Make sure you don't bring the house down on 5th of November

As millions gear-up to celebrate Bonfire Night throughout the UK, Darren Black, Confused.com's home insurance expert, sends out a stark warning to homeowners:

Make sure that home insurance does not become invalidated by dangerous behaviour: we would always encourage homeowners to protect their homes with sufficient cover, whether they are hosting a Bonfire Night party or not - even if it means shopping around for a deal at short-notice. However, if their home cover is sufficient, it is important to make sure that the policy is not invalidated by conducting dangerous acts such as pouring petrol on the bonfire or setting off illegal fireworks.

Ensure that pubic liability protection is in place: it is important that the homeowner's home policy covers them for public liability, as this would remove a huge financial burden, were a guest to be injured.

Ensure that your home insurance policy covers accidental damage: shattered windows and other property damage are common claims on Bonfire Night; being vigilant when it comes to lighting fireworks and sparklers is all very well, but making sure that homeowners' insurance policies cover them against unforeseen accidental damage is an invaluable fallback. Home contents policies should cover free-standing belongings in the house and garden, which could be damaged by fire, as well as covering inadvertent damage to neighbours' homes.

Burglar-proof your home: Bonfire Night is one of the most lucrative nights of the year for burglars, as they know that many residents will be out at firework displays, thus making it easier for them to break-into their homes. In addition, fireworks tend to drown-out the sound of burglar alarms going off. It is important to make sure that all valuables are locked away and, more importantly, that home insurance policies are up-to-date.

"Being vigilant when it comes to setting off fireworks is an absolute necessity, as is avoiding potentially harmful activities like pouring petrol on the Guy for a more extreme display effect. However, finding the right home insurance policy is the key to mitigating the risks posed by fireworks, and indeed the threat posed by burglars on the noisiest night of the year. Reading your policy's small-print to make sure that you are not only covered for accidental damage but also for public liability - especially if you are hosting a firework party - is essential."