Home Insurance: All you need to know about bonfire night
Friday, 04 November 2011 11:54
By Ben Salisbury
Bonfire night is fast approaching and homeowners are reminded that November 5th generates the highest number of home insurance claims of any night of the year.
Millions of us leave our homes and vehicles at risk, both from opportunistic burglars and damage by fireworks or are not aware of the insurance risks of hosting a party and lighting fireworks.
Some statistics
If you think the risk to insurance is exaggerated at this time of year then research would indicate you are wrong.
New research by comparison site Confused.com suggests that there is a 20 per cent increase in home insurance claims due to burglaries in November compared to April, the month of the year that has the lowest claims.
Detective Superintendent, Sean O'Callaghan of Essex Police, said: "The onset of darker evenings, marked by changing clocks, always signals a change of tactics by police towards preventing burglaries. It is important to remember that opportunists carry out most burglaries. As a resident you can make a few small changes to your property and your daily routine that can help to make your home safer.”
November has the second highest number of fire claims, beaten only by December when the nation attempts to wire their homes up with Christmas lights.
Insurance risk
If you are planning to host a fireworks party at home, you need to consider the risk of injury or damage to your guests and make sure you are covered through your home insurance. Over 6,000 people are injured and treated for firework accidents each year, with half of these injuries happening to children under 16.
It is essential to check that your home insurance policy is up to date and that you have adequate personal liability cover for yourself, your home and the people who attend the event. If someone was injured, you could be liable for any injury or damage if you are not covered by insurance.
The home insurance cover you need
Most household buildings and contents insurance policies are likely to provide sufficient cover if your property or possessions are damaged by a bonfire or firework. However, make sure your home insurance policy also covers garden equipment, furniture and other valuables. Sheds, fences and greenhouses are usually covered by buildings policies but other contents in your garden are unlikely to be covered.
Peter Harrison, home insurance expert at MoneySupermarket.com, said: "For those hosting a fireworks party at home, it is essential to ensure your home insurance policy is up to date and that you have adequate personal liability cover. In the event of an accident such as someone getting burnt on the bonfire, you could find yourself liable for any injury or damage if you are not covered by insurance.”
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Protecting your home
If you are going out for the evening, close the curtains but leave a few lights on so that it looks as if someone is at home. Before you go out make sure all doors, windows and outbuildings have been locked. If your home is fitted with a burglar alarm, make sure you switch it on before you go out. Test your smoke alarm to ensure it is working.
Stuart Curson, head of Direct Line home insurance said: “Our statistics show that evening celebrations do tend to encourage burglars to try their luck, so homeowners should plan their home security accordingly."
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Protecting your family
If you are hosting a fireworks party, nominate a responsible, non-drinking parent, preferably yourself if it is on your property, to be in charge of lighting the fireworks. Keep fireworks sealed in a container and away from children.
If you are out at a fireworks display or bonfire keep an eye on the people you are with, especially children. At some bigger processions the streets can become very crowded and it is easy to lose someone. Watch out for stray lit torches and fireworks that are left on the street. If you are watching a bonfire, don't get too close.
Your garden and car
Put valuable garden ornaments or plant pots inside a locked shed or other outbuilding. If you have a gate to your garden, make sure you lock it before you go out. If possible put your car away in a locked garage or on the drive. If that is not possible consider parking away from the main street. Always lock your car and set the alarm if you have one.
Protecting your pets
Pets can get very upset by the loud noises from fireworks parties. It is best to keep them inside in a comfortable spot.
Pete Bishenden, spokesperson for Churchill Pet Insurance, says: "Loud noises and bright lights can frighten animals and cause them to panic, become disorientated and even run away from home. Keep your pet away from any danger and settle them in an area of the home where they feel safe and secure to decrease the risk of any anxiety when the fireworks get going."
Which types of homes are most vulnerable?
If you live in an end-of-terrace house you should pay particular attention. End-of-terrace homes are closely followed by detached houses, then semi-detached bungalows. Semi-detached houses come next followed by terraced homes, detached bungalows and maisonettes. Surprisingly, because they are often close to the pavements and busy streets, ground floor flats are the second safest, with first floor flats the safest of all.
Safety tips for handling fireworks
Always read the instructions carefully and never return to a firework after it has been lit. There are a lot of inferior products around. To make sure you get fireworks that conform to safety standards only buy fireworks marked with the British Standard Kitemark BS 7114. This also means that the fireworks are likely to be of a better standard than the fake ones that are available.
Never use petrol to help get your bonfire going and make sure you build the bonfire in a space away from any buildings, fences or hedges. You should also try and make sure that no fireworks are thrown onto the bonfire.
Keep pets safely indoors and keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of an emergency.
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