More than 133 million homes in the U.S. were stops for 72.8 million trick-or-treaters in 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This year, around 70% of Americans will participate in Halloween festivities, Statista reports, and they will spend more than $11.5 billion on the costumes, decorations and candy for the holiday. With so much Halloween activity, and much of it happening after dark, there are bound to be mishaps. Travelers Insurance sees roughly 14% more insurance claims generated on Halloween than other days of the year, and theft-related claims increase by 46%. But there are ways that homeowners can minimize the chances of a spooky Halloween insurance encounter. The slideshow above illustrates six steps homeowners can take to minimize the chances of a costly Halloween mishap, from Travelers Insurance Vice President of Property Angi Orbann. Andrew Leeds, chief claims officer at Plymouth Rock Home Assurance, also shared some thoughts with PropertyCasualty360.com about why homeowners should "be on guard" for "real-life horror stories." |

Tumbling trick-or-treaters

Picture this: A young witch or zombie steps up to your front door, eager for candy, only to stumble on a pumpkin or loose cord lurking in the shadows. In the dim light, these decorations can become sinister tripping hazards, sending visitors sprawling and risking everything from skinned knees to broken bones. If someone is injured on your property, the financial (and emotional) toll could be downright chilling. Before night falls on Halloween, be sure to walk your property and banish those hidden hazards. Clear pathways, secure loose decorations and make sure there's enough light for little goblins to safely navigate. And with the right liability coverage in your homeowner's policy, you'll rest easier, knowing you're protected from the financial scares that could come if someone gets hurt on your property. |

The tale of the haunted flame

There's nothing quite like a glowing jack-o'-lantern to add a spine-tingling touch to Halloween. But leaving a candle unattended can lead to terrifying consequences. In seconds, a flickering candle could transform your cozy home into a scene out of a horror film, with damage that's hard to imagine. Consider using LED candles to safely summon the same spooky effect without the risk of fire. But if a fire does occur, having strong property coverage in your homeowner's policy is essential. It can help cover repairs, protect your belongings and spare you from a financial nightmare. Leeds added via email that Halloween homeowner horror stories illustrate the value of a trusted insurance agent. "An experienced agent understands the risks that come with a high-traffic Halloween night and can help you identify any ghoulish gaps in your policy that might leave you vulnerable to financial horror," Leeds said. "A dedicated agent will review your liability and property coverage, making sure you're fully protected against any Halloween mishaps — no matter what the night may bring." See also: |

• Halloween costume ideas that are sure to scare any insurance professional
• The spooky side of commercial auto safety
• Stop Halloween homeowner hazards from ruining your holiday

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