Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year — kids running around in costumes, neighbors handing out candy, and plenty of laughter echoing down the street. But as someone who’s worked in insurance for a while, I’ve also seen how fast a fun night can turn into a stressful one.
From property damage to trick-or-treat mishaps, October 31st brings a few risks that most people don’t think about until it’s too late. So, before you light up your pumpkins and hang the cobwebs, here are a few things I’ve learned over the years that can help keep your Halloween safe and claim-free.
1. Keep Your Yard and Walkway Safe
Most of the Halloween injuries I’ve seen could’ve been prevented with a flashlight and a quick walk around the yard. Make sure your walkway is clear, cords are tucked away, and any decorations are secured so they don’t blow over or trip anyone.
If you’re setting up spooky inflatables, stake them down tight and check the cords. And as tempting as real candles in pumpkins can be, those are a fire hazard waiting to happen — go with battery-powered lights instead.
It takes five minutes, and it can save you from a liability claim if someone takes a tumble on your property.
2. Keep Your Pets Inside
Even the sweetest dogs can get anxious when strangers in costumes show up at the door. I’ve seen a few claims over the years that started with a friendly bark and ended with a nip or scratch.
Keep pets inside, away from the front door, and maybe even give them a quiet room to relax in for the night. It keeps everyone safer — including your furry family members.
3. Watch Out for Mischief
Every Halloween, there’s always a handful of vandalism claims — egged cars, mailbox damage, things like that. If you can, park your car in the garage or under good lighting. Motion lights around your home can also help deter pranksters.
If anything does happen, take photos and report it right away. Most home and auto insurance policies cover vandalism, but quick documentation always helps make the claims process smoother.
4. Drive Like It’s a School Zone
Trick-or-treaters don’t always look both ways, and with dark costumes, they’re hard to see. Drive slow in neighborhoods — like, really slow. Kids dart out between cars all the time.
A little extra caution behind the wheel can prevent a serious accident and a potential bodily injury claim that nobody wants to deal with.
5. Double-Check Your Coverage
Halloween’s a good reminder to make sure your insurance is in good shape. Homeowners insurance can protect you from property damage and liability, and your auto policy can help if there’s vandalism or an accident.
If you’re not sure what your current coverage includes, give us a call. At AL-GA Insurance, we’ll take a quick look and make sure you’re protected before anything spooky happens.
Final Thoughts
Halloween should be about candy, costumes, and memories — not claims and cleanup. A few simple precautions go a long way toward keeping it that way.
If you’d like us to review your home or auto policy, just call 334-578-ALGA (2542) or visit www.algainsurance.com.
We’ll make sure your coverage is ready for whatever this Halloween brings — even if it’s just a few ghosts and goblins.
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