Spooky insurance claims: Are Halloween tricks covered?

Are Halloween tricks covered by insurance?

Your insurance will cover most Halloween-related incidents, including theft, vandalism and injuries for which you are responsible. If your Halloween night has more tricks than treats, home and auto insurance will be there for you in most situations.

What are the insurance coverage options for Halloween claims?

The insurance coverage you need depends on the type of incident. There are three main coverages that might kick in for Halloween insurance claims:

Dwelling and personal property coverage on your home insurance to cover damage to your home and property, as well as theft.
Personal liability coverage on your homeowners insurance policy to cover injuries or property damage to others.
Comprehensive coverage on your car insurance to cover non-collision damage to your vehicle.

Here are a few examples of how those coverages work.

What happens if my car is stolen on Halloween?

If your car is stolen, it will be covered as long as you have comprehensive coverage on your policy. Additionally, Halloween sees an increase in both vehicular incidents and pedestrian accidents, making it crucial to have adequate car insurance.

On Halloween night – and every day – you can guard against auto theft by:

Removing your keys from the ignition when you leave your vehicle
Locking your doors and closing the windows
Parking in well-lit areas
Parking your car in your garage

Someone egged my car. Is it covered?

Car insurance covers vandalism to your car as long as you have comprehensive coverage. Whether or not you should file a claim depends on the amount of your deductible – if you can clean the offending materials off your car without damaging the paint, it wouldn’t make sense to file a claim.

However, if your car is splattered by paint from paintballs or eggs that eat away at the car’s paint, then filing a claim would be justified. To help you decide, you can get an estimate of the damage to see if it’s significantly higher than your deductible.

Does my homeowners insurance policy cover vandalism of my home?

Sometimes Halloween pranks can go too far and cross the line into vandalism. If items are thrown at your home and break windows or cause other damage, your homeowners insurance policy will cover it. Take photos of the damage immediately and file a police report, then contact your insurance company.

My dog bit a trick-or-treater – am I covered?

Prior to planning any Halloween festivities, make a plan for how your dog will react. According to the Insurance Information Institute, around 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, mostly children.

While every state has different rules, homeowners policies typically cover the liability and medical expenses of an accident in your home. If your dog is excluded from the policy, which isn't common, you would be responsible for the costs. If a dog joined your family after you took out the homeowners policy, notify your agent to ensure you're protected.

While Halloween is a festive time for many people, it can be downright spooky for dogs, which could result in your pooch biting one of your costumed visitors. Keep dogs away from the door when handing out candy.

Lights are on, but nobody's home – is burglary covered?

You might see Halloween as a time to escape to the movies or a night out far away from the costumed carousers. Of course, this makes your home more vulnerable to theft. If your house is burglarized on Halloween, your homeowners policy will cover theft of any belongings as well as any damage that occurs because of the break-in. In this case, your deductible will apply.

Remember that the burden falls on you to establish proof of ownership of the stolen items. You should take a regular inventory of your possessions and keep receipts when possible. To prevent theft on Halloween, stay home. If that’s not an option, keep the lights on and make it appear like someone is in the house.

Is tombstone theft or vandalism covered?

A ghoulish but common prank on Halloween is the theft of or damage to a tombstone. Grave markers are typically covered by homeowners insurance for around $1,000. You can take out additional coverage of up to $5,000, which is prudent if a family member’s tombstone costs more than $10,000.

Similarly, haunted house operators face significant risks and should consider general liability insurance to cover potential safety issues and legal troubles.

How to file a Halloween-related claim with the insurance company

Most claims can be filed online or over the phone. Call your insurance company as soon as possible to get the claim started. In the meantime, photograph any damage. If there has been a burglary, make a list of what has been stolen and the value of each item.

How to prevent Halloween claims

Keep your home safe and avoid vandalism and accidents on your property by make sure pathways are well-lit and free of tripping hazards for trick-or-treaters. If you have a reactive dog, its best to keep it away from the door when you answer.

Be cautious with Halloween decorations; use candles safely and make sure anything that's plugged in is in good condition to avoid a fire hazard.

Resources & Methodology

Sources:

Insurance Information Institute. “Spotlight on: Dog bite liability.” Accessed October 2024
National Retail Federation. “Halloween.” Accessed October 2024

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