Bonfire Night warning issued as fire behind one in 40 home insurance claims

With Bonfire Night (Thursday 5^th) and Diwali (Sunday 8^th) taking place in the same week, Tesco Insurance is reminding homeowners to take a few simple safety steps and check what their home insurance policy covers before celebrations begin.

Alex Cross, Chief Customer Officer at Tesco Insurance, said: “Bonfire Night and Diwali are a busy time for families across the country, and with both falling in the same week, lots of people will be hosting their own celebrations at home with friends and neighbours. While we want everyone to enjoy them, our claims data is a reminder that fire is still one of the most common reasons people need to call on their home insurance, so a little extra care really does go a long way.

“Many fire-related incidents can be avoided by taking a few simple precautions, such as keeping sources of heat and ignition away from buildings, garden structures and combustible materials, and ensuring sparklers are only used outdoors.

“It’s also worth taking a few minutes to look over your policy documents, as details such as cover for garden buildings or accidental damage can be easy to overlook until you need them.

“A bit of planning now means you can relax on the night, knowing your home and everyone in it is prepared.”

To help households celebrate with peace of mind, Tesco Insurance has answered four common questions about home insurance and celebrating at home, alongside simple steps to help keep homes, gardens and guests safe.

1. Will my home insurance cover damage caused by a bonfire or fireworks?

Fire is included on most buildings and contents policies, but what’s covered outside the house can vary. Sheds, outbuildings, fences, garden furniture and plants may have their own limits or exclusions, so it’s worth checking your policy documents or speaking to your insurer before the big night.

Prevention is the best protection. Taking sensible fire safety precautions can help reduce the risk of damage to your home and belongings. It’s worth making sure items that could catch fire are kept away from potential sources of ignition and checking your policy documents so you understand what cover is available should the unexpected happen.

2. What happens if a sparkler or candle causes damage inside my home?

Small accidents, like a scorch mark on the carpet from a sparkler brought indoors or a candle knocked over during Diwali celebrations, are easily done. Whether you can claim will depend on the level of accidental damage cover on your policy. Some policies only include it for certain items, while others offer it as an optional extra, so it’s worth checking what yours includes.

To reduce the risk, keep sparklers outside, hold them at arm’s length and place them in a bucket of water after they’ve gone out. Indoors, keep candles on a stable surface, away from curtains and soft furnishings, and never leave them burning unattended.

3. What should I do if my fireworks damage a neighbour’s home or car?

Damage to a neighbour’s property would usually be claimed on their own home or car insurance. However, if you’re found to be responsible, their insurer may look to recover the costs from you, which is where the personal liability cover on your own policy may help. It’s worth checking whether your policy includes this and how much it covers.

A quick chat with your neighbours before the night can help avoid any surprises. Set off fireworks well away from boundaries, parked cars and overhanging trees, and keep an eye on the wind direction when setting them off.

4. Will I be covered if my home is broken into while I’m at a fireworks display?

Homes are often left empty on Bonfire Night, and the noise of fireworks can mask the sound of a break-in. Many policies require doors and windows to be locked when a property is unoccupied, so a claim could be affected if there are no signs of forced entry.

Before heading out, check that every door and window is locked, including side gates, garages and sheds. Leaving a light or radio on a timer can make your home look occupied, and keeping valuables out of sight from windows makes it a less tempting target. If you’re hosting, keep your front door closed and try to direct guests through a side gate to the garden rather than through the house.