Difficult as it is to believe, the Pokémon game in its various forms has been around since 1995. You may still have collections of Pokémon cards in your attic or have a copy of the original Game Boy version released by Nintendo in 1996. Fast forward to 2016, and Pokémon is back in a big way.
Pokémon Go, a mobile app that allows users to hunt virtually for Pokémon in the real great outdoors, become wildly popular, amassing more users than Twitter in just a few days. However, like most cultural phenomena, Pokémon Go has also spawned unintended consequences, such as injuries and property damage resulting from distracted users — fortunately, most of these are covered by insurance, according to the New York City-based Insurance information Institute.
Even if you don’t know what Pokémon Go is — or don’t play — you’ve probably already seen it in action. Hordes of players have been seen scouring neighborhoods, smartphones in hand, hoping to “Catch 'em all.” In positive news, these players are venturing outside for fresh air, exercise and to experience their world in new ways (or maybe not). The downside? Some of them are also walking, biking, or skating into signposts, sewer grates and even each other — not to mention even more serious issues.
“We think it’s great that people are getting outside and enjoying Pokémon Go,” said Loretta Worters, the institute's vice president. “But it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, and be sure you’re adequately protected against risk.”
So, even if you fall hard chasing a Charizard, know that you’re covered if you have the right types of insurance, beginning with these three kinds of coverage:
Don't trample through someone's flowerbeds to cake a Pokémon, but if you end up accidentally doing just that, your own homeowners' or renters' policy will likely cover the damage you cause to someone else's. But again, stay out of other people's flowerbeds (Photo: iStock)
|1. Homeowners' and renters' insurance
While you’re out and about pursuing those elusive pocket monsters, rest assured that your possessions are covered if thieves break into your home. And, if someone runs off with your mobile phone, you’re in luck if you have cellphone insurance — though it might not reimburse for your lost Pokémon!
Also, if you accidentally trample somebody’s flowerbed while hot on the trail of a Bellossome (or a fellow player is injured in your home and decides to sue), most homeowners' and renters' policies have coverage for damage you cause to other peoples’ property and possessions as well as liability for mishaps on your property.
Lastly, your Pokédex may be in good order, but you might also want to consider creating an inventory of your real possessions, which can make filing a claim easier in the event of an insurable loss.
You still need to be aware of your surroundings when hunting down Pokémon, but if you do wander into the street and get hit by a car, the driver's auto policy could be on the hook for your injuries. (Photo: iStock)
|2. Motor vehicle-related incidents
Hit while running down a Rotom? Depending on who’s at fault (and local statutes), you may be able to file a claim against the driver’s auto liability insurance policy.
Almost all states require that vehicle owners and drivers carry liability insurance to cover personal injuries to third parties. Or your own uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage may pick up the tab if not.
Have fun playing Pokémon Go, but keep in mind your data could be stolen. If so, your homeowners' or renters' policy will likely cover identity theft. (Photo: iStock)
Sure, the game’s called Pokémon Go, but it’s really your data that’s in play.
If thieves make off with your information, many insurers will cover identity theft, either as part of a homeowners' or renters' policy or as a stand-alone policy. Identity theft insurance reimburses victims for the cost of restoring their identity and repairing credit reports and related expenses.
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Rosalie Donlon
Rosalie Donlon is the editor in chief of ALM's insurance and tax publications, including NU Property & Casualty magazine and NU PropertyCasualty360.com. You can contact her at [email protected].
