It turns out virtual reality (VR) is resulting in real-life accidents, according to Aviva’s analysis of home contents insurance claims linked to VR games and headsets.
“As new games and gadgets become popular, we often see this playing through in the claims made by our customers,” noted Aviva UK property claims director Kelly Whittington, whose camp is issuing a warning to householders with VR devices. “In the past, we’ve seen similar trends involving consoles with handsets, fitness games, and even the likes of rogue fidget spinners.
“These devices can be a great source of fun, but we’d encourage people to be mindful of their surroundings and take a look at their home insurance to make sure it suits their needs. Accidental damage cover can be a great addition to home contents insurance, just in case accidents happen.”
Aviva said claims involving VR headsets – the majority of which relate to accidental damage – rose 31% from 2020 to 2021. Last year, the average value of such claims for accidental damage stood at approximately £650.
The insurer highlighted that VR-related home claims include a controller being thrown into a television set because of a zombie jumping out during a game; a child smashing designer figurines off a mantlepiece while making a swipe move; and customers toppling over and falling head-first into TVs.
According to Aviva, home claims related to VR headsets have grown 68% since 2016.
