Bonfire Night - be sure you are insured

As Bonfire Night approaches and Brits prepare for a fireworks extravaganza, moneysupermarket.com urges people to make sure their home insurance personal liability cover will insure them for any accidents.

According to the UK's leading price comparison website checking the small print of your home insurance policy is crucial - especially at this time of year. The latest BERR statistics show over 6,600 people were hurt and required hospital treatment following accidents caused by fireworks, and almost 500 injuries occurred at family or private parties. moneysupermarket.com reveals home insurance policies from as little as £123 a year with Churchill will cover you for personal liability to the tune of £2,000,000.

Peter Gerrard, head of insurance research at moneysupermarket.com, said: "It's that time of year again; leaves are falling, the evenings are getting darker, and much-anticipated Bonfire Night is looming. Parties at home are of course a great way to celebrate the night but if someone burns their hand on a sparkler or on the bonfire, you could find yourself liable for any injury or damage if uninsured, and face a fairly hefty payout. On the other hand if you are at a friend's party and are hurt by a firework you will no doubt be interested to know their levels of cover."

moneysupermarket.com also reminds Guy Fawkes revellers to spare a thought for their pets this Bonfire Night. Owners need to ensure they are safeguarded for the evening and also adequately insured in case of injury or if they get lost, and also to protect against any damage or harm caused by their pet. Owners can cover their pets from as little as £73 a year for dogs and £48 for cats. Plus, most insurance policies for dogs provide liability cover of a million pounds or more.

Peter Gerrard added: "With fireworks aplenty Bonfire Night is arguably the most traumatic and dangerous time of year for our four-legged friends; owners must take steps to protect them. Fireworks can cause distress, disorientation and panic, which can in turn lead to accidents and animals going astray. Often, insuring your pet is worth it for peace of mind alone."

Here are some top tips for staying safe this Bonfire Night:

Keep a close eye on children. Ensure that they wear appropriate clothing, especially gloves, when near bonfires or sparklers

If you have a Bonfire party, ensure that there is sufficient space between the fireworks and the guests. It is also advisable to not drink in excess, and to ensure that outside areas are well light-up.

Keep pets indoors. Close windows and curtains, and switch on music to drown out the noise of fireworks, and don't forget smaller pets living outside, like rabbits and guinea pigs, can be brought inside for extra protection.