Every July, fireworks light up the sky across the Carolinas, and with that comes a question worth asking before you ever light a fuse: does insurance cover fireworks damage to your home, your neighbors’ property, or someone who gets hurt?
The good news is that your homeowners insurance policy likely has you covered in many situations, as long as the fireworks are legal. The team at C.T. Lowndes is always here to help you understand exactly what protection you have before the celebrations begin.
Fireworks are a beloved part of summer, but they also cause thousands of injuries and millions of dollars in property damage every single year. Knowing how your home insurance works in these situations can save you a lot of stress if something goes wrong.
Injuries Caused by Fireworks
Fireworks injuries happen far more often than most people realize, and the data is worth taking seriously. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 10,000 people end up in emergency rooms each year due to fireworks-related accidents, with the majority of those injuries occurring around the 4th of July.
Burns are the most common type of injury, and hands, fingers, and eyes are the body parts most frequently affected. Children are especially vulnerable, which is why fireworks safety has to be a priority for every household that plans to set off fireworks this summer.
Does Home Insurance Cover Fireworks Damage to Your Property?
In most cases, yes. If legal fireworks cause a fire that damages your own home, homeowners insurance may cover the cost of repairs under the dwelling coverage portion of your homeowner’s insurance policy. That coverage extends to structures like fences, garages, and sheds as well.
Your personal property coverage can also come into play if fireworks damage or destroy belongings inside or around your home. Keep in mind that your insurer will send a claims adjuster to assess the damage, and your deductible will apply before your coverage kicks in.
What About Fireworks Damage Caused by Your Neighbors?
If a neighbor’s fireworks land on your roof, start a fire, or damage your car, you have a couple of options. You can file a claim under your own home insurance policy, or you can pursue a claim through your neighbor’s liability coverage if their negligence caused the damage.
Most homeowners insurance policies include a liability portion that can cover property damage caused by the policyholder. If your neighbors set off fireworks that damage your property, their liability coverage may be responsible for covering those costs.
Does Home Insurance Cover Injuries Caused by Fireworks?
If fireworks injure a guest or a bystander on your property, the liability coverage included in your homeowners policy can help pay for their medical bills and protect you from a personal injury lawsuit. This is one of the most valuable parts of your insurance coverage, especially during a holiday gathering where accidents are more likely to happen.
However, there are real limits to how much liability protection you have. If your actions are considered gross negligence, or if the injuries involve illegal fireworks, your insurance company may deny the claim entirely.
Will Illegal Fireworks be Covered?
This is where things get complicated. Many insurance policies include exclusions for damage caused by illegal activity, and that absolutely applies to illegal fireworks. If you were using consumer fireworks that are banned in your area and something goes wrong, your insurer may have grounds to deny your claim.
The legality of fireworks varies widely, even within a single state. Some areas prohibit all consumer fireworks within city limits, while others allow certain types during specific holidays. Before you light anything this July, take a few minutes to check your local regulations so you are not putting yourself at risk financially or legally.
Legal Fireworks Still Come With Risks
Even when fireworks are legal in your area, your insurance coverage is not unlimited. If a claims adjuster determines that you were reckless or careless when lighting fireworks, or that you knew there was a fire risk and ignored it, that could affect your claim.
It is also worth knowing that some insurance policies have specific exclusions around fireworks damage even when the fireworks are technically legal. Reviewing your homeowner’s insurance policy before the holiday is always a smart move, and an agent at C.T. Lowndes can help you understand your coverage.
Fireworks Safety Tips to Protect Your Home and Family
The best way to avoid a fireworks insurance claim is to avoid an accident in the first place. Following a few basic fireworks safety tips goes a long way toward keeping everyone safe this summer.
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Never allow children to handle fireworks on their own, and keep sparklers away from young kids entirely. Sparklers burn at up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and are responsible for a significant share of fireworks injuries every year.
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Always have water nearby when you are lighting fireworks outdoors, whether that is a bucket of water or a garden hose ready to go. Keep a safe distance from spectators and point fireworks away from structures, trees, and vehicles.
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Wear safety glasses if you are handling fireworks, and never attempt to relight a firework that did not go off. If a fuse fails, soak the firework in water before you throw it away.
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Only purchase fireworks from reputable retailers that sell legal, consumer fireworks, and always follow the instructions on the packaging. Planning ahead and designating one responsible adult to handle the fireworks display can prevent a lot of accidents before they happen.
What to Do If Fireworks Damage Occurs
If fireworks damage your property, document everything as quickly and thoroughly as possible. Take photos and videos of all affected areas, gather any receipts for damaged items, and contact your insurance company right away to start the claims process.
Your insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to review the damage, and they will want to understand the circumstances of how the fire or damage occurred. Being honest and thorough in that conversation will help your claim move forward more smoothly.
If someone was injured on your property, make sure they receive medical care first, then notify your insurer about the potential personal injury claim. Your liability coverage is designed to help in exactly these situations, and having additional protection through an umbrella policy can give you even more peace of mind.
Make Sure Your Coverage Is Ready Before July
Fireworks season is a good reminder to review your homeowners insurance before a claim ever becomes necessary. An independent agency like C.T. Lowndes can review your current insurance policies, help you identify any gaps in coverage, and make sure your home is properly protected heading into the holiday.
Reach out to our team today and go into July knowing you are covered.
People Also Ask These Questions About Fireworks Damage
Does insurance cover fireworks damage to my home if I caused the fire?
In most cases, yes. Standard homeowners insurance may cover fire damage to your home regardless of the cause, including fires started by fireworks. The key exceptions are if the fireworks were illegal or if the damage was intentional. Your policy’s dwelling coverage should pay for repairs after your deductible, and a claims adjuster will assess the situation when you file your claim.
Will homeowners insurance cover me if my fireworks injure someone?
Generally yes but coverage limits and exclusions may apply. The liability portion of your homeowner’s insurance policy is designed to cover situations where someone is injured on your property or as a result of your actions. It can help pay medical bills and protect you from a personal injury lawsuit. Coverage limits apply, so if you regularly host large gatherings, it may be worth asking about an umbrella policy for additional protection.
What happens if illegal fireworks caused the damage?
Most insurance policies include exclusions for damage caused by illegal activity. If you were using illegal fireworks and they caused a fire or injury, your insurance company may deny your claim. The legality of fireworks depends on your state and local regulations, so checking what is permitted in your area before lighting anything is strongly recommended.
Does my neighbor’s fireworks damage to my property get covered?
Yes, you have options. You can file a claim under your own home insurance policy for the damage, or you can file a claim with your neighbor’s liability coverage if their negligence caused the loss. Documenting the damage promptly and contacting your insurer right away will help the process go smoothly regardless of which route you take.
Do sparklers cause as much fireworks damage as larger fireworks?
Sparklers are involved in a surprising number of fireworks injuries, particularly among children. They burn at extremely high temperatures and can cause serious burns in an instant. While they may not commonly cause large-scale property damage the way aerial fireworks can, injuries from sparklers can still result in significant medical bills and potentially a personal injury claim if someone other than the person holding them gets hurt.
