Quirks and Conmen: UFO Abduction Insurance in Bismarck, ND

Did you know that a man in Bismarck, North Dakota, once sold UFO abduction insurance? Dive into this quirky tale that’s out of this world! 🛸 #UFOTales #Bismarck #WeirdNews

Bismarck, North Dakota – Bismarck is a place where the extraordinary often intertwines with the ordinary, creating tales that are as fascinating as they are peculiar. Our story today takes us back to 1989, a time when the world was on the cusp of a new decade, and Bismarck was a city where the whispers of the supernatural were as common as the rustling leaves in the autumn breeze.

This true story is a North Dakota mystery that’s a real-life Midwest X-Files case.

In this serene setting, where life moved at a leisurely pace and the community was tightly knit, a conman with a flair for the whimsical decided to make his mark. He introduced something that would soon become the talk of the town: UFO abduction insurance.

Yes, You Can Buy UFO Insurance!

It was a chilly November morning when the residents of Bismarck picked up their copies of The Bismarck Tribune and were greeted by a headline that was as audacious as it was amusing: “Yes, You Can Buy UFO Insurance!” The article was a light-hearted piece, intended to bring a smile to the faces of readers while subtly poking fun at the growing fascination with UFOlogy.

The man behind this peculiar offering was Mike St. Lawrence from Altamonte Springs, Florida. He operated a company aptly named the “UFO Abduction Insurance Company.” For a mere $9.95, one could secure a lifetime policy that promised a payout of $10 million in the event of an alien abduction. The catch? The benefits were limited to just one occurrence.

The Fine Print and the Frequent Flyer Program

What the buyers actually received was a gold-bordered certificate, suitable for framing, and their name was added to something called “The UFO Data Base.” St. Lawrence was clear that this was a gag gift, but that didn’t stop it from becoming a nationwide sensation, with around sixteen thousand policies sold since its inception in 1987.

St. Lawrence’s policy had some humorous fine print. For instance, it stated that they would not honor any claim that wasn’t verified by an authorized alien upon the policyholder’s return to Earth. He even joked about a “frequent flyer program” to keep premium costs down for those who were beamed up more than once.

The Skeptical Eye of the Law

Not everyone was amused by St. Lawrence’s venture. The North Dakota State Insurance Department, led by Commissioner Earl Pomeroy, expressed concerns. Pomeroy stated that anything purporting to transfer the risk of loss sounded like insurance to him, and he was not prepared to let someone sell what appeared to be insurance under the guise of a gag gift. The department planned to investigate the company further.

The First Claimant: An 86-Year-Old Grandmother

The story took an even more bizarre turn when an 86-year-old grandmother from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, attempted to file a claim. She claimed to be a frequent flyer of UFOs, but St. Lawrence dismissed her request, humorously stating that they couldn’t locate her to settle the claim.

Inspiration from Alien Encounters

St. Lawrence’s inspiration for his company came from reading Whitley Strieber’s book “Communion” and Budd Hopkins’ “Intruders,” both of which delved into the world of alien encounters and abductions. These books convinced him that there was a gap in the insurance market for coverage in this area, no matter how outlandish it might seem.

A Laughing Stock and a Legacy

Back in Bismarck, the local who purchased the policy became somewhat of a laughing stock among friends and family. Yet, this quirky chapter in the city’s history added a layer of charm and intrigue to its already rich tapestry.

Conclusion: Embracing the Extraordinary

As we conclude our journey through this peculiar tale from Bismarck, North Dakota, we’re reminded of the city’s ability to embrace the extraordinary with a sense of humor and a touch of wonder. The story of UFO abduction insurance is a testament to the human penchant for curiosity and the joy found in life’s oddities.

Bismarck, with its scenic beauty and warm-hearted residents, continues to be a place where the line between the ordinary and the extraordinary is beautifully blurred, inviting us all to explore the endless possibilities that lie in the unknown.

🗣 What do you think about this quirky con? Let us know your thoughts about UFO Abduction Insurance in the comments below. ⬇️