What Happens If You Don’t Have Insurance in Star Citizen?
In Star Citizen, venturing into the vast universe without insurance is a gamble with potentially high stakes. Put simply, if you don’t have insurance on your ship and it gets destroyed, you lose it – permanently. This means no replacement, no compensation, and a significant setback in your progress within the game. You’ll be back to using your starting ship, or have to purchase a new ship with in-game currency, which can be a lengthy and arduous process.
The Uninsured Galaxy: Risks and Realities
Navigating the ‘verse without insurance exposes you to several critical risks:
- Permanent Ship Loss: As mentioned, this is the most significant consequence. A single unlucky encounter with pirates, a poorly executed landing, or a bug could spell the end for your beloved ship. All those hours spent earning the credits to buy it, or the real money invested, vanish in a puff of space dust.
- Loss of Upgrades: Ship upgrades, like better weapons, shields, or quantum drives, are also uninsured. If your ship is destroyed, those upgrades are gone along with it. This represents a considerable financial loss and further hampers your ability to quickly get back on your feet.
- Lost Cargo: Cargo is usually uninsured by default (unless you purchase specific cargo insurance). If your uninsured ship carrying valuable cargo is destroyed, not only do you lose the ship, but you also lose the entire cargo load. This can be a devastating financial blow.
- Increased Downtime: Acquiring a new ship after losing one can take considerable time and effort. You’ll need to earn enough UEC (United Earth Credits, the in-game currency) to purchase a new ship, which can involve grinding through less lucrative missions or trading routes with a less capable starter ship.
- Vulnerability to Piracy: Pirates are always on the lookout for easy targets. An uninsured ship signals a player who might not be able to afford decent defenses, making you a more attractive target for ambush and theft.
- Limited Support: While the game provides some basic support, such as renting a ship, it’s nothing compared to the benefits of insurance. You won’t receive any compensation for lost equipment or cargo, making the recovery process significantly more challenging.
In essence, being uninsured in Star Citizen is like driving a car without any coverage in real life – you’re taking a massive risk with potentially catastrophic financial consequences.
Types of Insurance in Star Citizen
Understanding the different types of insurance available in Star Citizen is crucial for mitigating the risks mentioned above. Primarily, there are three main categories:
Ship Insurance
This is the most basic and essential type of insurance. It covers the cost of replacing your ship if it’s destroyed. Ship insurance policies have durations, ranging from days to months. The cost of the policy depends on the value of the ship and the length of the coverage period. This insurance only covers the base ship hull, not any modifications or cargo.
Upgrade Insurance
This insurance specifically covers the upgrades you’ve installed on your ship. If your ship is destroyed and you have upgrade insurance, you’ll receive replacements for your upgraded components, such as weapons, shields, power plants, and quantum drives. Like ship insurance, upgrade insurance also has a duration.
Cargo Insurance
This is a separate type of insurance that protects the value of the cargo you’re transporting. Cargo insurance policies are typically purchased on a per-trip basis, covering the specific cargo for a single voyage. The cost of cargo insurance depends on the value and risk associated with the cargo. This is extremely important for traders and those running transport missions.
How Insurance Works in Practice
When your insured ship is destroyed, you’ll typically file a claim through the insurance terminal at a major landing zone. The insurance claim process involves a short waiting period, during which the insurance company investigates the circumstances of the loss. Once the claim is approved, you’ll receive a replacement ship (or upgraded components, if applicable) at a designated hangar or terminal. The waiting time for a replacement ship varies based on the ship’s size and rarity, as well as the server load.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Insurance in Star Citizen
Here are 15 frequently asked questions designed to further clarify the insurance system in Star Citizen:
1. Can I buy Lifetime Insurance (LTI) in Star Citizen?
Lifetime Insurance (LTI) is no longer available for purchase on new ships, but it exists on ships sold before specific dates. It covers the base hull of the ship forever. It does not cover upgrades or cargo. It’s a highly valued perk and can significantly increase the resale value of a ship.
2. Does insurance cover everything on my ship?
No, standard ship insurance only covers the base hull. Upgrades and cargo require separate insurance policies.
3. How long does it take to get my ship back after filing an insurance claim?
The claim processing time varies depending on the ship’s size and current server load. Smaller ships are generally replaced faster than larger, more expensive ships. You’ll need to wait for the claim to be processed and for the replacement ship to be delivered to a designated hangar.
4. What happens if my ship is stolen?
Insurance generally doesn’t cover theft. If your ship is stolen, you’ll need to contact customer support and provide evidence. Recovering a stolen ship can be a complex process. Preventative measures like parking in secure hangars are advisable.
5. Can I purchase insurance anywhere in the ‘verse?
Insurance can be purchased at various insurance kiosks located at major landing zones like Area18, New Babbage, and Orison. These kiosks are usually found near the ship terminals.
6. How much does insurance cost?
The cost of insurance depends on several factors, including the ship’s value, the duration of the policy, and the type of insurance (ship, upgrade, or cargo). Larger, more expensive ships will naturally have higher insurance premiums.
7. What happens if I self-destruct my ship?
Insurance typically covers self-destruction, but repeated instances might raise suspicion and lead to increased premiums or denial of coverage. Insurance companies may investigate frequent self-destruction events.
8. Do I need insurance to fly a ship in safe zones?
Even in safe zones, accidents can happen, and having insurance is always recommended. A stray asteroid, a collision with another ship, or even a software glitch could result in your ship’s destruction.
9. Can I transfer insurance from one ship to another?
Insurance policies are generally tied to specific ships and cannot be transferred. LTI, however, remains with the ship even if it’s sold to another player.
10. What happens if my insurance expires?
If your insurance expires and your ship is destroyed, you will lose the ship and any uninsured upgrades or cargo. You’ll need to purchase a new ship or rely on your starter ship. Set reminders in your phone for insurance renewals!
11. Does insurance cover player bounties against me?
Insurance doesn’t discriminate based on why your ship was destroyed. Whether by a bug, another player, or a bounty hunter, you can always claim on insurance.
12. How do I claim insurance after my ship is destroyed?
You can claim insurance by interacting with insurance terminals at major landing zones. Find the terminal and select the ship you lost. You will then receive a replacement ship in a time based on the value of your ship.
13. Can I expedite my insurance claim?
It is not possible to expedite insurance claims. The waiting time is automatically calculated based on the ship value and server load.
14. Is cargo insurance worth the cost?
Cargo insurance is highly recommended for traders and anyone transporting valuable goods. The cost of the insurance is usually a small fraction of the value of the cargo, making it a worthwhile investment to protect against potential losses.
15. Will my ship be completely identical after insurance?
Yes, if you have the ship and upgrade insurance, the ship that will be replaced will be identical. If you only have ship insurance, your base ship will be identical, but any upgrades will have to be repurchased and reinstalled.
Conclusion: Insure to Ensure Your Star Citizen Journey
While venturing into the Star Citizen universe without insurance might seem tempting to save a few UEC, the potential consequences of losing your ship and its upgrades far outweigh the short-term savings. Investing in insurance, particularly ship and upgrade insurance, is a wise decision that can protect your progress and ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience in the ‘verse. Always check your insurance status and renew your policies before they expire to avoid the devastating loss of your valuable assets. Fly safe, citizens, and remember: a little insurance goes a long way!