Insurance on the playa

This is not an insurance created especially for those with a penchant for beach holidays. Rather, it is a unique program, launched in June by Heffernan Insurance Brokers, that offers coverage for participants of Burning Man. From the outset it sounds like an oxymoron. Burning Man is a weeklong communal artistic experience that occurs at the end of summer each year in Nevada's Black Rock Desert and culminates in the ceremonial torching of a giant humanoid figure.

Not surprisingly, participants have traditionally found it hard to secure insurance. However, as "burners" themselves, Heffernan's Amy Vitarelli and Ben Stern spent two years developing the unique coverage that provides liability for theme camps, art cars and art installations as well as coverage for owned or rented property. There is no insurance requirement for the festival but, for those who want the extra coverage, they can pay a premium of $500 to $850 for Heffernan's offering.