Our nation’s celebration of independence day is almost here! July 4th is a time for parades, pool parties, barbecues and fireworks of course. Do you plan on launching your own fireworks? If so, you better keep reading…
Tents are popping up at what seems almost every intersection selling the latest and greatest in fireworks. Are these fireworks legal? Who knows? What we do know is that accidents happen every year thanks to fireworks. People are injured and property is damaged because a firework or two went sideways or malfunctioned.
Does homeowners insurance cover damage from fireworks? It can, but there some specific circumstances and exclusions that may apply. Coverage will depend on your policy’s specific terms and circumstances of the damage.
Typically, a homeowners insurance policy will cover the following damages from fireworks:
If a firework ignites your home or attached structures such as a garage, exterior shop or a deck, your standard homeowners insurance policy will usually cover the damage.
If a guest or neighbor is injured from a firework on your property your liability insurance can help you pay for the other person’s medical bills, legal fees and other settlements.
If your fireworks accidentally damage a neighbor’s property (home, barn, garage, etc.) your liability insurance will generally pay for the repairs.
If your fireworks cause damage or worse case, a fire to your personal belongings such as your furniture and electronics, your policy’s personal property coverage will help to pay for repairs/replacement.
This all seems very reasonable, right? Keep reading, there are several important exclusions and limitations.
If you purchase illegal fireworks from one of those “pop-up” tents around town, and they cause damage to you, your property, a neighbor’s property, your homeowners policy will not cover you for the damages.
Risky behavior – if it can be proven that the damage your fireworks caused was intentional or due to gross negligence, your coverage may be denied. Pointing a firework at somebody would be considered gross negligence.
Still considering doing your own backyard fireworks display? How is your health insurance coverage?
If you or your household family member(s) sustain injuries from your fireworks that require medical attention, your health insurance provider would step in. Your homeowners insurance would not provide coverage as your health insurance would be the primary source of insurance coverage.
Failure to follow regulations and not adhere to local firework laws and safety guidelines can certainly jeopardize your homeowners insurance coverage.
If you are a responsible homeowner, you should absolutely take fireworks seriously if you plan to host your own backyard fireworks display. In 2023, there was an estimated 9,700 firework injuries and 8 deaths. If you want to keep your insurance rates lower, we highly recommend safety be your #1 priority if you are launching your own fireworks display. Placing a claim due to fireworks could potentially cause your homeowners insurance rates to increase in the coming years.
Give us a call at Brockman Insurance, 407-644-9991. We would be happy to do a free policy review with you. Maybe you are on the hunt for better homeowners insurance?
Give us a call, we would be happy to talk with you too.
We hope you have a safe 4th of July and show off your red, white and blue!
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