Want to hear a scary story? More vandalism claims are filed on Halloween than any other day of the year, according to the Highway Data Loss Institute.
While most of the goblins and ghouls you’ll see on Halloween are out looking for treats, tricksters are also known to roam the streets in search of mischief.
Small pranks like smashing pumpkins and toilet papering are common, but bigger crimes, including broken windows, kicked-in doors and even stolen vehicles have been reported to spike on Halloween.
Don’t let the fear of Halloween mischief haunt you this year. Follow these tips to take some of the fright out of Halloween night.
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- Prepare for pranksters. To avoid having your car vandalized or stolen, park in a secure, well-lit area with your windows up and doors locked. And if you’re hosting a party, make sure your home’s location is not included on social media as it will tip off unwanted guests.
- Keep an eye out for Wolverine and Wonder Woman. Drive slowly and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to make it easier to see and be seen by children.
- Light up the night. Ample lighting outside of your home will help keep the creeps away and provide safe passage to party guests and trick-or-treaters. Keep paths clear to prevent slips.
- Follow safe pumpkin protocol. Keep lit jack-o-lanterns, candles, matches and lighters out of children’s reach. Use flameless candles when possible.
- Beware the brew. Hosting a grown-up party? Keep an eye on your guests and make sure you have plenty of nonalcoholic beverages and snacks on hand.
What Insurance Covers
Most homeowners, renters and auto insurance policies will provide coverage for these Halloween-related mishaps, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
Before the tricking-or-treating festivities begin, reach out to your insurance agent to learn about your coverage limits and to make sure your insurance policies are up-to-date.
Vandalism
Standard homeowners and renters insurance policies will provide coverage for vandalism. If your car is vandalized, the optional comprehensive portion of your auto insurance policy covers damages.
Fire
Always play it safe with open flames. Use flameless candles when possible and keep lit jack-o-lanterns out of the reach of kids and pets. If a Halloween decoration causes a fire and damages your property, your homeowners or renters policy will cover fire-related losses, up to policy limits.
Injury
You may be covered under the liability portion of your homeowners or renters insurance policy – up to specified limits – in the event that someone is injured on your property. A standard policy also includes no-fault medical coverage – up to specified limits – that allows the injured person to file their claim directly with your insurance company.
Wishing you a Halloween filled with more treats than tricks!
To find out more about homeowners, renters or auto insurance, contact your local AAA insurance agent.
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