Pokémon Go App Takes Millions of Players to Exciting New Worlds; Insurance Can Help Make Those Worlds (and This One) Safer

Pokémon Go, a mobile app that allows users to hunt virtually for Pokémon in the actual great outdoors, has taken the world by storm, amassing more users than Twitter in just a few days. However, like most cultural phenomena, Pokémon Go has also spawned unintended consequences, such as injuries and property damage from distracted users. Fortunately, most of these are covered by insurance, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

Even if you don’t know what Pokémon Go is, you’ve probably already seen it in action as there are few places immune from hordes of players scouring the neighborhood, smartphones in hand, hoping to “Catch ‘Em All.” Better still, these players are stepping outside for fresh air, exercise and to experience their world in new ways (or maybe not). Unfortunately, some of them are also walking, biking, or skating into signposts, sewer grates and even each other—not to mention even more serious issues

“We think it’s great that people are getting outside and enjoying Pokémon Go,” said Loretta Worters, vice president with the I.I.I. “But it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and be sure you’re adequately protected against risk.”

So, even if you fall hard chasing a Charizard, know that you’re covered if you have the right types of insurance, including:

Homeowners and Renters Insurance

While you’re out and about pursuing those elusive pocket monsters, rest assured that your possessions are covered if thieves break into your home. And, if someone runs off with your mobile phone, you’re in luck if you have cellphone insurance—though it might not reimburse for your lost Pokémon!

Also, if you accidentally trample somebody’s flowerbed while hot on the trail of a Bellossome (or a fellow player is injured in your home and decides to sue), most homeowners and renters policies have coverage for damage you cause to other peoples’ property and possessions as well as liability for mishaps on your property. Lastly, your Pokédex may be in good order, but you might also want to consider creating an inventory of your real possessions, which can make filing a claim easier in the event of an insurable loss.

Motor Vehicle Related Incidents

Hit while running down a Rotom? Depending on who’s at fault (and local statutes), you may be able to file a claim against the driver’s auto liability insurance policy. Almost all states require that vehicle owners and drivers carry liability insurance to cover personal injuries to third parties. Or your own uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage may pick up the tab if not.

Identity Theft and Cybercrime

Sure, the game’s called Pokémon Go but it’s really your data that’s in play. If thieves make off with your information, many insurers will cover identity theft, either as part of a homeowners or renters policy or as a stand-alone policy. Identity theft insurance reimburses victims for the cost of restoring their identity and repairing credit reports and related expenses.

Source: Insurance Information Institute

Read Other Blog Posts

Floorplan 1200

5 Risks of Hiring an Uninsured Contractor

Project owners and general contractors must thoroughly vet all contractors to ensure jobsite safety and protect against financial losses. A key part of this vetting process is confirming that contractors carry the appropriate insurance coverage. Hiring uninsured contractors can lead to serious consequences, including safety risks, legal liabilities and unexpected costs. Here are five major risks of hiring uninsured contractors that highlight why adequate insurance is essential.
Home Fall Prep for Winter

Fall Into Home Prep: Smart Projects to Help You Avoid Winter Insurance Claims

Fall is the perfect time to tackle home maintenance projects before winter sets in. Use our seasonal checklist to protect your home, prevent costly damage, and keep everything running smoothly—inside and out.
Paperwork 1200

Medicare Part D Notices Are Due Before Oct. 15, 2025

Plan sponsors must provide the annual disclosure notice to Medicare-eligible individuals before Oct. 15, 2025—the start date of the annual enrollment period for Medicare Part D. This notice is important because Medicare beneficiaries who are not covered by creditable prescription drug coverage and do not enroll in Medicare Part D when first eligible will likely pay higher premiums if they enroll at a later date.
Living room

Renting Out Your Home? Here’s What You Need to Know About Liability and Insurance

Renting out your home—whether short-term or long-term—can provide extra income but also introduces legal and insurance risks. Before listing your property, it's essential to research local laws, use a clear rental agreement, screen tenants carefully, and ensure your insurance policy provides the right coverage. Taking steps like securing valuables, documenting your home’s condition, and staying accessible can help protect your property and minimize potential issues.
Ashley Pu Calderon and Wayne Texeira

Working with Co-op Students Yields a Mutually Beneficial Experience

As summer winds down and the next academic year approaches, we at Murphy Insurance Agency are both proud and a little wistful as we say goodbye to Ashley Pu Calderon, our most recent co-op student from Assabet Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School. While we’re sad to see her go, we’re incredibly excited for her as she begins her college journey
College Students 1200

Headed to College? Don’t Forget About Insurance

Whether it’s freshman year or senior year, sending a student off to college is a big deal. Between class schedules, dorm shopping, moving day, and maybe a few emotional goodbyes, there’s a lot going on. With so much happening, it’s easy to overlook things like insurance. But here’s the thing: insurance should definitely be on your college checklist, because being covered can save you time, money, and major stress down the road.
OSHA Safe & Sound Week

OSHA’s Safe and Sound Week Runs From August 11-17, 2025

More than 5,000 workers are killed on the job each year, and more than 3.6 million employees are seriously injured each year while at work. Because of this, OSHA holds a nationwide event each August called Safe and Sound Week, which promotes the importance of companies incorporating safety and health programs into their workplaces. This year, the event runs August 11-17, 2025.
Hudson Family Dental

Business Spotlight: Hudson Family Dental Providing Modern Dentistry in the Heart of Hudson

Hudson Family Dental has been providing modern, compassionate dentistry in Hudson, MA since 1988. With cutting-edge technology and a team dedicated to personalized care, they’ve earned the trust of local families for generations. Learn how this Main Street practice blends innovation with community values—and why Murphy Insurance is proud to call them a client.
Kitchen

Smoke Detector Maintenance: Keep Your Home and Family Safe

Smoke detectors are one of the most vital tools for protecting your home and family, but they only work if they’re properly maintained. In this post, we’ll cover how to choose the right smoke detectors, where to place them, and how to keep them in working condition through regular testing and battery replacement. A few simple steps can make all the difference in a fire emergency.

Visit Our Personal Insurance Page

Personal Insurance

Life is an ever-changing journey, and it deserves a thoughtful, comprehensive plan to protect the things and people that matter most. Our dedicated team at Murphy Insurance is here to assist you in creating that plan. With a wide range of product options at our disposal, we ensure that your plan is tailored precisely to your requirements. Our commitment to providing clear, intelligent guidance to help you achieve true peace of mind. Learn more about our personal insurance portfolio.

Visit Our Business Insurance Page

Business Insurance

Murphy Insurance stands as your steadfast partner in safeguarding your business from unforeseen challenges in today’s dynamic business landscape. In an era where comprehensive business insurance is not just a prudent choice but a vital one for ensuring the long-term stability and security of your enterprise, we are here to offer our expertise. Running a business inherently entails various risks that can potentially impact your financial stability and reputation. Learn more about our comprehensive business insurance solutions, which are meticulously designed to protect you from these potential threats, granting you peace of mind necessary to focus on the growth and prosperity of your business.