Halloween is all about costumes, candy, and neighborhood fun — but it also comes with a rise in liability risks for homeowners. If a trick-or-treater trips on your walkway or slips on wet leaves, you could be held financially responsible.
As a homeowner, you need to consider and prepare for these Halloween safety risks you are responsible for: poor lighting making it difficult to see well, uneven sidewalks and steps, slippery leaves on walkways, dog bites, and decorations causing tripping or burning.
Homeowner’s insurance generally provides liability coverage if someone is injured on your property during Halloween. That coverage may help with medical bills or legal costs, but limits, exclusions, and deductibles vary by policy.
The real fright this Halloween isn’t the ghost at your door — it’s not knowing whether your coverage is strong enough to protect you. Let’s uncover some hidden hazards, surprising facts, and how insurance can help when tricks overshadow the treats.
Common Halloween Hazards and How Insurance Responds
Did you know? Halloween consistently ranks among the top days of the year for pedestrian accidents and homeowner liability claims. In fact, the Insurance Information Institute reports that dog bites alone account for more than one-third of all homeowner’s liability claims, averaging over $50,000 per incident. That’s scarier than any haunted house.
Here’s a clear side-by-side look at Halloween safety risks and how your policy might step in:
| Hazard | How It Puts You at Risk | How Homeowners Insurance May Help |
| Uneven walkway or cracked steps | Trick-or-treaters stumble in the dark and get injured | Liability coverage may pay medical costs and legal defense fees |
| Poor lighting | A burned-out porch light hides hazards | Medical payments coverage may step in quickly for smaller injuries |
| Pets stressed by visitors | A startled dog bites a guest | Many policies cover dog bites, but some exclude specific breeds — check your fine print |
| Slippery leaves and rain | Wet surfaces cause slips and falls | Liability coverage can apply, but you’re expected to take “reasonable care” (like clearing leaves) |
| Unsafe decorations | Extension cords, candles, or inflatables cause trips or burns | Coverage may help, but claims tied to negligence (like using real flames in pumpkins) may be limited |
Practical Ways to Keep the Night Safe
Insurance is your backstop, but prevention is your first line of defense. Before the first “trick-or-treat!” is shouted, consider these quick steps:
- Light the path: Check porch bulbs, add motion-sensor or solar lights, and make sure walkways are visible.
- Clear the clutter: Sweep away leaves, secure cords, and move decorations out of high-traffic areas.
- Protect your pets: Even calm pets can get anxious. Keep them in a quiet room away from the front door.
- Do a quick safety walk: A 10-minute check of sidewalks, steps, and entryways can prevent a costly accident.
- Swap flames for LEDs: Jack-o’-lanterns are festive, but flameless candles avoid both burns and fire risks.
Why Reviewing Your Policy Before Halloween Matters
Most homeowners don’t know the details of their liability coverage until after a claim. By then, it’s too late to adjust limits or close gaps. Important questions to ask now:
- What is my liability coverage limit, and is it high enough for today’s claim costs?
- Does my policy exclude certain risks (like pets, business use of home, or short-term rentals)?
- Would my current deductible leave me with a big out-of-pocket bill?
Here’s the twist: claims spike on Halloween night, but most are preventable with both good safety practices and the right insurance in place. For homeowners in Berks County and beyond, Rothenberger Insurance Services helps answer these questions before the unexpected happens.
Final Word: Treat Yourself to Peace of Mind
Halloween should be about memories, not lawsuits. By combining smart safety steps with the right homeowner’s insurance coverage, you can hand out candy with confidence — knowing your home, your guests, and your wallet are protected.
🎃 Give us a Call: Ready to review your homeowner’s policy before the trick-or-treat crowd arrives? Contact Rothenberger Insurance Services today for a free, no-obligation policy review. Our team has helped families across Berks County stay protected for decades, and we’re here to help you too.