The Weirdest Claims (and How They Help Small Businesses)
As the local insurance broker Tasmania has trusted for over 20 years, we at RSM Tasmania, have seen (and heard) some odd tales from the insurance world that make you shake your head and double-check your policy.
And while these strange stories might sound funny, they highlight a simple truth: unexpected things really do happen.
Insurance, after all, is not usually the base for ghost stories — unless you count the ones that haunt your balance sheet. That said, check out some of the tales below.
When Cows Fly — Literally
One real claim from Europe involved a cow that escaped its paddock, climbed onto a farm roof (apparently chasing food), and promptly fell through it.
How she got up there remains a mystery, but the farmer’s property policy came to the rescue, covering the repairs and the vet bills.
It sounds like a tall tale, but it’s a good reminder that if you run a farm or small rural business, public liability and property cover are essential — because animals, like people, don’t always follow the plan.
Squirrels, Soap, and Other Mischief
In one case, a UK business filed a claim after squirrels chewed through electrical cables, shutting down their small factory for days.
Another odd one involved a hotel where a mischievous guest tried to wash their entire bedding set in an industrial washer… which exploded.
For the uninitiated, a ‘Bedding Set’ generally consists of at least flat or fitted bed sheet that covers the mattress; a flat top sheet; either a blanket, a quilt, or a duvet.
Sometimes the duvet cover is used in addition to or instead of – the top sheet; and finally there are a number a number of pillows with pillowcases, also referred to as pillow shams.
Both claims were real, both were paid — and both show how even small acts of carelessness can cause big financial pain without the right cover.
Here in Tasmania, we see our own “mini-gremlins” — power surges, curious wildlife, storm debris, or even that friendly customer’s dog who knocks over your laptop. Strange events, but not impossible ones.
Haunted by the Fine Print
What’s spooky isn’t the stories — it’s how often small business owners assume they’re covered when they’re not.
Many policies exclude damage caused by pests, gradual leaks, or faulty equipment. Others limit cover if the business is operating outside normal hours or in shared spaces.
That’s why reviewing your small business insurance Tasmania policy regularly with your broker matters.
A quick chat can uncover small changes — like adding theft cover for stock, updating your contents limit, or including temporary closures — that make a huge difference when life (or nature) gets weird.
The Real Lesson Behind the Laughs
Whether it’s cows, gremlins, or garden-variety chaos, insurance isn’t about the predictable — it’s about the unpredictable.
And that’s what RSM Tasmania helps you plan for.
So the next time you hear a strange thump in the night at work, don’t call the ghostbusters — call your broker.
👉 “Top 10 Craziest Insurance Claims Ever Reported” from Insurance Business — covers a range of real oddball claims.
Remember, this article is general in nature and doesn’t take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. For advice tailored to your circumstances, have a chat with us at RSM Tasmania Insurance Brokers Hobart.
Talk to Roger Hosie and stay ahead with RSM Tasmania’s insights.
Call Now! (03) 6244 7854, or email .
