According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2019, there were an estimated 41 million children aged 5 to 14 who went trick-or-treating. Despite a drop in participation in 2020 owing to the epidemic, 2021 is predicted to witness a significant increase, with an estimated 126 million people participating in the scary season.
But don’t assume that you’re safe from Halloween catastrophes just because the kids in your neighborhood are good-natured. Hidden dangers and risks abound during the holiday season. There appears to be a significant increase in vandalism and property damage claims filed with some insurance providers on October 31 according to Forbes.
Protect The Family Home
While the coronavirus pandemic has put a damper on Halloween plans the last couple years, this year many trick-or-treaters, are choosing to celebrate the holiday by throwing parties or holding get-togethers. But Halloween decorations can be a risk for fire for to visitors in addition to the usual scares and tricks associated with the holiday.
Dwelling coverage in a homeowner’s insurance policy pays to restore or rebuild your home if it is destroyed by a combination of processes, such as a fire. Damage to your possessions can be repaired by utilizing personal property coverage. In the event that a visitor to your property has an injury, homeowners insurance may pay for medical expenses and other related costs.
Make Sure Your Decorations Are Not A Fire Hazard
Don’t use candles if you want to limit the likelihood of an incident. Jack-o’-lanterns and other decorations should be lit using battery-operated lights. When using candles, keep them at least three feet away from any combustible decorations, such as dry paper or plastic spider webs. Make sure to keep them away from any sources of intense light or heat.
It’s important to test your fire alarm and smoke detectors before Halloween trick-or-treaters arrive if you plan to use smoke machines or willfully choose to use candles.
Enjoying Halloween With Your Furry Friend?
The constant noise and chaos of Halloween festivities could irritate dogs. Seeing people in outlandish costumes on the other side of the door isn’t helping matters. Dogs often feel protective of their masters, thus they should be kept in a room far from the front of the house. You don’t want your dog, to suddenly jump on a trick-or-treater or even bite.
Think about how your dog would react to the Halloween activities before you start preparing anything. The Insurance Information Institute estimates that 4.5 million individuals are attacked by dogs every year, with children making up the majority of those affected. When hosting visitors, it’s best to keep the dog out of the party area.
While the specifics vary by state, most policies will pay for any medical bills or legal fees incurred as a result of an accident that takes place on your property. In the unlikely event that your dog is not covered by the policy, you will have to pay the bill yourself. Make sure you’re covered if you add a dog to your family after purchasing a home coverage by informing your agent.
Don’t Try And Scare your Guests
The atmosphere of Halloween resembles horrifying things. Nonetheless, to limit the possibility of a lawsuit, it’s best to avoid resorting to scare tactics like emerging from the shadows. While these methods can increase your pleasure at a haunted house, they also significantly increase your chances of filing a claim with your homeowner’s insurance.
A Empty House Can Attract Burglars
It’s understandable if you’d rather avoid the witches and goblins by enjoying a night out on Halloween. Naturally, this raises the possibility of burglary at your house. If your home is broken into on Halloween, the contents and any damage caused by the burglary will be covered by your homeowner’s insurance. Here, you’ll be responsible for paying any deductible you have.
Keep in mind that it is up to you to provide evidence of your rightful ownership of the stolen property. Keeping a frequent inventory of your belongings and archiving relevant receipts is highly advised. Avoid being a victim of theft on Halloween by staying in. If you can’t do that, at least leave some lights on so it looks like someone is home.
Tombstones are a target on Halloween
Theft or vandalism of a tombstone is a gruesome but frequent Halloween prank. Most homeowners’ insurance plans will pay up to $1,000 to cover the cost of a grave monument. If your loved one’s tombstone costs more than $10,000, it’s wise to purchase the maximum amount of supplemental coverage available.
It’s The Time of Year To Add Some Additional Insurance Coverage
If the thought of getting into legal problems for partaking in some of your favorite Halloween traditions has intimidated you, try not to let it. To protect yourself and your family from financial disaster in the event of a lawsuit, consider purchasing additional insurance coverage. With Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Xmas quickly approaching, now may be a good time to consider getting more insurance to make sure you and your loved ones are always covered.
