Research reveals that Halloween is now the UK’s third highest spending occasion behind Christmas and Easter, worth over £300m. And while it might be a bit of fun for most, the celebration can turn into a nightmare for insurers.

2011 statistics from Aviva revealed that according to insurance claims data, Halloween is the worst day of the year for malicious damage to the home. Claims data spanning ten years revealed a rise of 150 per cent in damage claims to the home in the week between Halloween and Bonfire Night. Everything from still-lit fireworks to burning candles can cause fires to spread extremely quickly.

Figures also showed a 28 per cent increase in burglary claims on Bonfire Night, making it the worst night of the year for break-ins. Vehicle break-ins also increase during this period as a result of the clocks going back, leading to darker and longer nights.  

Protecting your equipment

Professional photographers fall victim to these claims between the week of Halloween and Bonfire Night. We experience an increase in claims made throughout this period. Photographers need to take precautions by thinking ahead and avoiding the increased risks.

Leaving doors unlocked on houses and parked vehicles – more common than you would expect – can be enough to void your insurance. Make sure everything is locked up securely and if possible, store your camera equipment in your house, rather than in a car or outside shed or studio.  

Novelty seasonal items can also be the cause of upset, with items such as candles and Chinese lanterns being problematic if not attended to correctly.  We’ve heard everything in the past, from cats knocking over candles and causing fires, to fireworks melting doors, all of which can cause irreparable damage to professional photography equipment.

Seasonal celebrations such as Halloween parties and Bonfire Night gatherings can lead to accidental damage, should you forget to store your camera equipment safely away for the night. Everything from spilt drinks to careless stumbles can lead to hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

Be prepared

Unfortunately, no matter how well you prepare, sometimes accidents and crimes happen which leave you with no option other than to claim on your insurance. If that’s the case, you need to ensure that you are fully covered.

Many photographers believe their household insurance policy will cover their photographic equipment, but often that’s not enough – in many cases, there are a variety of small print clauses written into these policies which can cause them to become void.

You should choose a niche insurance policy specific to your needs as a photographer, particularly if this is what you rely on for a living.

There is plenty of good advice available about the dangers surrounding seasonal events. Here are some top tips for professional photographers this Halloween and Bonfire Night;

Top tips

  1. Ensure all equipment is safely stowed away when hosting celebrations
  2. Make sure you don’t leave equipment unattended if you are photographing or filming in dark locations
  3. Don’t leave lit items (e.g. fireworks and candles) unattended or in places they could easily be knocked over
  4. Don’t forget to lock front doors and windows whilst busy in the back garden with noisy firework displays and bonfires