Blackjack insurance is an optional side bet that pays out if the dealer ends up with a natural blackjack. While many novice players at Classic casino online skip insurance without understanding its potential value, learning when and how to claim these payouts properly can give your bankroll a boost over the long run. This guide explores everything you need to know to master the fine print of blackjack insurance bets.
How Blackjack Insurance Bets Work
Insurance wagers become available whenever the dealer’s upcard is an ace. Players then have the option to bet up to half their original wager as “insurance” in case the hole card gives the dealer an instant 21. Here’s a quick rundown of blackjack insurance bet specifics:
- Payout is 2:1 on the insurance amount
- An optional bet placed in addition to the original wager
- Only offered when the dealer shows an ace as the upcard
- Players can bet up to but not exceeding half of their initial wager
Insurance serves as a hedge against the dealer hitting blackjack when showing an ace. If the dealer does end up with a natural 21, the insurance bet pays out 2:1 to help offset the loss of your original stake. However, if the dealer does NOT get blackjack, you lose the insurance money, and the hand plays out as usual against the dealer’s final total.
Calculating Blackjack Insurance Payouts
Insurance wagers pay 2:1, or 2 units for every 1 unit bet. However, properly calculating and claiming the full payout amount requires knowing exactly what you’re entitled to based on both your insurance and original bets.
For example, let’s say you made a $10 standard bet against the dealer, then put down a $5 insurance wager when seeing the dealer had an ace. Here’s how insurance payouts play out:
- The dealer gets blackjack: Your $10 original bet loses, but your $5 insurance bet pays $10 (at 2:1 odds). Your net loss is zero since insurance covered your original stake.
- Dealer does NOT get blackjack: Your $10 standard wager plays out as normal, but you lose the $5 insurance amount.
Always confirm the payout with the dealer when collecting insurance wins, and remember you still could win, push, or lose your initial bet based on the dealer’s final hand.
Key Rules for Blackjack Insurance Procedure
While the basic idea of insurance is straightforward, ensuring you get fully paid requires following proper protocol:
- Insurance slotspeak.com/mobile-slot-games/ must be placed BEFORE hit/stand decisions: You cannot wait to see if the dealer ends up with blackjack before deciding on insurance. Bets must be made immediately after the dealer checks for blackjack with the hole card.
- Players cannot communicate insurance decisions: You are not allowed to discuss or signal insurance intentions with other players. All bets must be made independently.
- Tie insurance bets go to the player: If you and the dealer both have 21, insurance bets still get paid out to the player.
Failure to follow the standard procedure around insurance wagers can result in forfeiture of payouts.
Reasons to Consider Blackjack Insurance
Given the house edge, insurance bets may seem like sucker bets to avoid. However, certain situations tip the math in favor of taking insurance:
- The running count is high and indicates that the remaining cards favor the dealer having blackjack
- A true count above 3 significantly raises the odds of dealer 21
- Earlier player blackjacks have removed many 10-value cards from the shoe
- Your original wager exceeds half your bankroll
An ace showing and the above conditions make insurance a profitable play over the long run.
Blackjack Insurance Based on True Count
| True Count | Dealer Blackjack Probability | Recommended Play |
| 0 | 28.36% | Never take insurance |
| 1 | 29.23% | Rarely take insurance |
| 2 | 30.08% | Situationally take insurance |
| 3+ | 31.03%+ | Frequently take insurance |
As the table above shows, a true count of 3 or higher substantially increases the odds of the dealer hitting blackjack when showing an ace. This makes insurance a mathematically smart wager in positive player count situations.
Don’ts and Final Tips on Insurance
While insurance can be profitable with proper blackjack strategy, here are pitfalls to avoid:
- Never make insurance bets out of fear or frustration: Emotions lead to wasted money and forfeited potential payouts. Follow basic strategy guidelines only.
- Don’t leave the table before settling insurance bets: Make sure all original and insurance wagers are fully resolved before changing tables.
- Double-check payout amounts: Mistakes can happen, so confirm you receive the right insurance amount before tipping and leaving.
With the above advice, you can take full advantage of the insurance option to protect big bets in positive counts. Just follow the proper procedures in the letter whenever you have the occasion to capitalize on this unique side wager.
About Author
