Learn how The Conley Financial Group can help protect your business from firework mishaps with the right insurance coverage.
Sponsored by The Conley Financial Group
FIREWORKS LIABILITY INSURANCE
Ask people what comes to mind when they think about summer, and a few are likely to say “fireworks.” Whether it’s to celebrate the 4th of July or to have fun with some friends, fireworks are as big of a part of summer tradition as baseball and hot dogs. While you might focus on the fun of fireworks, it’s also important to think about safety. Fireworks can be dangerous, with the potential to injure people or damage property. Having the right level of liability insurance coverage is a must to protect yourself from any potential lawsuits.
Even if you are on your own property, it’s still essential to ensure you are protected if damage occurs to neighboring yards or homes. You might not have full control over who watches your fireworks display and never know who might file a lawsuit against you for any bodily harm caused by a rogue firework. Despite how complicated fireworks liability may sound, making sure you’re covered in the event of injuries or property damage is as simple as finding the right custom fireworks insurance plan that can be designed exactly for your needs.
WHY SHOULD I GET FIREWORKS LIABILITY INSURANCE?
Forethought and planning are worth it when it comes to stunning fireworks displays. There’s always a risk of damage or injury when fireworks are involved, even if a professional handles them. An average of 180 people visit the emergency room each day with fireworks-related injuries during the month surrounding Independence Day. In 2017, more than 12,000 people were injured by fireworks. Fireworks also cause an average of 18,500 fires annually.
If someone gets hurt by a firework, such as by burning their hand or arm on a lit sparkler or by getting hit by a piece of the firework, they could sue the event organizer or homeowner who put on the fireworks display. If a firework or sparkler causes damage to nearby property, such as landing on a car parked nearby or by causing a structure to catch fire, the property owner might also decide to sue the person responsible for the fireworks display.
If you’re a homeowner setting off fireworks in your backyard, your homeowner’s insurance policy may or may not cover damage or offer liability protection. It depends on the details of your policy and the state you live in. Not every state allows consumer fireworks, which means homeowners insurance isn’t likely to cover you if a firework display leads to damage or injury. Even if you live in a state where consumer fireworks are allowed, your insurance policy might not provide sufficient coverage for fireworks.
Event organizers typically need to purchase special coverage for fireworks displays. This coverage protects the organizer from lawsuits resulting from injuries or property damage caused by the fireworks display. Special events liability insurance can give you the extra coverage you need if you plan to set off fireworks.
WHAT DOES EVENT AND HOME FIREWORKS INSURANCE COVER?
What fireworks insurance covers varies based on several factors. There’s no standardized plan or coverage because the laws differ from state to state. The situation surrounding the fireworks can also differ from instance to instance. For example, an event organizer who’s planning a massive fireworks display will need a different amount of coverage compared to a homeowner who might be setting off a more modest display in their backyard.
For that reason, it’s important to work with an insurance partner who will help create a customized coverage plan based on your unique needs. Your home or event fireworks insurance might include coverage for:
Transportation of the fireworks, particularly if they need to cross state lines.
Event cancellation.
What Could Happen If I Don’t Get Firework Insurance?
Fireworks insurance protects you or your company from financial harm. If you are putting on a fireworks display, whether it’s big or small, and someone gets injured, they could sue you. Even if the court finds you’re not responsible for the damages to the injured individual, handling a lawsuit can be expensive. You’ll need to hire attorneys to represent you in court and will most likely have to pay court costs and administrative fees.
If the injured party wins the case or decides to settle, the cost of the damages can be high. Without the right type of insurance, you or your company must pay those damages or settlement costs out of pocket. Depending on your financial situation, the cost could drain your bank account or cause your company to go out of business.
Event fireworks insurance can also provide coverage if you need to cancel a fireworks display for reasons such as weather or if the vendor fails to deliver the fireworks. Cancellation insurance protects you from financial loss due to having to refund tickets or pay vendors for an event that didn’t occur.
When Should I Get My Fireworks Liability Insurance?
Generally, the sooner you buy fireworks liability insurance, the better. The insurance policy will need to be in effect on the day of the event. It may also need to still be in effect when a lawsuit occurs. If you’re purchasing event cancellation insurance, you’ll typically need to have the policy in place a few weeks before the event date. You most likely will be unable to purchase the policy the day before the event, especially if you expect something to come up that causes you to cancel the event.
How Much Does Firework Insurance Cost?
Firework insurance cost depends on several factors including the amount of fireworks covered, event location and the level and types of coverage desired. Contact XINSURANCE for an accurate estimate.
What Else Can I Do to Improve Fireworks Safety?
Having the right level of insurance coverage is just one step to protect yourself when setting off fireworks. Creating a safe place for the fireworks display helps lower the risk of injury or damage and reduces the chance of being sued. Some safety tips to keep in mind when setting off fireworks include:
Buy the right type of fireworks:If you’re a homeowner setting off a fireworks display, make sure you buy consumer fireworks, not the type designed for professional use. Fireworks sold in brown paper tend to be designed for professional use.
Don’t let children near the fireworks: Fireworks are for adults to handle, only. Set up a barrier around the fireworks area to keep kids away if possible.
Pay attention to the weather: Rain and inclement weather can disrupt a fireworks display or make it more dangerous. If the weather calls for rain or if it will be windy and dry, you might want to cancel or postpone your display.
Set the fireworks off in an appropriate area:It’s important to set off fireworks in clear, open spaces. The further away from structures, the better. Your state might have specific rules regarding where you can legally set off fireworks. Make sure you consult the regulations and follow them.
Extinguish the fireworks properly:After setting off the fireworks, make sure to douse them with water to fully extinguish any lingering embers or flames.
CONTACT US
Whether you’re setting off a fireworks display at home, on private property, or planning a big, communitywide display, you need the right insurance coverage. We can help you choose the appropriate level of events and fireworks coverage with our all-in-one approach.
Contact us today to discuss your fireworks insurance coverage needs in greater detail.
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