Fourth of July Insurance Claims & Safety Tips
The Fourth of July may be a time for fun—barbecues, fireworks, boating, and beach days—but it’s also one of the busiest periods for insurance claims. Here's a breakdown of the top five claim types, with safety tips to help your network stay protected:
1. Firework Injuries & Property Damage
Nearly 9,700 ER-treated injuries in 2023. In 2024, 14,700 injuries and 11 deaths were reported due to fireworks-related incidents. Property damage from fireworks totals around $43 million annually.
Safety Tips:
Prefer professional displays; if using consumer fireworks—only legal types, one at a time.
Keep water/hose nearby, don’t relight failures, and never handle while impaired.
Sparkler caution: they burn at up to 2,000 °F—a serious burn hazard.
2. Grill & BBQ Fires
July is peak season for grill fires, contributing to over 22,000 injuries and nearly 10,000 home fires annually. Residential grill fires cost homeowners roughly $37 million in damages each year.
Safety Tips:
Clean grill regularly, check propane hoses, and never leave it unattended.
Use lighter fluid only before lighting; keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
3. Boating Accidents
The holiday sees a surge in boating claims. 80% of boating fatalities involve people not wearing life jackets. Claim volume rises due to alcohol use and inexperienced operators.
Safety Tips:
Always wear a life jacket.
Operate boats sober.
Check the weather and leave a float plan with someone on shore.
4. Car Crashes & Impaired Driving
July 4th is one of the deadliest driving days in the U.S. Nearly 41% of fatal crashes during the holiday involve alcohol, and around 200 traffic deaths occur during this period.
Safety Tips:
Use a designated driver or rideshare service.
Don’t allow guests to drive under the influence—prevention saves lives.
5. Pool/Drowning Incidents
Pool and drowning incidents spike during the July 4th weekend, especially involving children. Alcohol is often a contributing factor in many of these tragedies.
Safety Tips:
Provide constant supervision, especially for kids under 5.
Enforce “no alcohol while swimming” rules.
Consider swim lessons or hiring a lifeguard for larger gatherings.
✅ Takeaway for Insurance Professionals
Encourage clients to review home, auto, boat, and umbrella coverage.
Offer seasonal advice—such as adding surge protection, grilling safety, or boating best practices.
Sharing timely risk management tips helps prevent losses and builds long-term trust.
Sources:
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (cpsc.gov)
State Farm (statefarm.com)
Insurance Journal (insurancejournal.com)
ProValue Insurance (provalueinsurance.com)
Manla Financial Strategies (manlafins.com)
Risk & Insurance (riskandinsurance.com)
Mahaney & Pappas LLP (mahaneypappaslaw.com)
Pinder Plotkin Legal Team (pinderplotkin.com)
TIME Magazine (time.com)
Insurance Canopy (insurancecanopy.com)
Law-Ohio (law-ohio.com)
U.S. Fire Administration (usfa.fema.gov)