Tokio Marine HCC International (TMHCCI), part of the Tokio Marine HCC group of insurance companies headquartered in Houston, Texas, has joined forces with UK insurance broker Adrian Flux to introduce a specialist household insurance policy for domestic humanoid robots.
The policy, underwritten by TMHCCI, is available to UK customers through Adrian Flux’s home insurance offering.
The launch addresses the potential insurance requirements associated with the introduction of humanoid robots into residential settings. Tokio Marine HCC International and Adrian Flux say the product has been developed in response to anticipated demand as domestic robotics becomes more widely available.
In the United States, robotics and artificial intelligence companies have begun bringing humanoid robots to market, with early models offered for pre-order at prices of around USD $20,000. The two companies expect domestic humanoid robots to start appearing in UK households from 2027.
Stuart Heath, Head of Distribution, International at Tokio Marine HCC International, commented: “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.”
Gerry Bucke, General Manager at Adrian Flux, added: “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.”
According to Tokio Marine HCC International and Adrian Flux, the policy is believed to be the first worldwide to combine protection for a domestic humanoid robot with cover for the home in which it operates. The companies position the product as a response to the specific risks that may arise when these technologies are used in a household environment.
