Happy Halloween! Trick or Treats and your Insurance Coverage.
Homeowners Insurance and Halloween
By: Mary Thompson October 2013
Today many of us will have our doorsteps adorned with little ghosts, goblins and even princesses. Did you ever think about Halloween mishaps? I doubt you did, have NO Fear most homeowners insurance policy’s will cover most Halloween incidents.
Here is a list of some common things that happen on Halloween that I bet you didn’t think of:
Trick or Treater’s damage your home: Standard homeowner’s policies cover vandalism, such as dents in your siding caused by eggs thrown at your home, when repair costs exceed your deductible.
Candles or decorations cause a fire: A fire started by a Halloween candle or a string of holiday lights will be covered. If the fire makes your home unlivable, your homeowners policy will pay your living expenses while you wait for repairs.
A trick-or-treater gets hurt on your property: Injuries to trick-or-treaters or your party guests are covered by the homeowner liability portion of your policy. The injured person files a claim with your insurer.
You crash your car into a telephone pole to avoid hitting a trick-or-treater in your driveway: That accident would be covered by the collision portion of your auto insurance (if you have it). If you hurt anyone, the liability portion of your auto insurance would cover the cost of their treatment.
Here is a safety checklist, we recommend all homeowners and renters complete prior to that first doorbell ring…
1. Pick up anything in your yard that little ones can trip on. Keep in mind most kids will run through your grass or desert landscape to reach your front door quicker.
2. Make sure your home is well lite so those ghosts and goblins can see where they are going.
3. Use battery powered candles instead of traditional tea lights. (Another way to be green)
4. Be sure to pay attention to all decorations warnings, those are there for a reason so be sure to follow the guidelines and recommendations when spooking out your home.
5. Lastly, but perhaps most important if you choose to be “that scary house” don’t actually touch anyone.
Now if you are having really bad luck on Halloween and all of things happened, having umbrella insurance in place would help and kick in to cover additional costs. We hope all our clients have a safe and Happy Halloween.
