Insurance Policies Can Protect Against Halloween Hazards

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Soon Pennsylvania neighborhoods will be invaded by zombies and ghouls as trick-or-treaters hit the streets for Halloween. With so many unpredictable elements at play, the chances of an accident or mishap are increased this time of the year.

Kids in costumes, neighborhood foot traffic, candles and general Halloween high jinks, all add to the risks. Fortunately, insurance can provide coverage for many possible Halloween-related disasters including:

• Damage to your home or car due to Halloween mischief.
  Standard homeowners and renters insurance policies provide coverage for vandalism. There will be a deductible before your policy starts to pay, but if you suffer expensive damage to your home or possessions you will be financially protected. In the event that your car is damaged, there is coverage under the optional comprehensive portion of your auto insurance policy.
• If there is a fire in your home due to candles or decorations.
  If a candle or electrically powered decoration causes a fire, any damage will be covered by standard homeowners and renters insurance policies. If the fire is significant enough that your home is uninhabitable, you would be covered for additional living expenses, including hotel room costs while your home is being repaired.
• If a trick-or-treater is injured on your property.
  If a trick-or-treater or Halloween party guest is accidentally injured on your property, you would be covered under the liability portion of your homeowners or renters insurance policy if the guest sues you. Standard policies also include no-fault medical coverage so that the injured guest can file their medical claim with your insurance company and avoid a lawsuit.

For more basic steps that can make your home safe for trick-or-treaters visit www.insurance.pa.gov and click on the "jack-o-lantern" icon.

Consumers with insurance questions should call the department's toll-free number at 877-881-6388.

Media contact: Rosanne Placey or Melissa Fox, 717-787-3289

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Insurance

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