VR headsets have been lauded for their ability to transport gamers and other users into fantastic virtual worlds, but the technology has also been increasingly responsible for another, less exciting trend: injuries and broken furniture.
That’s according to recent data from Aviva, an insurer in the UK, which told The Guardian this week that its home content claims involving VR headsets jumped 31% last year—a 68% increase since 2016. The claims involve everything from customers throwing their controllers at TVs to users smashing pricey furniture while making gestures in the virtual space, unfortunate incidents that are being regularly highlighted in forums such as reddit’s VRtoER.
The average VR-related claim for accidental damage in 2021 was about £650 (around $881), according to Aviva. Most cases involved “broken TVs smashed by overenthusiastic gamers.”
Rising popularity of VR headsets sparks 31% rise in insurance claims (The Guardian)
- The trend of crashing into furniture while in the metaverse provoked a 31% jump in home contents claims involving VR headsets last year, insurer Aviva said, marking a 68% overall increase since 2016.
- “As new games and gadgets become popular, we often see this playing through in the claims made by our customers,” said Kelly Whittington, Aviva’s UK property claims director. “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,” Whittington added, urging people to add accidental damage cover to their home insurance plan.