Fireworks damage to your car: are you always covered?

Unfortunately peanut butter

The short answer is no. Whether fireworks damage to your car is covered depends entirely on your car insurance policy and the circumstances.

What damages are covered by fireworks damage?

Fireworks damage can occur in a variety of ways. Consider paint damage from sparks, a melted mirror cover, damaged tires or a star in the windshield. In more serious cases, fire or soot damage occurs when fireworks explode under or against the car. Importantly, this damage is usually considered sudden, external damage. That very distinction determines whether your insurance pays out.

Only WA? Then it’s mostly bad luck

If you only have third-party insurance, you are not covered for damage to your own car. TPL only covers damage you cause to others with your car. Fireworks damage to your own vehicle is not covered, not even if someone else sets off the fireworks. In that case you have to pay the costs yourself, unless you can trace the culprit and hold him liable. In practice, this is often difficult around New Year’s Eve.

Limited casco: sometimes yes, sometimes no

With limited-casualty insurance (also called WA+), things get more interesting. This coverage reimburses damage from fire, explosion and sometimes glass damage, among other things. Fireworks damage can be covered, but not always. A cracked window caused by fireworks is often covered. Paint damage caused by sparks or smoldering residue usually is not. Fire damage caused by fireworks can be covered, provided it is explicitly mentioned in the policy conditions. So it pays to check those conditions carefully.

All-risk: the most certainty

With all-risk insurance, you are covered for fireworks damage in most cases. It also often covers damage caused by vandalism or unknown third parties. Think of paint damage, melted plastic parts or other visible damage caused by fireworks. Please note that even with all-risk, a deductible usually applies. This means that small damages are sometimes still for your own account if the damage amount is lower than the deductible.

Is fireworks damage vandalism?

It depends on the situation. If fireworks are deliberately thrown against or under your car, insurers often speak of vandalism. With all-risk, this is usually covered. With limited casco and third party liability it is not. If it cannot be determined whether it was intentional, the damage is often assessed as ‘damage due to an external cause’. Even then, the chosen coverage is decisive.

What should you do in case of fireworks damage?

If you see damage after the New Year, take pictures as soon as possible. Record date, time and location. If there is larger damage or suspected vandalism, report it to the police. Some insurers require this with these types of claims. Afterwards, report the damage to your insurer and check in advance whether the claim affects your no-claim discount. With limited casco and all-risk this is often not the case, but certainty prevents surprises.

Can you prevent fireworks damage?

Complete prevention is difficult, but you can reduce the risk. Preferably park your car during New Year’s Eve in a garage or in a quiet place without fireworks activity. Avoid parking lots near squares or shopping centers where many people congregate. A car cover offers limited protection against sparks, but it does not help against heavier fireworks.

Also read: 10 tips to protect your car from fireworks during New Year’s Eve