Every year fireworks cause seriousinjuries and substantial property damage. According to theNational Fire Protection Association (NFPA),fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires annually, including1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside andother fires. These fires cause an average of three deaths, 40civilian injuries, and $43 million in direct property damage.

Homeowners' insurance

Standard homeowners' insurance policies include coverage forfires. If someone sets off fireworks that hit your home, you wouldbe covered. Coverage amounts will vary, depending on the policy.Also check for exclusions in the coverage — for example, are shedsor outbuildings covered, or damage to landscaping?

Fireworks that malfunction and injure a person on your property(other than household members) could be covered under a section formedical payments to others. Coverage limits for no-fault medicalexpenses are usually fairly low. Depending on the policy, thoselimits range from $1,000 to $5,000 worth of coverage. This coveragetypically kicks in if your injured neighbor or friend doesn't havehealth insurance and seeks to recover the medical costs fromyou.