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Fireworks over the lake

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 homeowners 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 find they need to purchase special coverage for fireworks displays. The coverage protects the organizer from lawsuits that can come up due to injuries or property damage resulting from 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 are different 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 that 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.
  • Personal liability.
  • Property liability.
  • Event cancellation.
  • Weather issues.

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 will need to 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 takes place. If you’re purchasing event cancellation insurance, you’ll typically need to have the policy in place a few weeks before the date of the event. 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.

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 that you’ll be 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. If possible, set up a barrier around the fireworks area to keep kids away.
  • 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 you are from structures, the better. Your state might have specific rules regarding where you 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 put out any lingering embers or flames fully.

Contact XINSURANCE to Learn More About Fireworks Liability Insurance

 

Whether you’re setting off a fireworks display at home, on private property, or are planning a big, communitywide display, you need to have the right level of insurance coverage. XINSURANCE 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.

Updated May 19, 2021


Rick LindseyAuthored by Rick J. Lindsey, President, Chairman, and CEO of XINSURANCE

Rick J. Lindsey hails from Salt Lake City, Utah. He began working in the mailroom of his father’s Salt Lake City insurance firm, getting his introduction to the business that became his lifelong career. Rick J. Lindsey quickly rose through the ranks while working in nearly every imaginable insurance industry job. As an entrepreneur, specialty lines underwriter, claims specialist, risk manager, and a licensed surplus lines broker, Rick J. Lindsey is highly skilled in all levels of leadership and execution. As he progressed on his career path, Rick J. Lindsey discovered an urgent need for insurers willing to write policies for high-risk individuals and businesses. He was frequently frustrated that he could not provide the liability protection these entities desperately needed to safeguard their assets. He also formed the belief that insurance companies acted too quickly to settle frivolous claims. Rick J. Lindsey decided to try a different approach. He started an insurance company and became the newly formed entity’s CEO. This opportunity has enabled Rick J. Lindsey to fill a void in the market and provide a valuable service to businesses, individuals, and insurance agents who write high-risk business. XINSURANCE also specializes in helping individuals and businesses who live a lifestyle or participate in activities that make them difficult for traditional carriers to insure. If you’ve been denied, non-renewed, or canceled coverage, don’t give up quite yet. Chances are XINSURANCE can help.