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Halloween Trick or Treating Jack-o’-lanterns can be downright terrible — for your homeowners insurance policy.
Home insurance claims increase 14% during Halloween compared to other days of the year, according to Travelers Insurance. Indoor theft claims jumped 46%.
Insurance risks for Halloween include trips or falls, theft, fire and pet-related accidents.
“Not all of these things will result in a claim, but they certainly will happen throughout the night,” said Angi Orbann, vice president of product management for property and personal lines at Travelers Insurance.
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What’s even scarier is that Halloween is just the beginning night for some of these risks, which continue throughout the holiday season as foot traffic increases in your home.
“The two issues are basically fire and liability,” said Loretta Waters, a spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute.
Fire and lightning cost homeowners an average of $83,991 in damages. according to The Insurance Information Institute conducted the survey based on claims data from 2018 to 2022.
With all the festivities and trick-or-treating happening around Halloween…please consider the safety of the roads and the accessibility of your home.
Angie Orban
Vice President, Property and Personal Insurance Product Management, Travelers Insurance
Experts say the impact such claims have on the cost of your policy depends on how many claims you file in a year, the type of problem, where you live and the extent of the damage.
“Please note that surcharges may apply depending on claims made in the following year,” Orban said.
If you haven’t done so already, add these three steps to your to-do list to avoid danger tonight and for the rest of the year:
1. Minimize risks to tourists
Orban explained that homeowners should try to minimize the danger to visitors in passageways and entrances, “especially when it’s dark and difficult to see.”
“With all the festivities and trick-or-treating happening around Halloween, it’s important to consider safety on the road and accessibility in your home,” Alban said.
Make sure the roads are clear and “everything is well lit,” she said.
If it snows, shovel it and clear the roads so partygoers, carolers and other holiday visitors have a clear walkway, Waters said.
Please be aware of other risks associated with celebrations. Waters added that if you’re hosting a house party involving alcohol, you could be at risk of injury from intoxicated guests or property damage.
“If you see someone who has had too much to drink, don’t let them drive,” Waters said, and consider other measures such as limiting alcohol consumption and encouraging guests to use ride-sharing.
2. Reduce fire risk
Holiday decorations, including light displays, Christmas trees, and candles on mantles or jack-o’-lanterns, can cause fires if left unattended.
“For safety reasons, we recommend that you use LED lights or battery lights instead of live candles,” Orbann says.
Basically, the two issues are fire and liability.
Lolita Waters
Spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute.
Waters agrees: “If a Christmas tree catches fire, a lot of times, your home is going to be completely destroyed.”
If you choose a natural tree, make sure you water it properly and avoid flammable materials nearby, experts say.
“Cooking fires are also the leading cause of home fires and home injuries,” Waters said.
For example, don’t use the stove if you’re too sleepy, she said. She added that turkey fryers, which are common during Thanksgiving, can also “pose a lot of risks” if used improperly.
3. Protect your pets and belongings
Alban said if you have pets, make sure they are protected on Halloween, both to protect trick-or-treaters and to protect pets. The same goes for other festive gatherings and events.
The insurance company will have Different underwriting rules Waters said it depends on the type of pet you own or keep, whether certain breeds are charged more or not covered at all.
“If the dog is not trained and a loss or injury occurs, this will significantly increase your liability coverage,” Waters said.
theft Orban said the risk may also be higher around the holidays because “people are ordering and delivering packages online in large numbers.” Consider protecting your packages and perhaps installing a smart home camera or doorbell, she suggests.
“You can also ask a neighbor to watch the house,” Orban said.
