Protect Your Haunted House with the Right Home Insurance

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Home insurance plays a bigger role in Halloween than you might think. While you’re stringing up lights, setting out fog machines, or planning a backyard haunted house, it’s easy to overlook how much risk comes with seasonal fun. Accidents, property damage, and even lawsuits can all creep in when you least expect them.

If you’re transforming your home into a haunted attraction or throwing a neighborhood party, it’s important to know how your home insurance policy protects you and where it might fall short.

Halloween Brings Real Risks to Homeowners

Every fall, more homeowners go big with Halloween setups. Whether it’s a DIY haunted garage or an elaborate yard display, these seasonal projects come with liability risks. Guests could trip over cords, props might fall and cause injury, or decorations could be stolen or vandalized.

Home insurance can help in many of these situations, but only if you understand your policy’s coverage limits. Not all policies automatically include protection for special events or temporary structures. Certain types of incidents may require added coverage.

Liability Coverage: What If Someone Gets Hurt?

One of the key components of home insurance during Halloween is personal liability coverage. This part of your policy helps protect you if someone is injured on your property and you’re found legally responsible.

Common Halloween-related liability scenarios include:

  • A trick-or-treater trips on uneven steps or hidden decorations
  • A guest falls while walking through your haunted garage
  • A child gets hurt by a malfunctioning prop or decoration

If your home insurance includes liability protection, it can cover medical bills, legal costs, and any settlements related to the injury. These costs are covered up to your policy limit. However, if you’re charging admission, hiring actors, or promoting your haunted house as a public attraction, your insurer might consider this a commercial activity. That type of event may require additional endorsements or a separate policy.

Are Decorations and Props Covered by Home Insurance?

Many homeowners invest heavily in Halloween decorations. But what happens if something damages them?

Home insurance generally covers personal property like decorations if they are damaged by a listed peril. For example, if someone steals your projector or a fire damages your animatronic figures, you may be eligible for reimbursement. However, outdoor items can have more limited protection. Damage from weather, improper setup, or normal wear and tear is often excluded.

To protect your decorations:

  • Keep receipts for anything valuable
  • Take photos of your setup before the event
  • Secure items to prevent theft or accidents

Temporary Additions and Party Rentals

Tents, bounce houses, stages, and speakers are common at Halloween gatherings. These features are fun but also add complexity to your coverage.

If a rented bounce house collapses or a tent causes property damage, your home insurance may not include coverage unless you have added specific protections. Some rental companies also require you to show proof of insurance or carry additional liability coverage for the event.

To reduce your risk:

  • Contact your insurance agent before the event
  • Review your policy for temporary structure exclusions
  • Ask vendors to provide certificates of insurance

Take Safety Seriously to Avoid Claims

While home insurance can be a safety net, the best protection starts with prevention. A few proactive steps can help you avoid the need to file a claim at all.

Consider these tips:

  • Replace open-flame candles with battery-powered lights
  • Keep walkways clear of decorations and well-lit
  • Secure cords and wires so they do not create trip hazards
  • Supervise high-traffic or interactive areas like haunted setups

A safe celebration lets everyone enjoy the season and keeps your home’s claims history in good standing.

Talk to Ruffcorn Insurance Before the Festivities Begin

Halloween should be full of fun, not full of risks. At Ruffcorn Insurance, we help families prepare for every season with peace of mind. Whether you’re hosting a neighborhood party, setting up spooky decorations, or creating a haunted house experience, we’re here to review your home insurance and help close any gaps in coverage.

Let us make sure your Halloween goes off without a scare. Contact Ruffcorn Insurance today to schedule a quick policy review or get advice on adding extra protection for your seasonal event.

About Ryan Ruffcorn

Ryan grew up in Keokuk, graduated from Keokuk Senior High, and started his agency in Keokuk from scratch in 2003 after having worked for one of the largest international accounting firms, KPMG, LLP.

Ryan is hardworking; his loyal and trustworthy character is exemplified by the way he does business. He thoroughly enjoys helping clients through the insurance buying process to secure coverage for their most valuable assets.

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