Recent research from home insurer, Churchill, reveals that nearly a million revellers have damaged their neighbours properties in the past by setting off fireworks that have gone off course and nearly two million householders have been hurt or have a family member who has been hurt by a firework in the past.
If youre planning fireworks or a bonfire, check that you have insured the free standing contents in the house and garden.
Your home contents policy should cover you for accidental damage caused by fire to anything in your garden, including the shed, or your neighbours garden.
A typical payout limit for garden possessions is £1,000, but homeowners should read their policy carefully and check for any specific exclusions.
James Harrison, of online insurance comparison service Insurancewide.com, said: Your buildings insurance covers damage to the house itself and your land. Insurers emphasise that you should exercise due care and attention, for example dont build the bonfire too high or too near the house. Secure your home as there is a high risk of burglary.
Building insurance is a legal requirement if you have a mortgage but beware, contents cover is optional, not everyone has it and many of those who do are under-insuring their homes as the contents increase in value year on year.
Harrison sad: If you are uncertain about the type of cover you may have, call your insurer and make sure you understand what is and is not covered under your policy’s terms and conditions.
If you do need to buy or update your home insurance it is important to compare several insurers. By far the quickest way to find the insurer most relevant for you is to use online comparison services, and you can often get a discount on the premiums if you actually buy online, though not always.
