The start of Halloween marks the beginning of increased home insurance risks during the season. Homeowners should be aware of these dangers.

• Loretta Worters, a spokeswoman for the Insurance Information Institute, stated that the two main concerns are fire and liability, essentially.
• On average, homeowners incurred losses of $83,991 due to fire and lightning from 2018 to 2022, as per the Insurance Information Institute.
• The average cost of bodily injury and property damage is $31,690.

Your homeowners insurance policy may be at risk during Halloween due to the potential damage caused by trick-or-treaters and jack-o-lanterns.

According to Travelers Insurance, there is a 14% increase in homeowners insurance claims on Halloween compared to other days of the year, with theft on premises claims seeing a 46% jump.

All Hallows' Eve presents various insurance risks, including trips or falls, thefts, fires, and pet-related accidents.

Angi Orbann, vice president of property and personal insurance product management at Travelers Insurance, stated that not all types of things lead to a claim, but they can still happen during the night.

This holiday season, you can save money by practicing "slow shopping." Only one group can "easily afford" holiday spending this year, according to a survey. Year-end Roth IRA conversions are popular, but it's important not to wait too long.

The holiday season brings with it even more risks, as foot traffic in your house increases.

Loretta Worters, a spokeswoman for the Insurance Information Institute, stated that the two main concerns are fire and liability, essentially.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average homeowner's loss due to fire and lightning was $83,991 from 2018 to 2022, while the average cost of bodily injury and property damage liability claims was $31,690 over the same time period.

The cost of your policy will be affected by the number of claims you've made, the type of issue, your location, and the extent of the damage, according to experts.

Orbann warned that a surcharge may be applied to the claim in the upcoming year.

To avoid hazards tonight and throughout the year, add these three steps to your to-do list:

1. Minimize dangers for visitors

To ensure the safety of visitors, homeowners should take extra precautions in pathways and entrances, especially during dark times when visibility is poor, advised Orbann.

It's crucial to consider the safety of pathways and the accessibility of your home during Halloween celebrations and trick-or-treaters, advised Orbann.

She said that everything is very well lit and the pathways are clear.

Worters advised that if it snows, shovel and clear the pathway to ensure a safe and enjoyable walkway for partygoers, carolers, and other holiday visitors.

Hosting a house party with alcohol can increase the risk of liability for injuries or property damage caused by an inebriated guest, Worters pointed out.

Worters advised against letting someone who has had too much to drink operate a vehicle and suggested alternative measures such as restricting alcohol intake and utilizing rideshares.

2. Reduce fire risks

Unattended holiday decorations, such as light displays, Christmas trees, and candles on a mantle or in a jack-o-lantern, can ignite a fire.

Instead of live candles, Orbann advised using LED or battery lights for safety reasons.

A total loss of a home can often occur if a Christmas tree catches fire.

Experts advise that if you choose a natural tree, it's crucial to water it correctly and keep inflammable items away from it.

Home fires and injuries are most commonly caused by cooking fires, according to Worters.

If you're too sleepy, avoid using the stove, she said. Turkey fryers, commonly used during Thanksgiving, can pose a lot of risks if not used properly, she added.

3. Secure your pets and belongings

Ensure that your pet is secured during Halloween, holiday parties, and events to safeguard both the pet and trick-or-treaters, advised Orbann.

Worters stated that insurers may have varying coverage rules based on the type of pet or breed, which could result in higher premiums for specific breeds or no coverage at all.

If the dog isn't trained, there's a risk of increased liability insurance due to loss or injury.

Orbann advised that theft can be a higher risk during the holidays when people order a lot online and receive packages. To mitigate this risk, she suggested securing packages and installing smart home cameras or doorbells.

Orbann suggested that a neighbor could also monitor the house.