insurance Claims: A Year in Review
As we wrap up another year, it’s time to reflect on the fascinating, bizarre, and occasionally head-scratching world of insurance claims. While we see plenty of the usual suspects – cars driving into garage doors, kids toppling TVs, and the inevitable shattered dentures – this year’s claims have had their fair share of unexpected surprises. Let’s dive into some of the more unusual and recurring themes that stood out in 2024.
Up in flames
Fire claims are nothing new, but some of the culprits this year were particularly creative. Among the singed and scorched items:
- Electric scooters: Handy mode of transport, but not so handy when left charging unattended.
- Homebrew heating pads: A DIY fermentation item that ended in flames rather than fizz.
- Phone chargers: Reminder that dodgy chargers can do more than just overheat your phone.
- Electronic toys: A child’s aeroplane toy that transformed into an unexpected firestarter during charging.
While these incidents thankfully ended safely, they serve as a good reminder to keep an eye on electronics – especially when they’re charging.
Robots on the rampage
This year, robotic helpers had their share of mishaps, including a memorable case involving a Hydro Robotic Pool Cleaner. While the cleaner was hard at work, the family’s puppy, with a love for chewing, got to the power/control cable, gnawing it clean in half – a reminder that even tech isn’t safe from a curious dog’s teeth!
Another memorable incident involved a robotic mower and a bonfire. While the mower was navigating the lawn, a nearby bonfire burned behind a barricade. Once the fire died down, heat weakened part of the barricade, allowing the mower to wander onto the hot coals. An alert from the mower app came too late – the damage was already done.
We’ve also had our fair share of claims involving robotic mowers being run over by vehicles. Whether these mowers have simply given up on life or were just in the wrong place at the wrong time, it’s a good reminder to check under your vehicle before driving off!
Lost gems and broken dreams
Losing jewellery is heart-wrenching, and this year saw a steady stream of claims for lost or damaged treasures. These included rings, bracelets, and other cherished pieces that were either misplaced, damaged, or, in one case, fell victim to a rogue drainpipe.
PSA: If your jewellery has seen better days, now might be a good time to have it checked for maintenance or repairs. Keeping them in good nick can prevent heartbreak later.
For more details, check out our article on which items need to be specifically listed in your insurance policy.
Wild is the wind
Some claims highlight the unpredictable ways life can get messy – literally. This year, wind played a starring role in several liability claims, showing just how easily the elements can cause chaos. A few standouts include:
- Airbnb fire damage: Strong winds carried hot ashes from an outdoor fireplace through open sliding doors, burning the timber floors inside the accommodation. (We’re betting that bond didn’t cover it!)
- Marquee mishap: While being packed away, a marquee at an event was caught by a gust of wind and struck a parked vehicle.
- Flying debris: In another incident, a gust of wind sent wood from someone’s yard soaring over a fence, denting a parked car.
- Flying trampolines: Unsecured trampolines and strong winds are a recipe for disaster, as we’ve seen in multiple claims this year. In one case, even a properly secured trampoline was no match for particularly strong winds, showing just how unpredictable Mother Nature can be. If yours isn’t secured, now’s the time to make sure it is.
These moments remind us how easily accidents can happen – and why insurance is the best way to protect yourself against life’s unexpected mishaps.
Some of the more unusual…
Some claims stood out for their unique and unexpected nature this year, with these two being particularly memorable:
- The Broken Turtle Tank: A shattered aquarium caused water damage that made a big splash – literally.
- Fireworks inside a holiday rental: Yes, you read that right. Guests decided it was a good idea to let off fireworks indoors. (We can’t imagine the host’s reaction when they walked in to assess the damage.)
Here’s to 2025
While some of the above gave us a chuckle (and occasionally a gasp), they’re also a reminder of the diverse risks we all face. Fires, gadgets with minds of their own, and jewellery mishaps are just the tip of the iceberg.
As we move into the new year, we’ll keep an eye out for trends, helping to ensure we’re always ready to protect the unexpected.
Here’s to another year of keeping you covered – whether it’s for the weird, the wonderful, or the downright bizarre. It’s our privilege to provide the protection and peace of mind you need, no matter what life throws your way. Here’s to a safe, secure, and hopefully less eventful 2025 – though if it isn’t, we’ll be here to help every step of the way.
If you found this article interesting, you might also like to read our 2024 claim trends report, where we deep-dive into more of the insights and patterns we’ve observed over the past year. From emerging risks to the most common claims, this report provides valuable information to help you stay informed and make smarter insurance decisions.
For more information: