It's all fun and games until someone damages a TV
29/01/2010
SGIC is calling for SA gamers to play it safe, after research revealed that one in four people have accidentally lost control of their remote or controller while playing an electronic game*.
With almost 50 per cent of SA residents now spending up to five hours per week gaming and having seen a number of claims, the insurer said safe gaming had become an emerging insurance issue.
SGIC spokesperson Emily Gatt said injuries from gaming like numb thumbs and shoulder strains are almost worn with pride amongst gamers, but causing damage to property in the home like your TV or even mum’s favourite vase can be a hassle.
"Almost 25 per cent of people have damaged property in their home as a result of losing control of their gaming remote. And yet, despite this, around 60 per cent of us admit to not always strapping our remote to our wrist," said Ms Gatt.
Ms Gatt said the research also proved Gen Y to be SA’s most avid gamers and said that 25 per cent admitted to getting so frustrated while playing games that they had thrown their controller.
"In most cases people are probably getting overly excited and losing control of their remote; however we did find a considerable percentage of young gamers throwing their controller out of frustration," said Ms Gatt.
"Electronic games can provide hours of fun, but we just ask that people try to avoid damage in the home by staying aware and following some simple safety advice."
"We’d also suggest that people with a gaming console take up the option of accidental damage on their policy so their contents are covered," said Ms Gatt.
Ms Gatt offered gamers (and parents of gamers), the following tips:
- When possible, make sure you follow the console’s advice and strap your remote to your wrist to avoid breaking the new TV or even mum’s favourite vase
- Ensure all electrical cords are secured to the wall or swept well away from the area in front of the TV, to prevent anyone from tripping over them
- Stay calm – don't take your frustration or enthusiasm out on your controller or remote.
* Based on Pure Profile Research, January 2010.