About Lloyd’s

For rare memorabilia like a first edition Hemingway, a limited edition Beatles album signed by the band, or a one of a kind car a normal insurance company may not have the specialized knowledge to value and determine the risk of loss.

For that there’s Lloyd’s of London. They have been the insurer of unusual risks for years.

How they work

Lloyd’s works differently from most insurance companies. They operate as a marketplace with multiple financial backers that pool their resources together to spread risk. This includes both corporations and private individuals.

Policy types

Lloyd’s and their syndicates write an extremely wide variety of policies, including direct insurance and reinsurance. They cover property, casualty, energy, motor, marine, aviation, and all types of other risks.

History and famous policies

Lloyd’s was founded in 1686 in a London coffee shop, and they are one of the longest running insurers still operating in the world.

In the 1920s Lloyd’s famously insured silent film comedian Ben Turpin for $25,000, in the case that his trademark crossed eyes ever became uncrossed. They also insured iconic actress Bette Davis for her tiny waist, against weight gain, for $28,000.

Bruce Springsteen insured his voice for 3.5 million Euros, and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones insured his hands for $1.6 million. Other notable insureds include James Dean (with his policy taken out just a week before his death), pin-up girl Betty Grable, Dolly Parton, David Beckham and his legs, the voices of Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and Bob Dylan.

Is Lloyd’s for you?

It’s good to know that insurance exists for pretty much everything. So if you ever do come across a rare item, or discover you have an exceptional talent that the mainstream companies can’t cover, you can rest assured that Lloyd’s is there.

Residents of Monmouth County, New Jersey can call upon the experts at John B Wright Insurance to advise them on even the most unusual insurance needs. Contact them here.