The Strangest Types of Insurance

And What They Teach Us About Risk 

When you think of insurance, you probably picture the basics: health, auto, home, or life coverage. But the world of insurance is far more imaginative – and sometimes downright bizarre – than most people realize. From mustache insurance to alien abduction policies, these strange types of insurance coverages reveal just how creative the industry can get when it comes to managing risk. 

Let’s take a lighthearted look at some of the strangest insurance policies ever written – and discover what they teach us about understanding and managing our own risks. 

Alien Abduction Insurance 

Yes, this is real. Several companies have sold thousands of policies covering the (admittedly remote) possibility of being whisked away by extraterrestrials. While many buy these as gag gifts, some take the coverage seriously – though claims usually require proof, like a signature from an “on-board alien”. The fine print often reveals that payouts are more for laughs than for financial security, but these policies highlight the lengths people will go to feel protected – even from the unknown. 

Mustache Insurance 

For those with truly iconic facial hair, there’s mustache insurance. Australian cricketer Merv Hughes famously insured his mustache for $370,000, reasoning that his signature look was part of his personal brand and livelihood. It’s a humorous example, but it underscores how insurance can be tailored to protect what matters most to an individual – even if it’s a mustache. 

Body Part Insurance 

Celebrities and athletes have taken out multi-million dollar policies on everything from legs and voices to taste buds and even chest hair. Heidi Klum’s legs, J. Lo’s posterior, and Rod Stewart’s voice are all protected by specialized policies. For professionals whose income depends on a specific body part, this type of coverage makes perfect sense, illustrating how risk is deeply personal. 

Falling Coconut Insurance 

Traveling to a tropical paradise? One UK travel company once offered “injury by falling coconut” insurance after learning that coconuts cause more injuries than shark attacks in some regions. It’s a quirky policy, but it demonstrates how risk can be highly situational and sometimes surprising. 

Change of Heart (Cold Feet) Insurance 

Weddings are expensive and sometimes love takes an unexpected detour. “Change of Heart” insurance reimburses the financial backers of a wedding if the bride or groom gets cold feet – though only the person who paid for the event (not the runaway bride or groom) can collect. This policy reminds us that even emotional risks can have financial consequences. 

Paranormal and Ghost Insurance 

Some hotels and tourist attractions have insured themselves against hauntings and paranormal activity. These types of insurance policies cover everything from lost business due to ghostly sightings to the costs of exorcisms. While it might sound spooky, it’s just another way businesses protect themselves from unexpected disruptions. 

What These Policies Teach Us About Risk 

While most of us won’t need mustache or alien abduction insurance, these unusual policies offer important lessons: 

• Risk is Personal: What seems odd to one person can be a legitimate concern for another. Insurance is about protecting what matters most to you, whether it’s your home, your business, or your taste buds. 

• Anything Can Be Insured: If there’s a risk, there’s probably a policy for it. The insurance industry is remarkably adaptable, finding ways to cover even the quirkiest of concerns. 

• Assess Your Own Needs: The best coverage is tailored to your unique situation. Take time to think about your lifestyle, career, and assets-then work with a trusted advisor to make sure you’re protected from both the expected and the unexpected. 

At Blanchard Insurance, we may not offer alien abduction coverage (yet!), but we do believe in taking the time to understand your individual risks and providing clear, customized solutions. After all, insurance isn’t just about paperwork-it’s about peace of mind, no matter how unusual your needs may be. We truly believe that there are no strange types of insurance, just unique risks.

Click HERE to get a more standard insurance quote TODAY!