Halloween trick-or-treaters and jack-o-lanterns can be downright scary — for your homeowners insurance.

According to Travelers Insurance, there is a 14% increase in homeowners insurance claims on Halloween compared to other days of the year. Claims for on-site theft are up 46%.

Trips or falls, theft, fire and pet accidents are among the insurance risks of All Hallows’ Eve.

“Not all of these things result in a claim, but they can certainly happen throughout the night,” says Angi Orbann, vice president of property and personal insurance product management at Travelers Insurance.

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Even scarier: Halloween is just the kickoff night for some of these risks, which will continue through the holidays as the number of visitors to your home increases.

“The two issues are really fire and liability,” said Loretta Worters, spokeswoman for the Insurance Information Institute.

The average homeowner loss from fire and lightning costs $83,991, according to the Insurance Information Institute, based on claims from 2018 to 2022. During the same period, the average cost of liability claims for bodily injury and property damage was $31,690.

How such claims affect your policy costs depends on the number of claims you make in a year, the type of problem, where you live and the extent of the damage, experts say.

“Please note that a surcharge may apply the following year based on the claim,” Orbann said.

If you haven’t already, add these three steps to your to-do list to avoid dangers tonight and for the rest of the year:

Homeowners should minimize hazards to visitors in pathways and entrances, “especially when it can be dark and difficult to see,” Orbann explains.

“With all the festivities happening around Halloween and the trick-or-treaters, it’s important to think about the safety of the trails and the accessibility of your home,” Orbann said.

Make sure the paths are clear and that “everything is well lit,” she said.

If it’s snowing, clear and clear your path so that partygoers, carolers and other holidaymakers have a clear path, Worters said.

Be aware of other party-related risks. If you host a house party where alcohol is involved, you risk liability for injury or property damage from an intoxicated guest, Worters added.

“If you see someone who has had too much to drink, don’t let them drive,” Worters said, and consider other measures such as limiting alcohol consumption and encouraging guests to ride along.

Christmas decorations such as light displays, Christmas trees and candles on a mantle or in a jack-o-lantern can cause a fire if left unattended.

“We recommend using LED lights or battery lights instead of live candles for safety reasons,” says Orbann.

Worters agreed: “If a fire starts from a Christmas tree, you can often have a total loss of a home.”

If you choose a natural tree, make sure you water it well and avoid having flammable materials nearby, experts say.

“Cooking fires are also the leading cause of home fires and injuries,” Worters said.

For example, avoid using the heater if you’re too sleepy, she said. Turkey fryers — common for Thanksgiving — “also pose a lot of risks” if not used properly, she added.

If you have a pet, make sure they are safe this Halloween, both to protect trick-or-treaters and the pet, Orbann said. The same goes for other holiday parties and events.

Insurers will have different coverage rules depending on what type of pet you have or breed, Worters said, whether they charge more for certain breeds or have no coverage at all.

“If the dog is not trained and there is loss or injury, that will greatly increase your liability insurance,” Worters said.

Theft can also pose a greater risk around the holidays when “people order a lot online and have packages delivered,” Orbann said. Consider securing your packages and perhaps installing smart cameras or doorbells for your home, she suggested.

“You can also have a neighbor keep an eye on the house,” Orbann said.