As Halloween arrives so does the mischief. From October to early November, the insurance industry sees an increase in Halloween-related claims such as decorating injuries, vandalism and stolen property. Although most Halloween pranks are harmless, some pranks can cause enough damage to the property leading to a homeowners’ policy claim. So, what are the biggest claims to watch out for and how can your clients protect themselves from these ‘spooky’ claims?
- Decorating Injuries: When decorating for Halloween make sure all decorations are properly anchored, and weather proofed.
- Fire Hazards: When using extra lights around the house and possible machinery such as smoke machines, light show, etc… make sure they are outdoor safe lights and plugged into ground fault circuit interrupter (GFIC) outlets, outdoor safe surge protectors and timers. Your clients can find these at any local home retail store.
- Vandalism: Let your clients know to keep their indoor and outdoor lights on while out trick or treating. There are also cost-efficient options for front door and garage cameras at any local hardware store.
- Car Theft: Often agents will see an increase in car theft claims around Halloween. With parties and multiple cars lining driveways many people do not notice if someone is getting into a different car. While at parties, tell your clients to always keep their car doors locked.
- Drunk Driving: As with any holiday many people head out to parties and drink alcohol. Although no one should ever get behind the wheel of a car after drinking, many people leave holiday parties and partake in drinking alcoholic beverages. If your clients host a party and allow someone who has been drinking to drive and they end up in an accident, depending on the state, your client can be held liable for any property damage or injury. Notify your clients to mark a designated driver or provide driving alternatives such as Uber or staying overnight.
- Pet ‘Pranks’ and Harm: Finally, one of the biggest ‘pranks’ your clients will see around Halloween is pet ‘pranks’. Many people like to pull pranks on pets such as painting them, giving them candy or even kidnapping them. Ensure your clients always keep their pets inside and if they need to take their pets out on Halloween or Hallows Eve, that they are on a leash and monitored.
Help your clients avoid these ‘spooky’ season claims by sharing this information that can save them thousands of dollars in damage. Mutual Underwriters is here to further our company mission by providing management expertise, product development, underwriting expertise, and strategic advice to small insurance companies, Mid-size insurance carriers, MGAs, and Program administrators. Our objective is to help organizations modernize and thrive.