Does Home Insurance Cover Fireworks Accidents?
With summer upon us and Independence Day celebrations being planned, it is important to remember fireworks safety. Many households observe the Fourth of July, New Year’s and other milestone occasions with fireworks. They’re fun, entertaining and part of many families’ traditions. They can also turn a great time into tragedy. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, each year more than 8,000 people are injured by fireworks and more fires are reported on the Fourth of July than on any other day. A study in 2005 found fireworks caused an estimated 1,800 total structure fires, 700 vehicle fires, and more than $39 million in direct property damage.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends the following safety guidelines:
- Always purchase fireworks from a reliable source.
- Use fireworks as directed on consumer product safety label, and never alter products.
- Observe local laws.
- Have a designated shooter to organize and shoot your family show.
- A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities.
- Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
- Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from buildings and vehicles.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
- Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
- Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
- Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
- Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor trash can.
- Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.
Your homeowner’s insurance policy should cover any unintentional injuries caused by fireworks to third parties under your liability coverage. Some fireworks accidents may be excluded, however. Your insurance company may be more understandable if a child younger than 12 has an accident, but less forgiving if your teenager blows up the mailbox with a cherry bomb.
Our agents can answer any questions you may have regarding your current coverage. We can also help you compare your policy to others available, enabling you to purchase the best coverage at the most affordable rates. Contact us to find out how you can obtain great coverage, even when things go wrong.
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