8 Strange Halloween Claims That Will Give You Chills

Blog > 8 Strange Halloween Claims That Will Give You Chills

8 Strange Halloween Claims That Will Give You Chills

Halloween is meant for spooky thrills and harmless frights, but when those scares become all too real, Halloween insurance claims often follow. In fact, according to the Insurance Information Institute, “Halloween sees one of the highest numbers of home and auto claims of the year.” From runaway skeletons to haunted house mishaps, Halloween night can lead to unexpected disasters. Here are eight strange, real-life incidents that turned Halloween fun into costly lessons, proving that even the spookiest night of the year can come with a hefty price tag.

Let’s Talk Spooky Halloween Claims

1. Flying Witch Display Gone Wrong

In 2014, a motorized witch display in North Carolina caused a frightful disaster, resulting in a Halloween insurance claim. The homeowner had set up a witch on a cable that flew across the yard. Unfortunately, the witch malfunctioned, took a detour, and crashed into a neighbor’s car, breaking the windshield and scratching the paint. This mishap resulted in a comprehensive insurance claim, leaving both the neighbor and homeowner unsettled by this unexpected “trick.”

2. Living Statue Mishap at Haunted House

In 2016, a popular haunted attraction in California had an unfortunate incident involving a “living statue” performer. The actor, in a creepy costume, was meant to stay perfectly still until guests approached. However, the performer accidentally startled themselves! After catching site of their spooky costume, they jumped backward, accidentally knocking over a full-size antique mirror that was part of the haunted house’s décor. The damage led to an insurance claim for the costly prop.

 

Halloween Insurance Claims

 

3. Masked Burglar Takes Advantage of Halloween Chaos

On Halloween night in 2018, a burglar in Texas took advantage of the neighborhood chaos to break into a home. The owners were busy out trick-or-treating. Disguised in a Halloween mask, the thief stole jewelry and electronics, taking off unnoticed in the confusion. The homeowners filed an insurance claim for burglary to recover the lost valuables, while authorities used neighborhood security footage to try to track down the culprit.

4. Runaway Skeleton Display

High winds and large Halloween decorations don’t always mix. In 2020, a homeowner’s 12-foot skeleton decoration in Indiana blew over by strong winds. The massive display tumbled onto a neighbor’s car, causing significant damage. This resulted in an auto insurance claim. The homeowner’s liability insurance comes into play to cover the cost of repairs.

5. Chainsaw Mishap

In a documented case from 2015, an actor wielding a fake chainsaw at a haunted house in California accidentally got too close to a guest. The chainsaw, though fake, created a motorized noise that panicked the guest, causing it to graze their arm and result in minor injuries. During the incident, the actor also lost balance and fell, injuring his wrist in the process. The injured visitor filed a claim for medical expenses, and the haunted house faced a lawsuit over the accident.

6. Falling Prop Injury

In 2013, a haunted attraction in New Jersey faced legal action after a heavy hanging skeleton prop fell from the ceiling and struck a visitor. The victim suffered head injuries and filed a Halloween insurance claim against the haunted house for negligence. The incident highlighted the need for safety inspections and proper maintenance of props to avoid serious injuries.

7. Actor Stabbed with Real Knife

One of the more bizarre claims comes from a haunted house in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2016. A guest was handed what they believed to be a prop knife during one of the performances. However, the knife was real, and the guest accidentally stabbed an actor in the arm. The actor filed a medical claim, and the haunted house faced significant backlash for their lack of safety precautions, leading to new regulations around prop safety in the state.

8. Severed Finger in Haunted Escape Room

In 2019, a California haunted escape room had an unexpected injury when a visitor lost part of their finger. The guest reached into what they thought was a harmless prop, only to encounter sharp edges that weren’t properly covered. The visitor sued for negligence, and the escape room’s insurance covered the costly medical bills and damages, leading to a significant financial settlement.

 

 

Halloween Insurance Claims

 

Real Scares, Real Claims

These real-life incidents remind us that Halloween fun can sometimes lead to real consequences. Whether it’s a malfunctioning decoration or an unfortunate accident at a haunted attraction, having the right insurance in place can help protect against the unexpected. Always double-check your spooky setups and make sure your liability coverage is up to date, because even a night of fun can end in a fright!

About YourPolicy

At YourPolicy, we understand that life’s unexpected twists can happen when you least expect them, especially on Halloween. We’re committed to protecting you when spooky fun takes a wrong turn, whether it’s through homeowners insurance that covers damages from runaway decorations or business liability coverage for haunted attractions. Our tailored policies ensure that no matter what the season, you’re prepared for whatever comes your way. Whether it’s safeguarding your home, business, or personal belongings, let us help keep your Halloween—and every day—stress-free with the right insurance protection.

Call a YourPolicy agent today at (866) 236-0203 for a free insurance quote or to make sure you have the right coverage.