Will home insurance cover firework-related damage and injuries?
When determining whether your homeowners insurance will cover firework-related damage, the first thing to consider is whether fireworks are legal in your state.
Most states permit fireworks, but some restrict fireworks to non-aerial and non-explosive varieties. For example, New York allows only sparkling devices to be sold and used. That is also true in New Jersey.
Sparklers and “ground based items” can be sold in Delaware, but only between June 4 and July 4, and Dec. 1 and Jan. 1. They can only be used in the state on July 4, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.
In Massachusetts, all types of consumer fireworks are illegal.
If you use a type of restricted firework and it causes a fire or other types of damage, it’s likely your insurance policy won’t cover your damages. Most policies exclude damage resulting from illegal acts.
The language of your homeowners insurance policy – and your policy limits – also will determine how much coverage you have for damages related to fireworks. So, make sure to read your policy carefully.
As a general rule, your homeowners policy will cover damages from fireworks as long as they are legal to use where you live and you have not used them maliciously – such as by intentionally targeting someone for injury – or recklessly.
That means your policy is likely to cover damages resulting from a legal firework that sets fire to leaves in your gutter or a firework that malfunctions and injures your friend.
Your homeowners liability coverage will generally kick in if you light a legal firework that accidentally takes out a window in your neighbor’s home.
On the other hand, examples of damages that your homeowners insurance might not cover – even if fireworks are legal in your state – include:
- You get into a bottle-rocket war and injure a friend. You might not be covered under these circumstances because the incident was intentional.
- You injure yourself while lighting a firework. You won’t be covered under your home insurance because you can't file a liability claim against your own policy. Your health insurance will cover you.
- You use a firework to target someone’s property. Even if fireworks are legal in your state, you likely will not be covered if you shoot fireworks at the home or car of a neighbor on purpose and your action ignites a blaze.
How much will a home insurance claim increase my premiums?
How much will it cost you in the long run to file a homeowners claim? Here are the average premium increases after filing one claim and two claims:
| Claim type | Average % increase for one claim | Average % increase for two claims |
|---|---|---|
| Fire | 28% | 55% |
| Liability | 24% | 46% |
| Medical | 17% | 29% |
| Theft | 24% | 45% |
| Water | 25% | 46% |
| Weather | 16% | 25% |
As you can see, multiple claims will push your home insurance rates higher. In addition, filing one or more claims related to fires results in the greatest increase in premium costs.
These are all national averages. Your specific region may pay higher or lower rates depending on the claims in your region.
How to prevent fireworks damage
Even if you understand your home insurance policy and are sure you’re covered, the best way to avoid problems is to focus on safety when using fireworks.
Thousands of people are injured by fireworks each year, and some are killed. Even if your insurance does cover such an accident, the consequences can affect the rest of your life.
Tips for preventing fireworks accidents include:
- Don't use illegal fireworks.
- Keep fireworks away from children – kids should remain at least 30 feet away at all times.
- Never point fireworks at others.
- Use fireworks outdoors on a flat, hard surface in an open area.
- Avoid lighting fireworks on grass or in containers.
- Wear eye protection.
- Keep a fire extinguisher, hose or bucket of water handy to put out fireworks.
- Put used fireworks into a bucket of water.
- Do not use alcohol when lighting fireworks.
Your best bet to avoid fireworks-related injuries and damage is to leave it to the professionals. Rather than buying a box of bottle rockets, attend a local fireworks display.
Sources:
- National Fire Protection Association. “Fireworks Safety.” Accessed June 2024.
- Consumer Product Safety Commission. “2023 Fireworks Annual Report.” Accessed June 2024.
- Mass.gov. "Leave Fireworks to the Professionals." Accessed June 2024.
- New York State. "Sparkling Devices Information." Accessed June 2024.
- New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. "Fireworks consumer brief." Accessed June 2024.
- Delaware.gov. "Fireworks." Accessed June 2024.
- Nolo. "Does My Homeowners' Insurance Cover Accidents That Occur Off My Property?" Accessed June 2024.
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