Autonomous robots will soon become a part of our lives. When that happens, “robot insurance” isn’t that far away!
Saturday Night Live once did a skit discussing “robot insurance.” It was a parody of your typical insurance TV commercial. The video addresses the need for “robot insurance” when these bots malfunction and hurt their owners. While it was worth a chuckle, this in-faux-mercial is likely a harbinger of things to come. Before you accuse me of sounding like Philip K. Dick, check out the skit first:
The day when walking, talking robots could happen in our lifetime. These bots will do chores around the house or light work in our yards. They might even serve in other capacities, such as personal and office assistants. Whatever role they play, accidents can happen. Think of all the recalls the automobile manufacturers have had over the years. Robots will go through the same trial-and error process.
Let’s be honest, the insurance companies will make robot insurance a thing. Business and commerce tend to react quickly to the times in the search for more revenue. By playing upon the fear of being sued, insurance companies will offer coverage to robot owners. The plans will be individual or bundled with other coverage plans. There likely will be commercial robot insurance for companies that employ these machines. The insurance companies won’t stop there.
Those greedy mega-corporations will use their collective influence to lobby lawmakers. This will lead to the creation of laws that make it mandatory for robot owners to cover these bots. Will there be two tiers of insurance plans like full coverage versus PLPD? That can only come with the creation of truly autonomous robots. The insurance industry won’t be far behind.
