In a world of fire and ice, murderers and schemers, back-stabbers and king makers, it was only a matter of time before “Game of Thrones” added insurance fraud to the myriad sins committed in Westeros and Essos.
I’ll keep it nice and vague to avoid spoilers: fan-favorite character Arya Stark has embarked on George RR Martin’s version of an “Eat, Pray, Love”-type excursion in the seaside city of Braavos and witnesses a man selling life insurance to ship captains who fear they won’t return home from their voyages. Arya’s mentor has sniffed out that the insurance vendor is reneging on the contracts, depriving sailors’ widows and children of their benefits and pocketing the profit.
My colleagues and I were so excited to see insurance transacted in last night’s episode that we couldn’t help brainstorming additional coverages beyond life (which, in Westeros and Essos, seems to be a decidedly tough risk) that insurance peddlers in the Seven Kingdoms and beyond might be taking to market.
1. Pet Owner Liability (Excess and Umbrella)
Whether your dragon has accidentally immolated a goat from the next farm over or your dire wolf attacked a king, your traditional homeowner’s (keepowner’s?) policy probably won’t adequately cover your liability expenses. As is true in this realm, owners of pets that verge on aggressive--or fire-breathing--would do well to investigate excess and umbrella options to cover medical costs for the victim as well as legal fees if the incident results in trial by combat.
2. Supply Chain Interruption (Business Resilience)
Dragonglass caravan destroyed by White Walkers on the road to the Wall? Shipments of Dornish wine for your tavern intercepted by pirates yet again? Solid supply chain interruption coverage, like the kind offered by Zurich in this realm, will cover lost costs for named suppliers in all-perils. In the event of a chink in your supply chain, strong business interruption cover will help keep you financially whole--but unfortunately, can’t guarantee to keep your head on your shoulders if you fail to deliver requested supplies to certain demanding customers.
3. Trip Transit (Marine)
Sure every ship that sails across the Narrow Sea these days has something special on it, but perhaps you’re sneaking a kinslaying imp out of town before his execution. You’ll want coverage that goes above and beyond your typical policy limits. Carriers in this realm, like Chubb, cover “a single shipment from the point of origin to the destination,” so you can transport that Lannister safely from the hands of one queen who wants him dead to another queen (who also wants him dead).
4. Political Risk
As perhaps the best political risk-maker in Westeros once said, “We only make peace with our enemies. That's why it's called making peace.” Political volatility is one of the only constants in “Game of Thrones,” and the great houses with the best chance of survival know to always hedge their bets (and always pay their debts). When all of those arranged marriages to unite kingdoms fail and turmoil results, you’ll be glad you had solid political risk cover to protect your investments. In this realm, AIG’s coverage includes protection from “political violence (includes terrorism and war)” as well as “contract frustration due to political events,” the latter which may be particularly valuable when rival queen mothers come to blows.
5. Zombie Apocalypse
Three words: Winter is coming. While this appears to be an emerging risk, rumor has it Lloyd’s of London may be able to help you out if White Walkers ever make it to this realm.
Valar Insurance!
(And special thanks to the Nerdette Podcast for redirecting people's attention back to the insurance transaction in this episode--in case, like me, you were unable to remember anything other than the terrifying little White Walker children at the end of Episode 8!)
