Thread: Insurance for your haunt?

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So, somebody mentioned to my girlfriend today that we should really check with our homeowners insurance regarding our haunt. Personally I've never worried about it and personally hate the fact that our society has even made such concerns exist.

But now the seed of concern has been planted and I can no longer avoid dealing with this. The concern isn't so much for the yard display, but the fact that we're going to have people going into the shed may cross the line into a "haunted house" and more liability.

Has anybody dealt with this? Any particular issues with your insurance company?

I grew up with a mother who was an insurance executive. She would NEVER allow me to have the TOTers climb the stairs to our door. (we only had a small porch) I heard lots of warnings about lawsuits because of people tripping on sidewalks or falling down stairs because the path or porch wasn't fully lit on Halloween.

This is why I've never even considered a walk through haunt. I always set up my TOT station on level ground, usually in front of my garage. I have used fencing in the past to keep kids off the lawn, in an effort so they don't trip on wires or knock down props.

This yard everything will be viewable from the sidewalk. I will decorate my porch area, but I will block the stairs with pumpkins.

It just isn't worth the worry for me to do a walk through. I would be a nervous wreck anyway and not enjoy it.

Wow, I never even thought about it. It is true everyone is sue happy these days. First I would make sure your shed is covered on the policy. I know mine covers any "out building" I add to my property up to 20% of the value of the house. I only found this out because I'm building a garage(where this years haunt will be held) and I checked into coverage. I would think, and please don't quote me, that any building that is covered would cover any guests in that building. Of course that makes sense, so it's probably wrong

Just be careful how you "advertise" your haunt. Your insurance company may view your haunt as a commercial enterprise, if you have a website or charge admission.

Just something to think about.

Treat it like a "party" and you should have no problem. I would check with my agent though.

So you're saying I shouldn't sell cups for the keg?

Our in surence will cover falls and such, But say someone tripped over a power cord, or something like that. They will not cover that, If a walls falls on someone they may cover that depending on factors. basicaly if it is an unforseen accident they will cover it. I just iliminate any and all potential hazzards. to be sure I am covered.