Chiltern Debt Management is warning families to avoid their finances going up in smoke this bonfire night by checking the small print in their home insurance policies before lighting even a sparkler.
General manager Jackie Newton says, “If you’re planning fireworks or a bonfire, check that your home insurance covers things like free standing contents in the house and garden, accidental damage caused by fire to anything in your garden, including the shed or your neighbour’s garden, and that there are no specific exclusions or loopholes that could leave you out of pocket if things go wrong.”
“Every year we hear horror stories every year about the dangers of playing with fireworks, but not a great deal is said about people suddenly landing themselves in large amounts of debt because their home or contents insurance doesn’t provide the cover they expected.”
What to do before you light the fire:
• Check that you have insured the free standing contents in the house and garden.
• Check your home contents policy covers you for accidental damage caused by fire to anything in your garden, including the shed, or your neighbour’s garden.
• Read your policies carefully and check for any specific exclusions.
• Don’t build the bonfire too high or too near the house as many insurers emphasise that you should exercise due care and attention.
• Secure your home as there is also a high risk of burglary.
