Halloween’s origins trace back more than 2,000 years ago in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when the boundary between the living and dead was blurred. On October 31, ghosts returned to earth in search of food and comfort, while more sinister spirits enjoyed a night of mischief.

Not a lot has changed since.

While most folks will wear costumes and indulge in a little too much candy, others will endeavor to wreak havoc.

Sharp Spike in Vandalism and Malicious Mischief Insurance Claims

Many Halloween-related pranks are harmless, like toilet papered trees or smashed pumpkins. But it’s also when some insurance companies see an uptick in homeowners insurance claims, such as broken windows and smashed doors.

On the day of Halloween, there is a 72% increase in vandalism and malicious mischief claims compared to all other days of the year, according to claims data provided by Travelers Insurance. Halloween also sees an uptick in other types of claims, such as theft (15%) and mysterious disappearance (6%), which are usually claims of lost, misplaced or stolen items.

Drunk Driving Plays a Role in Halloween Traffic Fatalities

About 37 people die everyday from drunk driving crashes, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

On Halloween night in 2021 (the most recent data available), there were 38 drunk driving fatalities. That’s a decrease from 58 drunk driving fatalities on Halloween in 2020. Adults between age 21 and 34 accounted for the highest percentage (55%) of drunk driving fatalities on Halloween night in 2021.

Halloween Is the Deadliest Day of the Year for Pedestrians

Halloween is one of the most kid-friendly holidays on the calendar. There were about 72 million potential trick-or-treaters (children under age 18) in 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

But with all those kids (and adults) on the streets, the risk of car accidents involving pedestrians increases. The risk of a pedestrian fatality is 43% higher on Halloween, according to a study of 42 years of NHTSA data (1975 to 2016) and published on the JAMA Network, a medical journal published by the American Medical Association.

The National Safety Council offers the following safety tips for pedestrians and motorists:

  • Put your electronic devices down. Keep your head up and walk (don’t run) across the street.
  • Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
  • Carefully enter and exit driveways and alleyways.
  • Watch for children in dark clothing in the evening.
  • Discourage young, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween night.

Insurance Coverage for Halloween-Related Claims

Halloween-related incidents can be costly. From stolen cars, vandalized property and injuries, you’ll likely need a mix of insurance types to cover potential losses. Here are a few coverage types that could come into play.

  • Comprehensive auto insurance covers stolen cars, auto vandalism and car fires. This is an optional coverage, meaning you’ll have to add it to your auto insurance policy.
  • Homeowners insurance covers problems like vandalism to your house, malicious mischief and theft. For example, if someone breaks into your house (or car) and steals your laptop, you’re covered under your home insurance.
  • Condo insurance covers vandalism, malicious mischief and theft, but this typically applies to incidents that take place inside your condo. Incidents that affect the exterior of a condo are covered by a homeowner association’s master policy.
  • Your car liability insurance pays for medical expenses for others if you injure them in a car accident. It also pays for a legal defense in case you are sued. For example, if you back out of your driveway and hit a pedestrian, liability insurance covers medical bills and other expenses, up to your policy limits.
  • Personal injury protection insurance covers medical bills and other expenses (like lost wages) if you are a pedestrian struck by a car, depending on your state.
  • Your uninsured motorist insurance (UM) might cover some damages if you are the victim of a hit-and-run, depending on your state. For example, if you are a pedestrian struck by a car and the car takes off, your UM can cover medical bills and other expenses, like lost wages.

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