Aviva has warned that jewellery-related insurance claims often spike around Halloween, with accidental loss being the biggest driver. The insurer analysed claims data between 2022 and 2025 and found that claims during the week of Halloween typically rise by 25% compared with the surrounding eight weeks.
Halloween claims surge
The data compared claims notified from October 28 to November 3 with the same weekdays in the four weeks before and after. The short-lived peak in late October and early November suggests people may be carrying or wearing valuable items when out and about, with claims normalising in the weeks before and after.
The average Halloween-related claim was £1,113, with a range of incidents from burglaries while families were out trick or treating to party-related damage.
Pumpkin and party mishaps
Specific Halloween-related mishaps included a smashed pumpkin leaking onto a laminate floor and wall, a fancy dress disaster when make-up was spilled onto a sofa, and a candle-lit pumpkin igniting outdoor decorations. Doorstep-related claims have included egging and pumpkin-related damage.
Hannah Davidson, underwriting lead for home and lifestyle insurance at Aviva, said the claims are “a reminder for homeowners to protect their homes and treat their valuables with care”. She added: “To help avoid any mishaps, homeowners should check their insurance cover, especially if they’re wearing or carrying more valuable items, such as watches or jewellery.”
