It’s a technique like any other to imagine the success of virtual reality headsets… The insurer Aviva, the largest in the United Kingdom, explained to the Guardian having seen a jump in household claims involving a VR headset in 2021.
Televisions, the main victims of VR headsets
A quick search on YouTube gives you an idea of the type of accident that can be caused by a VR headset. Videos accumulating millions of views compile players a little too immersed in a game, falling, hitting a wall, furniture or the living room television.
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If they amuse the regulars of video platforms, this is not always the case for the people represented, especially when there is breakage. According to Aviva, the average claims for accidents involving VR headsets are 650 pounds, around 776 euros. This corresponds above all to televisions, the main victims of virtual reality.
According to Aviva, televisions just have to behave themselves, there will still be enough to feed the videos, and for a long time. The insurer notes an increase in claims due to virtual reality headsets from 68% since 2016 UK. For 2021 alone, the increase is 31%.
Rather good news for manufacturers, as long as no serious accident is to be deplored. The VR headset market is struggling to take off, to go beyond the scope of new technology enthusiasts to reach the general public. Aviva’s data are encouraging, even if the scope should be put into perspective, they are a sign of the democratization of this type of device.
Aviva suggests taking a good look at your home insurance
Asked by the British press Kelly Whittington, director of property claims at Aviva, confirms ” When new games and gadgets become popular, we often see this play into customer complaints. “.
Professional, Kelly Whittington explains that the majority of cases received by her company have been treated, but she calls for caution, “ These devices can be a lot of fun, but we encourage people to be mindful of their surroundings and take a look at their home insurance to make sure it meets their needs. “.
Insurers are often on the first or second line to see the emergence of a popular new technology or rather its consequences, autonomous driving, electric scooters and now VR helmets. Aviva has been receiving a significant number of related complaints since Christmas and expects more incidents.