The summer is a great time to celebrate, backyard gatherings, and spending quality time with loved ones. It’s also one of the busiest and riskiest times of year for insurance claims. Before you fire up the grill or head to the fireworks stand, it’s worth knowing exactly what your insurance covers (and what it doesn’t).
Fireworks and Your Homeowner’s Policy
Here’s something most homeowners don’t think about until it’s too late: if a firework you set off damages your own property or a neighbor’s, you could be on the hook. The good news? Most standard homeowner’s insurance policies cover fire damage to your home, even if it’s caused by fireworks. They also typically include liability coverage if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property.
That said, there are important caveats:
- Some policies exclude damage caused by illegal fireworks and in many counties, consumer fireworks are restricted or banned. Check local ordinances first.
- Coverage limits apply. If a fire spreads and causes significant damage, your standard policy limits may not be enough.
- Liability coverage under a homeowner’s policy typically starts at $100,000 but umbrella insurance (more on that below) can extend that protection significantly.
Hosting a Backyard Party? Social Host Liability Matters
Inviting friends and family over for a cookout is wonderful, but if a guest gets injured on your property, you could be liable. A slip and fall on your wet deck, a child getting hurt near the grill, or an intoxicated guest who causes an accident after leaving your home can all result in claims against you.
Your homeowner’s liability coverage is your first line of defense. But if you regularly host large gatherings, it may be worth reviewing whether your limits are sufficient. An umbrella policy can provide an additional $1 million or more in protection for a surprisingly low annual premium.
Auto Insurance and Holiday Weekends
Holiday weekends such as 4th of July weekend consistently ranks among the most dangerous driving periods of the year. More cars on the road, distracted drivers, and unfortunately a higher rate of impaired driving all combine to increase accident risk. Here’s what you want to make sure you have in place:
- Collision and comprehensive coverage protect your vehicle if it’s damaged in an accident or by a stray firework.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you if the other driver doesn’t carry adequate insurance — and plenty of drivers don’t.
- Medical payments or personal injury protection (PIP) covers you and your passengers regardless of who’s at fault.
If you’re not sure what your auto policy includes, the week before a major holiday is the perfect time to call us and review it.
A Note on Pets and Fireworks
While this isn’t strictly an insurance topic, it’s worth mentioning: fireworks are one of the leading causes of pets going missing every summer. Make sure your pets are secured indoors during fireworks displays — and consider updating their ID tags or microchip information just in case.