Don’t let Halloween haunt you this year! Make sure you have the proper insurance and follow AAA Western and Central New York’s advice to have a safe Halloween.

While a fun and festive holiday, Halloween poses several important insurance considerations. According to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, more vandalism claims are filed on Halloween than any other day of the year. Additionally, increased pedestrian traffic during the evening, when visibility is diminished, can contribute to a higher number of pedestrian-related motor vehicle injuries.

“Before the tricking-or-treating festivities begin, make sure your insurance policies are up-to-date,” said David Hodge, vice president of insurance with AAA Western and Central New York.

Following these basic steps can take some of the fright out of Halloween night.

Halloween safety advice from AAA Insurance

• Use flameless candles if possible, and always keep lit jack-o-lanterns out of the reach of children and pets. If a Halloween candle does cause a fire, a standard homeowners or renters insurance policy may provide coverage for fire-related damages.
• Keep pets inside and away from trick-or-treaters, especially if they are easily frightened or become over-excited when they see strangers.
• Turn on your car’s headlights earlier in the day to increase visibility on the road. Drive slowly in residential areas and watch out for costumed kids that may be crossing streets or darting out from between parked cars.
• Keep pathways outside of your home well-lit and clear of objects to avoid injuries to party guests or trick-or-treaters. In the event that someone is injured on your property, the liability portion of your homeowners or renters insurance policy may provide coverage.
• Avoid having your car vandalized or stolen by parking it in a secure and well-lit area. Make sure the windows are up and the doors are locked. The optional comprehensive portion of your auto insurance policy typically covers damage due to vandalism.

To find out more about homeowners, renters or auto insurance, call your AAA agent or request a quote online to see what discounts you may be eligible for and what type of coverage you might need.

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