CIS: Remember home insurance on 5th of November

Brits are being warned to ensure they have adequate home insurance in place before taking out the pyrotechnics on Bonfire Night.

Co-operative Insurance Society (CIS) warns that people who plan to celebrate with fireworks and bonfires should take every precaution, including ensuring they have adequate insurance.

Home contents insurance policies offer protection if negligence causes damage to someone else's property or if someone is injured. The public liability section of home contents insurance policies offers cover for these accidents.

Those holding a CIS Home Options home insurance policy can use the legal expenses insurance and legal advice helpline if their own property gets damaged through someone else's negligence.

It's surprising that many people have bonfire or fireworks parties in their gardens without giving a second thought to home insurance, says Gideon Ingham, the head of insurance products at CIS.

He warns that even if people are only having a few friends round, they should ensure their home insurance covers them against injuring someone or causing damage to a neighbour's property.

It's also worth giving some thought to where you site your bonfire – don't choose a spot too near the house or near a garage or garden shed, just in case things get out of hand, Mr Ingham warns.

CIS also urged people to adhere to the fireworks code, after it found that a third of people injured by negligent firework handling had to receive hospital treatment.