The Boys is an Amazon Prime series based on a comic book series written by Garth Ennis and Derick Robertson. The general premise of the series is that a group of people who’ve been injected with a chemical compound develop superpowers that help them battle against supervillains trying to cause chaos and havoc in the city.
Whether the powers were sought after or thrust upon them without consent, the one thing that is true from one superhero universe to the next is the vast levels of property damage associated with the epic shenanigans that the arch nemesis gets into to create a story worth partaking in. Even those who don’t work in the industry often ask, “what about superheroes and car insurance?”
How Insurance Coverage Would be Offered
Between the loss of life and the property and auto damage when the Seven and the Boys come toe to toe, the costs of insurance in the city must be astronomical. As they’re built and run today, insurance agencies would be hard pressed to offer anyone coverage in the town given the damage frequency. The premiums would be sky-high, and the payout would regularly bankrupt the companies.
Terrorism Insurance
When terrorists flew planes into the Twin Towers in New York City in 2001, the levels of property damage, auto damage, and loss of life were unlike any other situation we’d experienced since the beginning of the insurance industry. Firefighters and police became our real-life superheroes; companies began raising funds, offering discounts, and otherwise rewarding their efforts in the face of imminent danger to rescue who they could from this terrible circumstance.
After the dust settled, damages could be assessed, and the citizens of New York tried to return to some semblance of normalcy. From that era forward, terrorism insurance became a standard option on many insurance policies.
In season three of The Boys, there are references to Captain Al Queda as a bigoted nickname for Silver Kincade, a Muslim hero attached to The Seven. The implication here is that many of the events parallel those of our world. Therefore, the mundane factors of life (such as insurance) must also parallel our world.
Historical Adaptation
The damage seen in the attacks on the World Trade Center was classified as “acts of terrorism” that were not previously covered as new events mark our history and our way of life changes. If we had individuals with superhuman powers, insurance would likely be handled differently.
In recent decades, insurance policies have adjusted to include flood damage in areas prone to hurricanes and snow damage in places known for ice storms and heavy snows. Most insurance companies have adapted to the times, and the weather data account for their adjustments to how insurance is handled. Is there any real reason that adapting to a world with superheroes would be any different?
Damages Seen in Superhero Worlds
Everyone is familiar with the classic Hulk throw or the Ironman car landing, even a wayward arrow flying from a mile away by Hawkeye’s brawny biceps. . But the thing that is often overlooked by audiences is how convenient cars are as projectile missiles or cover in a firefight.
Property damage is also typical; situations like Butcher and Soldier Boy’s epic fight in the season three finale damage the news studio or the destruction of the surveillance room when Starlight and Big Black Noir clash are typical superhero-supervillain interactions.
When you look at the Amazon TV rendition versus the original comic book series, it’s easy to see why some of the powers of The Boys were changed. Teleportation and accidental disrobing of an attractive character are far more likely to keep the folks watching that otherwise would skip right past the title. Super strength is a power much more likely to cause damages that car insurance companies may need to account for.
Superhero Insurance
Between the property damage and the destruction of cars through various acts, it would make sense to add a layer of coverage to the protection needs of supes (that is, super humans, heroes, or villains are both prone to damaging the things around them). The liability that superheroes would need to cover could, theoretically, be covered by additional policy add-ons that protect their wallets.
However, it is unlikely the villains would pay for the same coverage. They are a villain, after all. On the other hand, you could theoretically have the city’s citizens pay additional fees in their premium to protect against the chances that their property or car will be damaged as they go along their day. You never know when Homelander, Stormfront, or whoever the antagonist de jour is will take their bar brawl down your street.
Reality or Fiction – Budgeting for Insurance
It doesn’t matter which world you live in; insurance is one of the unavoidable costs of owning a car or living in a home needing protection. In reality, it is illegal to drive in most states without at least carrying liability insurance. Suppose you’re still financing your car or paying the rent or mortgage on your home. In that case, you’ll often be required to carry more comprehensive coverage to protect yourself and others in case of natural disasters, bad weather, or an upset super villain.
Saving on Insurance
Not all of us get paid like rockstars, celebrities, and superheroes. Most of us work our jobs and do our best to create unforgettable memories with our loved ones and live our very best lives. Part of that process is saving money where we can so we can use it to create lasting adventures with our friends and family.
Below are a few ways to save on your insurance without sacrificing the beautiful things in life.
- Reassess your needs every year to find new discounts
- Bundle your policies for car, property, and home
- Drive safely and avoid traffic violations
- Keep your car in working order. Never forget routine maintenance
- Drive defensively to avoid collisions, take a defensive driving course to learn new skills
- Stay on top of recalls and safety features for your car
- Report any changes in your situation or car ownership to your agent immediately.
It’s fun to imagine what our world would be like if the Avengers and The Boys and Justice League weren’t just characters on a screen. While comics are an escape from reality for many people, living in that world would still come with its share of adult responsibilities and expenses. Perhaps, The Boys has a point, with all of the parallels and product placement giving a strong representation of the natural world and its obligations and struggles.
Living in a world with superhuman powers doesn’t mean that things will always be easier, but more often, you’ll deal with the same issues amplified by your infamy.
