When we think of July Fourth, we often think of enjoying a day off from work with pool parties, barbecues, and fireworks. While the day is often filled with laughter and celebration, it’s also typically one of the year’s busiest days for fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires, including 1,300 structure fires. Additionally, over 9,000 people are sent to the Emergency Room each year in the US with firework-related injuries. Therefore it is crucial to proceed with caution before lighting up the skies this year. It is also essential to ensure you are familiar with what kind of coverage your home insurance policy includes.
Does Insurance Cover Fireworks Damage?
The answer to this question is “it depends”. It depends on the laws where you live as well as the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Your home insurance policy will list the damages it does and does not cover. Different policies cover different perils. If fireworks catch a tree on fire in your front yard that spreads to your home, your home insurance policy will likely 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 Much Does a Fire Insurance Claim Cost?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, homeowners claims related to fire and lightning are the costliest insurance claims to file. The average cost for a fire-related insurance claim costs about $79,785, where one and 350 insured homes have property damage claims related to fire.
Which Coverages Do I Need to Be Fully Protected This 4TH of July?
Keeping in mind how expensive fire claims can be, it is crucial to be aware of your home policy’s coverage limits. You may consider adding a dwelling fire policy endorsement to your current home insurance policy. This add-on protects against fire, smoke, explosions, and sometimes wind.
Additionally, you may consider adding an umbrella liability policy to protect you if your liability coverage within your home policy reaches its limit. This coverage protects you and family members in situations that you could be liable for and may protect you in areas your home policy doesn’t cover.
Make Sure You Are Covered Before The Fireworks Start!
At TGS Insurance Agency, we pride ourselves on finding our customers the best coverage for their needs at the most competitive rate on the market. Whether you need to increase your coverage limits, add an endorsement, or want someone to review your current coverage, our agents are ready to go! Our goal is to provide an exceptional customer service experience to ensure all your insurance needs are taken care of. Buying home insurance is seamless, hassle-free, and affordable when working with TGS Insurance. Get started with a free, instant home quote today!
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