Statewide Iowa — (RI) — Fireworks, love ’em or hate ’em, they’re a big part of how Iowans mark this 4th of July weekend.
Iowa’s largest home insurer is urging everyone who plans to celebrate the holiday with a bang to use extreme caution. James Walford, a State Farm insurance agent, says in addition to the risk of injury, there’s also a significant fire hazard from fireworks — and it’s vital to have your policy up-to-date.
If the fire damage to a home is significant, the case may quickly evolve into a lawsuit based on negligence and other factors. As far as insurance, a house fire caused by fireworks may be considered much like any other disaster that’s the result of a storm or flood.
The way the fine print reads, the homeowner would have to pay a deductible — perhaps $500 or $1,000 — for damage to their own home that was caused by a neighbor’s fireworks.
State Farm says there are nearly 20,000 reports of fireworks-associated fires every year nationwide and another 13,000 injuries.
KIWA File Photo
