Our new client, Irish online insurance provider Quote Devil today unveiled new statistics showing home insurance claims surging to three times the normal rate on Halloween night.   The company warned that the risk of fire and malicious damage to houses is far greater on October 31st and advised people to take extra precautions to safeguard their properties.

As bonfires start to appear around the country Quote Devil revealed that 75% of claims are for fire and smoke damage, with another 25% the result of malicious damage through vandalism. One of the biggest sources of claims is smoke damage from bonfires, with many homeowners shelling out thousands for painting, cleaning and even replacing furnishings.

“This is the worst time of year for home insurance claims with a marked increase in payouts for fire-related damage, broken windows and vandalised property.  Halloween does seem to give a destructive element an excuse to rampage, and each year the results of this are seen in an increase in claims,” said Quote Devil Chairman John McGuire.

McGuire continued by urging extra vigilance with home security, particularly important as the hours of darkness increase with clocks being reset for winter. “The sudden extra darkness longer evenings after the clocks go back creates an opportunity that burglars are quick to take advantage of. Home theft claims rose 15% after the clocks went back last year so we urge the public to review their security and make sure they have covered valuables such as laptops and jewellery in their insurance policies.”

While Halloween is intended to be a fun holiday Quote Devil advises to put safety first and offers the following tips:

• Do not offer or leave anything around that children can use to build a bonfire such as old furniture, wooden pallets, packaging etc.
• Bonfires are illegal and inherently dangerous so if you are concerned by lit fires contact the Fire Brigade immediately.  Do not wait for someone else to do so.
• If leaving the house to accompany children trick-or-treating, even if only a sort distance, remember to turn on your alarm.
• Take care with lit candles as these can be an extreme fire hazard.
• Check your smoke alarm now to ensure that it’s working.

About Quote Devil

Quotedevil.ie is Ireland’s only online insurance service that can provide instant cover and electronic delivery of policy documents. The company offers quotations and policies for home insurance, mortgage protection cover, motor breakdown insurance, wedding and travel insurance.

QuoteDevil.ie is an easy-to-use website and has been designed to deliver a quote in less than one minute and the completed policy in less than three, without any form filling. Savings of up to 60% on home insurance can be delivered.

QuoteDevil.ie was set by John McGuire, Managing Director of First Credit Mortgages, financial expert and RTE TV presenter. Quote Devil is regulated by the Financial Regulator here in Ireland with home insurance policies underwritten by Zurich Financial Service

Quote Devil Chairman and RTE TV presenter John McGuire with devil Paul Óg Corcoran (4) announcing that household insurance claims triple at Halloween due to destructive bonfires and increased vandalism. The online insurer that promises a quote in under a minute urged homeowners to be on their guard next weekend as bonfire parties are planned nationwide.