4 Ways Your Home Insurance Should Be Ready For Halloween

Halloween, which dates back to Celtic rituals thousands of years ago, has long been associated with images of witches, ghosts and vampires. Today, Halloween has evolved into a celebration characterized by child-friendly activities, such as costumes, trick-or-treating and carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns.

Home Insurance Ready for Halloween

This Halloween, we’ll all be enjoying passing out candy and treats to the little trick-or-treaters that arrive to our front doors screaming for some candy.  Unfortunately, there will be those large monsters that arrive and we’ll have to deal with the trouble.

Vandalism and property damage are on the rise and should be expected in one way or another this October 31st.  Besides mischievous acts, the risk of others getting hurt on your property or the accidents that may be caused by holiday decorations all added up may cause more than just headaches you’ll be dealing with.  Is your homeowners insurance policy ready to handle any horrors that Halloween may bring? Here are some of the most common Halloween events that may trigger an insurance claim:

Fires – Electrical equipment and candles used to frighten the night are just a couple hazards that cause accidental fires each year.  A homeowners or renters policy usually contains a special coverage known as Loss of Use or Additional Expense (Click to learn more)

Dog Bites – Even the most innocent of pets can become frightened by the sight of ghouls and goblins running in the darkness.  In defense, a scared dog can bite one or more of the children. In many different policy, specifically homeowners insurance in this instance, dog bites are usually covered under the liability and medical expenses portion of your policy.  Check your policy specifically as this varies by state and insurer. Specific breeds of dogs may be excluded from coverage as well.

Slip and Falls – With everyone wearing costumes not specifically made to be worn on a regular basis, these elaborate and sometimes unwieldy costumes make it hard for them to walk normally.  Furthermore, masks that eliminate peripheral vision can become an extreme threats. These are just examples of a couple hazards that make it easy for children and adults alike to experience a slip and fall.  Generally speaking, the liability portion of a standard homeowner’s policy will cover these types of accidents.  It is an obligation for you, as homeowner, to try your best to clear the path of any obvious hazards such as extension cords running along walkways, candy wrappers or other trash that may cause a slip, etc.

Vandalism – Vandalism is defined as action involving deliberate destruction of or damage to public or private property and is typically covered in a homeowners insurance policy.  If you experience vandalism to your property, it is vital that the damage be assessed to understand whether or not filing a claim would be necessary. Old Halloween classics such as egging your house or decorating your trees with rolls of toilet paper may seem annoying but cause no significant damage to your property.  Damage to your personal vehicle is usually a car insurance issue. Auto insurance policies that do not include physical damage coverage, specifically comprehensive, may be out of luck in the event of vandalism.

By maintaining some easy preventative measures, you can possibly limit the mishaps and accidents and enjoy Halloween with confidence.  Keep your home well lit, clean your porch, walkways and driveways and take it easy on the hazardous displays. It is vital in situations like this to double check your homeowners insurance policy including liability coverage, additional living expense, and deductibles.  Use this Halloween as a reason to call your agent for a quick check of coverage or to determine whether or not the coverage you need is included on your homeowners policy.

We work with several great insurance companies that offer home insurance.

Dick Watts Insurance Louisville KY  provides homeowners insurance quote in as little as a two minute phone call.  Call a home insurance agent 502-245-3625 for a homeowners insurance quote.

Halloween Safety Tips