What a policy!

A Lloyd's of London syndicate said Tuesday it is insuring the nose of winemaker Ilja Gort for $8 million. The Dutch winemaker and taster took out the policy after hearing about a man who lost his sense of smell in a car accident.

"I thought it must be a horror to lose your smell," Gort said. "It would mean that you cannot taste wine anymore. Tasting wine is something you do with your nose, not your mouth."

Gort, 47, said his nose is essential for him to produce top quality wines at his Chateau de la Garde vineyard in the Bordeaux region of France. Among some of the things that Gort can not do is ride motorcycles, work as a knife thrower’s assistant, fire-breather or boxer. Also, he must use trusted barbers to cut/shave his beard. These are things actually written in the policy. This is not the first case of a nose or sense of smell being insured, in 2003 Lloyd’s insured both the sense of taste and smell for a wine taster, Angela Mount, for 20.1 million.

Lloyd’s is known for insuring body parts for people. Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones has his hands and fingers insured. He should probably think of insuring his liver as well! Celine Dion’s vocal cords are insured, as are Brooke Shields and Tina Turner’s legs. Also I was shocked to find out that America Ferrar, the star of “Ugly Betty” has her smile insured for 10 million. What?