Homeowners, Don’t Get Burned this Bonfire Night : What You Need to Know About Fireworks and Your Home Insurance
Consumer Firework Sales are on a rapid rise throughout the UK. Hosting your own fireworks party has become increasingly popular. Fireworks are more readily available.
Whilst this is all great fun, what are the perils of hosting an event like this? What can go wrong ,and crucially, am I covered on home insurance if something does happen?
Now, obviously we wouldn’t recommend letting Fireworks off in your Bathroom… Ahem ….Pictures of Mario Balotelli’s bathroom after fireworks were let off revealed | Daily Mail Online
What happens on my home insurance if I Cause an Accident While Using Fireworks?
What if a firework stayed and damaged a neighbours or your own home? This can happen: Couple forced out of their home after stray firework causes £50,000 of damage – Mirror Online
Would you be covered under homeowners insurance?
Homeowners insurance covers problems such as house fires, you’ll typically have coverage under your home insurance policy.
“If a homeowner is using fireworks in the proper recommended manner, and a resulting fire causes damage to their home or property, they can expect to be covered by a typical insurance policy,” says Director Matthew Dewen
What about my home policy if Someone Else Causes a Fireworks Accident?
You might not be the one who lights the fuse, but that doesn’t mean fireworks won’t cause you big problems. Here are a few scenarios.
Your neighbour shoots off legal fireworks and accidentally sets your garage on fire. In this case, your neighbor’s home insurance would most likely cover your property damage under the liability portion of the neighbor’s policy. Alternately, you could file a claim under your own homeowners insurance.
What if someone gets hurt during a fireworks display?
Children with sparklers is a sight that adds to the magic of fireworks. But what if a guest gets injured at your party. Most home contents insurance policies will have liability cover, so you should be covered for this eventuality. However, as a host, you do always have a duty of care to your guests, you need to warn them of any hazards.
Look after Animals
On top of checking under bonfires for hedgehogs before lighting, we need to pay special care to cats and dogs, of which Fireworks can be a scary sensory overload. Some may run away, so of course keep them safe.Keep a TV on to help distract them.
Much like with the build up to Christmas, Fireworks night can be popular for burglaries. Lots of families away for the evening enjoying displays means empty houses. With the loud noises outside as well can be a perfect distraction for unwanted burglars. Make sure you lock all doors and windows and set the alarm.
Fireworks Safety Tips
If you do plan to use fireworks, take precautions. Here are some safety tips:
- Do not use fireworks if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Only use fireworks outdoors and a safe distance from homes and outbuildings
- Make sure your guests are a safe distance away
- Supervise children at all times – especially if they have sparklers
- Keep a hose, bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby
- Do not throw or point a firework at another person or object
- Only light one firework at a time
- Never attempt to relight a firework that does not light (also known as a “dud”)
- Move quickly away to a safe distance after you light the firework
- Make sure your gutters, roof and deck are clear of leaves and other debris that could catch fire
- Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water after use and before you discard them
For advice on Home insurance please see our product page here