Man shoots TV (and other strange insurance claims)

Wednesday, 07 January 2009 08:00

A man who shot his TV may qualify as the most bizarre insurance claim of the year.

Lloyds TSB Insurance has revealed the quirkiest claims of 2008 and the call from a man who accidentally destroyed his television while refurbishing an old gun is just one of many.

One unfortunate customer woke up to see a magpie fly into his room, pick up a pair of spectacles in its beak and promptly fly back out of the window.

Another had to report the theft of a collection of adult toys - taking aback one claims advisor who received the receipts for the stolen goods.

Lloyds TSB said eyebrows were also raised when a customer rang in to report a broken bed and bedpost, explaining "nothing gets in the way of passion".

And one claims handler had to explain to an embarrassed customer that the mysterious puddle of water in the garden was not the fault of a leaking pipe but of a pet poodle who liked the spot.

Phil Loney, managing director for Lloyds TSB Insurance, said: "Our 2008 quirky claims round-up highlights that it's truly impossible to predict what's around the corner and whilst it's important to take sensible security, maintenance and safety steps, having a good insurance policy is vital to ensure long term peace of mind."

In addition to the unusual claims, Lloyds TSB said incidents featuring mobile phones, laptops and MP3 players being damaged increased.

According to the insurer, many of us are not taking good care of these gadgets, with devices being dropped in the toilet, plunged into the bath and getting a thorough clean in the washing machine or dishwasher.

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