Halloween haunts property claim logs

Halloween property damage

Something evil’s lurking this time of year when it comes to property insurance.

Such claims for vandalism and malicious mischief on Halloween increased by 45% and theft on premises increased by 47% compared to any other day of the year, according to data released by Travelers.

And the scary part? Homeowners appear to be in the dark. (Literally.)


A Travelers survey conducted in 2023 indicates that many consumers are not adhering to basic safety tips that might prevent damage or losses at their home: only 10% of respondents lock their doors when they go trick-or-treating and 7% of homeowners turn all their lights out when leaving their house, making it seem unoccupied and possibly making it an attractive target for opportunistic thieves/vandals, the insurer said in an email from the media department.