Be sure you are insured for a Bonfire Night bonanza

With Bonfire Night and fireworks extravaganzas just around the corner, moneysupermarket.com urges people to make sure their home insurance personal liability cover will insure them for any accidents.

The UK's leading price comparison website warns checking the small print of your home insurance policy is crucial - especially at this time of year. Annual home insurance policies are available for as little as £144 from Churchill, and provide cover for personal liability to the tune of £2,000,000. According to the latest BIS (Department for Business, Innovation & Skills, formerly known as BERR) figures over 6,600 people were hurt and required hospital treatment following accidents caused by fireworks, and around half of all injuries happen to children under the age of 16 years.

Julie Owens, head of home insurance at moneysupermarket.com, said: "It's a shame that fireworks cause hundreds of avoidable injuries every year, especially as they should be so enjoyable. With Bonfire Night looming Guy Fawkes revellers really should remember that safety comes first, especially when a simple sparkler reaches a temperature of up to 2,000°C.

"Parties at home are 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 you are not covered by insurance, and also face a hefty payout. The same applies if you are at a friend's party and are hurt by a firework, they will need to have adequate insurance to cover any injury.

"Sparing a thought for pets is another key consideration. With fireworks aplenty it is arguably the most traumatic and dangerous time of year for our four-legged friends and owners should 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."

moneysupermarket.com found owners can cover their pets from as little as £59 a year for dogs and £36 for cats, but warns checking the small print is crucial as levels of cover for vets fees and third party liability will vary. Pet owners need to ensure their four-legged friends 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.

moneysupermarket.com's 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 lit.

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.