Halloween is “the spookiest time of the year,” but not for the reasons you’re thinking, Halloween reportedly experiences a 17% increase in crimes and insurance claims!
In this article we will analyze The Six Most Common Insurance Claims During Halloween & Preventive Measures to Avoid Them, since Halloween is one of the biggest days of the year for theft and vandalism Insurance Claims for both homeowners’ and auto insurance.
The Most Common Insurance Claims During Halloween
The Most Common Insurance Claims During Halloween
Halloween is a festive season filled with friendly pranks, but October 31st can quickly become a horrifying night with vandalism and house fires. Here are the six most common claims for the Halloween season.
- Decoration Danger
Glowing pumping’s, gravestones, mummy’s, little bat figures around the house; are all great additions to your décor – although all it takes is a singly faulty wire or negligent installation to lead to electrical hazards or trip-and-fall type injuries. Be mindful of cables and diligent during decorating to avoid these hazards.
- Fire Hazard
What is a good Halloween without some spooky candles around the house? The answer is, a safer Halloween without worrying about a devastating house fire. According to Forbes, “fire caused by decorations too close to a heat source during the [Halloween] is 44%.”
- Car theft
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau 2000 auto thefts on average occur on Halloween, making this a huge concern! Guests experience a false sense of security while freely coming or going during a Halloween party, making car theft more difficult to detect. Be aware!
- Pedestrian Accidents
On Halloween night, hundreds of people wander the streets causing accidents with cars…and pedestrians at a much higher rate than other days of the year.
- Drunk Driving
After all, Halloween is a celebration, and people tend to imbibe the other type of spirits. The problems alcohol ingestion can lead to drunk-driving accidents during Halloween night.
- Vandalism: According to the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, Halloween has the largest number of claims for vandalism with an increased over 81% in 2020!
How to Prevent these Halloween Insurance Claims from Happening to You
Here are easy solutions to help reduce your chances of your Halloween ending poorly. Avoid the headache with these simple tips:
- Safe Decorating
Make sure your decorations are installed safely with the proper reinforcements for extra security - Secure Your House
Keep your home well-lit to assure none of your property is appealing to a potential vandal - Guard Your Pets
Pets might be terrified by doorbell ringing and wandering trick-or-treaters. Find your pets a quiet space to reduce their stress - Park in a Safe Spot
Find a safe space with proper lighting to park your car to avoid vandalism, robbery, or theft - Eyes on the Road
Minimize distractions while distractions like ignoring electronic devices, avoid loud music, shushing rambunctious passengers, no eating, and avoiding alcoholic drinks while be driving! Get a designated driver for the evening. - Stay Alert
Watch out for small children darting in the street, cyclists, or people in dark clothing during the early evening and Halloween night
Insurance Claims to the Rescue
If you find yourself in a lousy situation facing destruction and drama we discussed above; it’s important you have insurance coverage you need!
Here are the main insurance policies you’ll need to stay covered by the most common Halloween incidents:
Homeowner’s Insurance
This coverage is a must have for any homeowner or tenant, it provides coverage for damages caused to private property. In the case of Halloween, the type of claims covered by Homeowner’s insurance are:
- Fire Damage Claims
- Vandalism Claims
Liability Insurance
Keeping liability insurance provides coverage for the insured’s party with protection against claims resulting from injuries and damage to other people or property. For Halloween, Liability Insurance gives you protection from:
- Injuries Claims
Auto Liability Insurance
Coverage to pay for another person’s expenses in the case of bodily injury, property damages, or damages to their vehicle or:
- The insured’s car is stolen
- Accidents with pedestrians
Keep Halloween as sweet as candy!
Don’t forget, insurance is more than wishful thinking. By keeping insurance policies in place, you give yourself the gift of the peace of mind that should the worst happen, you would still be covered by an insurance policy!
We hope you find these tips useful and hope you choose to stay safe by subscribing to the latest news about the insurance industry and technology trends, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter.
