Fireworks & Your Homeowners Insurance
Posted on June 27, 2022 at 10:38 AM by Town & Country Insurance
The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and it’s typically one of the busiest days of the year for fires.
With how destructive firework damage can be, you may be wondering if your home insurance policy extends its coverage for such loss. The answer is maybe..... there are limitations for when you wouldn’t be protected, for example, if fireworks are illegal where you live or if you purposely caused injury or damage, then you would be liable for paying for the damages.
Does Home Insurance Cover Firework-Related Damages and Injuries?
Your home insurance policy will clearly list the damages it does and does not protect you for. Different policies cover different perils. If fireworks catch a tree on fire in your front yard that spreads to your home, most homeowners insurance policies will protect you since it was accidental. Defective fireworks that lead to injuring a friend could be protected under your medical payments section of home insurance. Similarly, your liability coverage within your home policy would protect you if fireworks accidentally shot into your neighbor’s house and shattered a window.
Now if you get into a roman candle war with your buddy, you may not be covered because the incident was intentional and could’ve been avoided. If you injure yourself while lighting fireworks, your home insurance probably won’t protect you because you can’t file a liability claim against yourself. Your health insurance would be effective in a situation like this.
How to Practice Firework Safety
When handling fireworks, it’s important that you are using them cautiously and safely. According to the National Safety Council, here are safety tips to follow when using fireworks:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks
- Older children should only use fireworks under adult supervision
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
- Never light fireworks indoors
- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
- Use fireworks away from people, houses, and flammable materials
- Only light one firework device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person
- Never ignite a firework device in a container
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that lead to a fire or don’t go off
- Never use illegal fireworks
Download the Fireworks Safety Tips
With how beautiful fireworks can be, they are equally as dangerous. Be sure to check up on your home policy to see if you should add more coverage. Better yet, grab a blanket and a patch of lawn, kick back and let the professionals handle the fireworks show!
Categories: Property Insurance