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The Weird and Wonderful World of Insurance

What are some weird and wonderful insurance stories from America?

The Weird and Wonderful World of Insurance

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We came across this amusing (but true) insurance story with an interesting twist. Only in America!
A lawyer in Charlotte, NC purchased a box of very rare and expensive cigars, then insured them against fire among other things.
Within a month, having smoked his entire stockpile of these great cigars and without yet having made even his first premium payment on the policy, the lawyer filed a claim with the insurance company.
In his claim, the lawyer stated the cigars were lost "in a series of small fires."
The insurance company refused to pay, citing the obvious reason: that the man had consumed the cigars in the normal fashion.
The lawyer sued....and won! In delivering the ruling the judge agreed with the insurance company that the claim was frivolous.
The judge stated nevertheless, that the lawyer held a policy from the company in which it had warranted that the cigars were insurable and also guaranteed that it would insure them against fire, without defining what is considered to be "unacceptable fire," and was obligated to pay the claim.
Rather than endure lengthy and costly appeal process, the insurance company accepted the ruling and paid $15,000.00 to the lawyer for his loss of the rare cigars lost in the "fires."
But, after the lawyer cashed the check, the insurance company had him arrested on 24 counts of ARSON!
With his own insurance claim and testimony from the previous case used against him, the lawyer was convicted of intentionally burning his insured property and was sentenced to 24 months in jail and a $24,000.00 fine.

Published: Sunday, 1st Aug 2021
Author: Paige Estritori


Farm Insurance Articles

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Agroforestry Insurance Guide: Protecting Your Investment in Australia's Sustainable Future
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Customized Insurance Solutions: The Advantage of Specialized Farm Brokers
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Risk Management and Insurance Options for Farmers
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As the backbone of Australian agriculture, farm equipment plays an essential role in day-to-day operations across our expansive and diverse landscapes. From the vast wheat belts to the tropical fruit farms, machinery ensures efficiency and productivity in the face of constant challenges. But with reliance on such equipment comes significant risk—the financial burden of damage or loss can be devastating to a farmer's livelihood. - read more
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Australian farmers face an array of natural disasters that can threaten livelihoods and disrupt the delicate balance of agricultural ecosystems. From devastating bushfires and droughts to powerful storms and floods, these catastrophic events pose serious risks to the farming community. Understanding and preparing for these forces is not just about survival; it's about building a sustainable future for farms across the continent. - read more
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Insurance News

QBE Insurance's Premium Growth Deceleration Impacts Share Value
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QBE Insurance Group, a prominent player in the Australian insurance sector, has recently experienced a notable decline in its share value, reaching a seven-month low. This downturn is primarily attributed to a slowdown in the company's premium rate growth during the third quarter of the 2025 fiscal year. - read more
ACCC Scrutinises IAG's Bid to Acquire RAC Insurance
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29 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has recently voiced concerns regarding Insurance Australia Group's (IAG) proposed acquisition of the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia's (RAC) insurance business. Valued at A$1.35 billion, this deal aims to expand IAG's footprint in Western Australia. However, the ACCC warns that such consolidation could diminish competition in the state's motor and home insurance markets, potentially leading to higher premiums and reduced service quality for consumers. - read more
QBE Insurance Faces Market Challenges as Premium Growth Slows
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29 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
QBE Insurance Group, Australia's largest insurer by market value, has recently experienced a significant downturn in its share price, reaching a seven-month low. This decline is primarily attributed to a slowdown in the company's premium rate growth during the third quarter of fiscal 2025. For tradespeople across Australia, this development could have notable implications, particularly concerning insurance premiums and coverage options. - read more
ASIC Highlights Concerns Over Self-Managed Super Fund Advice
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29 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently raised significant concerns regarding the quality of financial advice provided to individuals about self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs). This development is particularly relevant for tradespeople considering SMSFs as a means to manage their retirement savings. - read more
Regulators Call for Action as Australia Faces Retiree Wave
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29 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
Australia's financial regulators, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), have issued a strong warning to the country's A$4.5 trillion superannuation industry. They emphasize the urgent need to prepare for an anticipated influx of approximately 2.5 million retirees over the next decade. This development holds significant implications for tradespeople, many of whom rely on superannuation funds for their retirement savings. - read more
Back Bay Professional Risks Debuts in Australia with Lloyd's-Backed Indemnity
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29 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
Market Lane Insurance Group has introduced Back Bay Professional Risks, a new underwriting division offering professional indemnity insurance tailored for consulting engineers and a range of professional service providers in Australia. This expansion addresses the growing demand for specialized insurance solutions in the professional services sector. - read more
Medical Emergencies Lead Australian Travel Insurance Claims in 2024
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28 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
In 2024, medical incidents emerged as the leading cause of travel insurance claims among Australian travellers, accounting for more than 40% of all claims handled by nib Travel. This trend underscores the critical importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance to mitigate the financial risks associated with medical emergencies abroad. - read more
QBE Insurance Faces Market Challenges with Slower Premium Growth
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28 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
QBE Insurance Group, Australia's largest insurer by market value, recently reported a slowdown in premium rate growth, leading to a significant decline in its share price. The company's global average premium rate increased by only 1.5% in the nine months leading up to September 30, 2025, a decrease from the first-half pace. This deceleration is primarily attributed to slower growth in business property insurance prices. - read more
EQT's Bid to Acquire AUB Group: Implications for the Insurance Sector
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28 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant move within the Australian insurance industry, Swedish private equity firm EQT has extended a takeover offer for AUB Group, valuing the company at A$5.25 billion. This proposal includes a price of A$45 per share, representing a 25.1% premium over AUB's last closing price. Following the announcement, AUB shares surged up to 11% to A$39.95, though they remained below the offer price. - read more
Australian Insurers Report Record Profits Amid Market Dynamics
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28 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
Australia's general insurance industry has reported a return on equity (ROE) of 19% for the 2025 financial year, marking the highest in a decade. This impressive performance is attributed to a combination of factors, including benign weather conditions, strong investment gains, and the continued flow-through of premium increases. - read more

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Knowledgebase
Term Life Insurance:
A form of life insurance that is a pure protection policy with no cash or maturity value which lasts for a specific length of time, called a term.