It’s No Trick, Halloween can be a scary time for Homeowners

2019-10-24
By: Denise Koslowsky

Halloween is a treat, especially for kids who will enjoy time with friends and piles of candy.  For homeowners however, it is proven to be a night filled with tricks that open your property to risks.  Insurance claim data reveals that Halloween is among the worst days of the year for home and auto claims related to theft and vandalism.

Vandalism
Halloween’s typical greeting of trick-or-treat has at times been taken quite literally.  Halloween brings, on average, 17% more claims related to vandalism, theft and other crimes than any other day of the year.  Tricks are often more mischievous than cars being egged and trees being TP’d, they can cause real damage to your property, such as mailboxes knocked down, doors kicked in and rocks thrown through windows.  The good news is that there are things you can do to protect your property from damage.

Advocate Vandalism & Liability Protection Tips:   

• Make lighting a priority.
  • Walkways and stairs that are well lit reduce the risk of tripping.
  • Leave your lights on and/or have motion sensitive lights installed.  A well-lit home tends to deter would-be vandals. 
• Clear any potential hazards from your front yard, walkway or porch.
• Keep your car parked in the garage for the evening.
• Avoid the use of candles in decorations.
• Make sure your pets feel safe and are secured away from visitors.
• If damage of your home or property is on a smaller scale, it may be better to pay out of pocket. Multiple small claims on your policy can add up to higher premiums down the road.

Even better news is that standard homeowner’s insurance policies cover damage from vandalism.*  As your insurance Advocate, we want to keep you informed of any potential risks you may face and be a resource for any questions you may have. If you are wondering about your coverage or suffer some damage and aren’t sure whether or not to place a claim, please give us a call.  We would be happy to speak with you!

*Subject to the terms and conditions of your insurance policy