Does homeowners insurance cover firework damage? The answer depends on the language in your policy and the facts surrounding the loss. Generally, there are three ways fireworks may trigger a claim on your home insurance:
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You set off fireworks that damage your own home.
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You set off fireworks that damage someone else’s home.
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Your fireworks cause someone bodily harm.
However, just because you have damage caused by fireworks doesn’t necessarily mean you have a compensable claim. For example, most home insurance policies cover fires. But if the fire was caused by illegal activity (e.g., you set off fireworks in a state where they’re not legal or you intentionally aimed a firework at your home, someone else’s home, or a person), home insurance likely wouldn’t cover it.
The laws regarding consumer fireworks can vary significantly by state. Arizona law specifically prohibits fireworks that are “designed or intended to rise into the air and explode or to detonate in the air or to fly above the ground.” On the other end of the spectrum, no fireworks are specifically prohibited by Wyoming law.
Even if consumer fireworks are legal where you live, you may need a permit to set them off yourself. Make sure you know your state and city firework laws before you engage.
Does homeowners insurance cover firework injuries?
Again, whether an injury caused by fireworks is covered by your home insurance depends on the circumstances and your policy’s language. Most home insurance has medical payments coverage (Coverage F or Coverage M, depending on your policy) to pay for some of the medical bills if someone is unintentionally injured while you’re celebrating.
The personal liability coverage (Coverage E or Cover L,) is there to help with your legal defense if you accidentally cause someone’s injury or property damage. But it won’t cover illegal acts, like intentionally causing someone harm. It also won’t cover you if the circumstances surrounding the harm were illegal.
In a fireworks-related claim, a claims adjuster will likely want to know:
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Were the fireworks legal?
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Who lit the fireworks?
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Did the fireworks function as intended?
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How much experience do you have using fireworks?
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Were the neighbors also doing fireworks?
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Did you receive permission from your neighbors to light fireworks?
Regardless, if someone is hurt because of the fireworks you set off, you should tend to their medical needs and contact your insurance company.
Firework safety tips
At the end of the day, fireworks are explosives – even if they are the charming variety. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, more than 19,000 fires are started by fireworks every year. Worse? 2022 Fireworks Annual Report from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks sent 10,200 people to emergency rooms for injuries in 2022.
The only way you should set off fireworks is if you can do so safely and legally. Make sure folks are clear of any potential direct or indirect contact from the fireworks.
If you’re planning to use fireworks, be sure to:
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Check if the type of fireworks you want to use are legal.
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Follow all directions for use to the letter.
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Plan the trajectory and landing areas to make sure they’re free of debris and structures. Remember, embers from fireworks can travel for miles.
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Only use fireworks outdoors and in a clear space.
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Keep your audience at a safe distance from the point of ignition.
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Take steps to prevent fires, such as keeping a hose, bucket of water, or a fire extinguisher nearby.
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Keep your wits about you – drinking alcohol and lighting fireworks is a recipe for tragedy.
If your home is damaged, call the fire department and try your best to (safely!) prevent your home from experiencing further damage.
Stay safe out there, friends, and have a happy Fourth of July!
