Russian bank answers problem of Pokémon Go-related accidents

Russia’s largest bank and life insurer, SbérBank, is offering free Pokémon Go-related accident coverage to gamers visiting PokéStops near its bank branches across the country. Following the frequent accidents caused by Pokémon Go since its emergence, the company felt obliged to do something about it. They don’t only protect the gamers from unforeseen incidents while playing; but, they also help them catch Pokémons. All PokéStops near SbérBank branches across Russia are equipped with special modules that attract Pokémons. In effect, the players will no longer have to roam around the city to catch ‘em all. However, the said modules are only active during the office hours of SbérBank.

For Pokémon players who would still prefer to walk around the city while searching for Pokémons, SbérBank offers a free accident insurance which they can activate by visiting sberbankgo.ru where they will be asked to enter their nickname and mobile phone number.

In their press release, IC SbérBank Life Insurance head Maxim Chernin stated “As the biggest life insurance company in Russia, we feel our responsibility for the participants of Pokémon Go, the game that gains immense popularity now. Considering the number of news from around the world about players being injured while catching Pokémon, we created a special product that will be free for the players. It is also important for us that the product will help to raise the financial literacy of the population: while playing, the younger generation will be able to get acquainted with such financial tool as insurance”.

Chernin also said that SberBank’s Poké-program has another goal as well. “It is also important for us that the product will help to raise the financial literacy of the population,” she says. “While playing, the younger generation will be able to get acquainted with such financial tool(s) as insurance.”

SbérBank Life is the only insurer to offer an official Pokémon Go related policy to date.