UK’s First Domestic Droid Insurance Prepares for Robots Gone Amok

Cover for household robots

Adrian Flux is adding the policy to its home insurance range for British customers. The cover is underwritten by Texas-based Tokio Marine HCC. It protects against damage to or theft of the robot, as well as harm the machine may cause to a home or its belongings. Personal liability is included if a robot injures someone or damages another person's property.

The policy also provides for emergency recovery or safe disablement if a humanoid malfunctions unexpectedly. The firms say the product is intended to prepare for an emerging market.

A market expected to grow

Domestic robots are expected to begin appearing in UK homes from 2027. Demand has already emerged in the US, where robotics and AI companies have introduced humanoids designed for home use.

Early models cost around $20,000. Meanwhile, investment in humanoid robots is spreading to other settings, including car showrooms and automotive manufacturing.

Risks beyond the machine

The article describes household robots as capable of causing disruption while carrying out tasks around a home. It also notes that some have been called potential “botnets in physical form.” The insurance is designed to address both damage involving the robot itself and consequences for people or property. Its emergency provision covers recovery or safe disablement after a sudden or unforeseen malfunction.