This is an exerpt from a toilet book called Final Exits by Michael Largo, so take it for what it's worth.
I'll shorten it up a bit because I can't type.
A North Carolina man, a self-proclaimed smart guy who made money finding loopholes, bought a $15,000 box of vintage cigars.
He took out an insurance policy, just like he did for other valuables, protecting them against hazards, including fire.
Once he finished smoking the last of his 24 cigars, he filed an insurance claim stating that the cigars had been "consumed by fire".
The insurance company took him to court and lost on the grounds that they did not specify the exact nature of fire they included or excluded.
The man skipped off to the bank with the check, and once cashed, he was arrested, charged, and convicted of 24 counts of arson - one for each cigar.
Unable to find a loophole, he was sent to prison for two years, where he met his demise in an argument over a pack of matches.
There ya go. I suspect it's simply urban legend, but it raises some interesting discussable points.
[Reply]
BRAD PAISLEY LYRICS
"The Cigar Song"
Well I'm a sucker for fine Cuban cigars
The problem is I can't afford 'em
But last year I went and got myself a whole box
And just to be safe I insured 'em
[Chorus]
I took out a policy against fire and theft
And then I hurried home
With a fifty-cent lighter I sat on my back steps
And I smoked 'em one by one
Two weeks later I went to see that insurance man
And I handed in my claim
With a straight face I told him that through a series of small fires
They'd all gone up in flames
[2nd Chorus]
They reviewed my case and they had no choice
But to pay me for what I'd done
And I took that check and bought a whole new box
And I smoked 'em one by one
Two weeks later this detective shows up
Tells me that company's pressin' charges
One speedy trial later they locked me up
On twenty-four separate counts of arson
[3rd Chorus]
And now I sit and I stare at a blank brick wall
Lookin' back on what I've done
To pass the time I've got some ten-cent cigars
And I smoke 'em one by one
Yeah, I smoke 'em one by one
[Reply]
For instance, if one did file a claim, and won, admitting he'd burned them up, would arson even be chargable, etc.
See? Big fun, yo?
:-)
...and
How the hell could someone not know about this? etc.
[Reply]
:-)