Unusual Insurance Policies: Coverage You Didn't Know Existed

Insurance is generally conflated with typical protection such as health, car, and house coverage. But the universe of insurance becomes much more interesting—and flat-out bizarre—when you scratch beneath the surface. From safeguarding against paranormal encounters to covering body parts, these strange policies demonstrate that there is apparently no risk too unusual to be insured.

1. Alien Abduction Insurance

Believe it or not, you can actually purchase insurance against extraterrestrial encounters. First introduced by a St. Lawrence County, New York insurance company in 1987, this policy offers financial protection if you're abducted by aliens. While it might sound like a joke, the company claims to have sold over 6,000 policies.

The coverage typically includes:

• Medical expenses related to alien abduction

• Psychological counseling

• Lost wages during your otherworldly experience

• DNA testing to prove your extraterrestrial encounter

2. Hole-in-One Insurance

Professional golfers and amateur tournament participants can insure themselves against the financial risk of offering a prize for a perfect hole-in-one shot. These policies cover the cost of expensive prizes like cars, cash, or trips that are traditionally awarded to anyone who makes this challenging shot.

Golf tournaments often use this insurance to:

• Protect against unexpected prize payouts

• Offer exciting incentives without financial risk

• Attract more participants with high-value prizes

3. Body Part Insurance for Celebrities

Some celebrities have insured their most valuable assets—quite literally. These unique policies protect features that are crucial to their careers:

• Mariah Carey's Legs: Insured for $1 billion

• David Beckham's Legs: Valued at $195 million

• Bruce Springsteen's Voice: Insured for $6 million

• America Ferrera's Smile: Protected for $10 million

These policies demonstrate that for some professionals, specific body parts are critical business assets worth protecting.

4. Rain Insurance for Weddings

Outdoor wedding planners and couples can purchase rain insurance to protect their special day from unexpected weather. These policies provide financial compensation if rain interrupts or ruins wedding plans.

Coverage typically includes:

• Reimbursement for venue changes

• Compensation for weather-related disruptions

• Costs for rescheduling the event

5. Multiple Birth Insurance

Some insurance companies offer policies that provide financial support for families expecting multiple births. These policies help offset the extraordinary expenses associated with raising twins, triplets, or even higher-order multiples.

Benefits might include:

• Lump-sum payments

• Additional medical expense coverage

• Support for specialized childcare needs

6. Zombie Apocalypse Insurance

In a testament to creative marketing and pop culture fascination, some insurance companies have offered tongue-in-cheek policies covering zombie-related damages. While not a serious product, these policies play on the cultural zeitgeist of apocalyptic scenarios.

7. Fantasy Sports Performance Insurance

Competitive fantasy sports players can now insure themselves against poor team performance. These policies provide financial protection if your fantasy team fails to meet certain predefined criteria.

8. Cold Feet Insurance for Weddings

Some insurers offer policies that provide financial protection if a wedding is called off.

These policies can cover:

• Non-refundable deposits

• Wedding-related expenses

• Costs for vendor cancellations

The Psychology Behind Unusual Insurance

While these policies might seem absurd, they reveal fascinating insights into human psychology:

• People seek control over unpredictable events

• Unique risks create unique market opportunities

• Humor and creativity drive insurance innovation

Conclusion

The world of insurance is far more creative and diverse than most people realize. These unusual policies demonstrate that with enough imagination, almost anything can be insured. While many of these policies are more novelty than necessity, they showcase the insurance industry's ability to adapt to increasingly specific and unusual consumer needs.

A Word of Caution

Before purchasing any unusual insurance policy, always:

• Read the fine print carefully

• Understand the specific terms and conditions

• Verify the legitimacy of the insurance provider

• Consult with a financial advisor

Remember, just because you can insure something doesn't always mean you should!