Fireworks and Homeowners Insurance

If one had to guess the busiest day of the year for fires, the Fourth of July would be a good guess. Fireworks would be the likely culprit, especially those used by amateurs who may delve into pyrotechnic use but once a year. Annually, over 18,000 fires are said to be started by fireworks and fires aren’t the only issue. Fireworks related injuries account for nearly 13,000 emergency room visits each year.

While we may enjoy the festive atmosphere and comradery of a neighborhood fireworks display, the questions you should be asking is if your homeowners’ insurance policy would cover injuries or the damage to a home fireworks may cause? The answer is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no.

If fireworks are legal in the state in which they are being set off, the answer is mostly yes. That is, of course, unless the fireworks were being intentionally shot at a structure or another person.

Here are some examples.

You shoot off a firework and it damages your neighbor’s home. You may be covered under your liability coverage.

You injure yourself when setting off fireworks. Your homeowners’ insurance would not pay as this would fall under your health insurance.

Fireworks you set off land on your roof, causing a fire and damage. You may be covered under the fire provisions of your policy.

A friend is injured in your yard from fireworks set off. Their medical payments may be covered under your liability protection.

When fireworks are being set off illegally, it is a game-changer. Most policies have provisions that will not cover damage to a homeowners home as the result of illegal acts.

Of course, each policy has a set of limits and exclusions and you should check yours to see if fireworks are among them. If you have questions, please feel free to contact one of our independent insurance agents. Our agents can also help you determine if you have outgrown your homeowners’ insurance policy. As independent agents, they have the ability to ‘shop around” between different companies searching for the best coverage for your situation at a price you can feel comfortable with. Of course, they are also here when you have questions or need assistance with a claim. For your no-obligation homeowners’ insurance quote, contact us today.