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Halloween trick-or-treating and lanterns can be downright scary — for your homeowners insurance policy.
There is a 14% jump in homeowners insurance claims on Halloween compared to other days of the year, according to Travelers Insurance. Claims for theft at premises rise by 46%.
Trips or falls, thefts, fires and pet-related accidents are among All Hallows' Eve insurance risks.
“Not all of these types of things result in a claim, but they sure can happen overnight,” said Angie Urban, vice president of property and personal insurance product management at Travelers Insurance.
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What's even scarier is that Halloween is just the launch night for some of these dangers, which continue throughout the holiday season as traffic in your home increases.
“The issues are basically fire and liability,” said Loretta Worters, a spokeswoman for the Insurance Information Institute.
The average cost of a homeowner's loss from fire and lightning is $83,991, according to the Insurance Information Institute based on claims from 2018 to 2022. During the same time period, the average cost of liability claims for bodily injury and property damage was $31,690.
With all the festivities around Halloween and trick-or-treating… think about the safety of your driveways and the accessibility of your home.
Angie Urban
Vice President of Property and Personal Insurance Product Management at Travelers Insurance
Experts say how these claims affect the cost of your policy will depend on how many claims you file in a year, the type of problem, where you live, and the extent of the damage.
“Be aware that there may be additional fees based on the claim the following year,” Urban said.
If you haven't done so yet, add these three steps to your to-do list to avoid risks tonight and throughout the rest of the year:
1. Reducing the risks to which visitors are exposed
Homeowners should reduce risks to visitors in hallways and doorways, “especially when it's dark and difficult to see,” Urban explained.
“With all the festivities around Halloween and trick-or-treating, it's important to think about the safety of your driveways and the accessibility of your home,” Urban said.
Make sure hallways are clear and “everything is very well lit,” she said.
If it snows, shovel and clear your path so partygoers, carolers and other holiday visitors have a clear path, Worters said.
Consider other risks related to celebrating. If you're hosting a house party with alcohol consumed, you could risk liability for injuries or property damage from a drunk guest, Worters added.
“If you see someone who has been drinking too much, don't let them drive,” Worters said, and consider other measures such as limiting alcohol and encouraging guests to use ride-sharing services.
2. Reducing fire risks
Holiday decorations including light displays, Christmas trees, and candles on a mantle or in a lantern can start a fire if left unattended.
“We recommend using LED or battery lights instead of live candles for safety reasons,” Urban said.
The two issues are fire and responsibility, basically.
Loretta Worters
Official spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute.
“If a fire breaks out in a Christmas tree, more often than not, you can have a complete loss of the home,” Worters agreed.
If you choose a natural tree, make sure you water it properly and avoid having flammable materials nearby, experts say.
“Cooking fires are also the number one cause of house fires and home injuries,” Worters said.
For example, avoid using the stove if you feel very sleepy. She added that turkey fryers — common at Thanksgiving — “also pose a lot of risks” if not used properly.
3. Secure your pets and belongings
If you have a pet, be sure to secure it for Halloween, to protect the trick-or-treaters and the pets as well, Urban said. The same goes for parties and other holiday events.
Insurers will have different coverage rules depending on what type of pet you own or breed, whether by charging more for certain breeds or not covering it at all, Worters said.
“If the dog is not trained and there is a loss or injury, it will increase your liability insurance significantly,” Worters said.
Theft can also pose a greater risk during the holidays when “people are ordering a lot online and packages are being delivered,” Urban said. She suggested you consider securing your packages and perhaps installing smart home cameras or doorbells.
“You can also have a neighbor watch the house as well,” Urban said.
