​Tokio Marine teams up with broker on ‘first’ humanoid robot cover

Tokio Marine HCC International (TMHCCI) has teamed up with broker Adrian Flux to launch a new domestic humanoid robot household insurance policy.

The two firms say the new proposition appears to be the world’s first policy that protects your home, as well as the robot.

Cover is available to UK customers through Adrian Flux’s home insurance offering, underwritten by TMHCCI.

The new policy covers damage to, and theft of, the robot, sudden damage it causes to the home or belongings and personal liability if the android injures someone or damages property.

It also provides emergency recovery or safe disablement of the humanoid following a sudden or unforeseen malfunction.

Gerry Bucke, general manager at Adrian Flux, said: “As robots start to arrive in people’s homes, we wanted to work with TMHCCI to provide clarity on who is responsible if something goes wrong.

”The new cover is the first of its kind in the UK. Like the driverless car policy we launched in 2016, it will be updated as the technology and the risks evolve.”

Demand

The move comes following demand emerging in the US, where robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) companies have launched humanoid robots for the home, with early models on open pre-order at $20,000 (£14,900).

Domestic robots are expected to be in UK homes from 2027.

Stuart Heath, head of distribution, international, at TMHCCI, said: “A robot that costs thousands of pounds is not something you want sitting outside your insurance policy. Insurance has traditionally reacted to rather than facilitated new markets and products.

”TMHCCI has a long-established track record of developing innovative cover and we are delighted to bring this to market with Adrian Flux.”