In a bid to catch them all, players of the augmented reality app, Pokemon Go are exposing themselves to numerous risks.
Pokemon Go uses a smartphone’s location tracking, GPS and digital camera overlay and sends users on a Pokemon hunt with digital critters popping up in various locations around the world.
Within a week of the popular app being launched, reports were rolling in of game-related accidents and injuries. In response to the growing number of accidents, Russia’s largest life insurance company and bank IC Sberbank Life Insurance, is using the game to connect with a new generation of potential clients, by offering free accident insurance (up to AU$1050) to players who register their details on a special site. In their quest to catch them all, some Pokemon Go players are breaking the law through trespassing and using the app while driving. But they need to be aware that despite being in an Augmented Reality Game App, if they ignore the law, there are still real world consequences.
Understand Insurance spokesperson Campbell Fuller said breaking the law may result in insurers fully or partially denying claims.
“The appeal of marauding across the metropolis hunting down mythical manga monsters may not be clear to everyone, but the road rules most certainly should be,” he said.
“Handling a phone or other mobile device, such as a tablet or smart watch, while driving is dangerous and against the law in every state and territory.
“Comprehensive and third-party property motor insurance policies require policyholders to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of themselves and their vehicles. That includes obeying the law.
“If an accident was caused by a driver who was handling their phone, it may result in an insurance claim being denied, and the driver left to cover the repair costs themselves.”
In recent game updates the developers have included disclaimers urging players to be aware of their surroundings, not to trespass while in gameplay and not to drive while playing in order to protect themselves from liability for injuries or losses incurred during gameplay.