BONFIRE NIGHT WARNING

The simple mistakes that could turn family fun into a financial nightmare on 5th November

Millions are preparing for Bonfire Night festivities, whether that’s setting off sparklers in their garden, or attending an organised firework display, but temporary car insurance expert Claire Wills-McKissick at Tempcover is issuing a vital warning to motorists. 

Claire highlights a series of unexpected rules and hidden dangers that could lead to shocking penalties, severe fines of up to £5,000, and the risk of invalidated insurance, which could give ‘Remember, remember, the 5th November’ a whole new meaning.

“The celebratory atmosphere of Bonfire Night can lead to a lapse in concentration or an unwitting breach of car insurance terms.” says Claire.  “These are not just minor rules, the consequences for a momentary mistake - from driving distracted to carrying fireworks in your vehicle - can leave drivers footing a huge bill.” 

Don’t Let Your Focus Fizzle: Stay Sharp on the Road

Driving on Bonfire Night presents a range of challenges for motorists - from becoming momentarily distracted by dazzling displays outside the window, to staying calm when a sudden, loud firework goes off nearby. 

• Shock factor: Taking your eyes off the road - even briefly - to watch or point at fireworks could be classed as careless driving and lead to a £100 fine and 3 penalty points. If this causes an accident, you could face court, a higher fine, or driving disqualification.

Claire says, “In the midst of fireworks and frenzy this Bonfire Night, vigilance is essential. Ensure you maintain a safe distance between yourself and the car in front, and that your full focus is on the road ahead.  That split-second distraction could carry a lifetime of regret.”

Pet Secure: Keeping animals safely contained in the car

Many pets suffer extreme anxiety around fireworks, and travelling with them unharnessed on Bonfire Night creates a major safety and insurance risk.

• Pet distractions: Driving with an unrestrained, panicked pet can cause a sudden distraction, leading to a charge of ‘driving without due care and attention’ (minimum £100 fine and 3 penalty points).
• The insurance void: Crucially, if your pet is the cause of the crash and was not suitably restrained, your insurer could legally argue you breached the terms of your policy.  This could result in your car insurance being invalidated, leaving you to pick up all repair and liability costs.

Claire says, “Even a well-behaved pet can panic from a sudden firework bang. To minimise this risk of pet distraction inside the vehicle, always ensure your pet is suitably restrained, using a harness, cage or carrier. This simple step is vital to prevent breach of an insurance policy, and unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses.”

Load Lightly: Carrying dangerous goods 

Even if they’re safely packaged, carrying fireworks in your car can breach your car insurance policy and leave you exposed

• The weight warning:  In the UK, it is illegal for an individual to transport or acquire more than 50kg of fireworks without a valid licence, as this quantity is considered commercial and subject to strict regulation. Breaching this law is a severe offence.
• Are you covered? Many policies classify fireworks as ‘dangerous goods’ or ‘explosive material’.  Carrying them - especially if not stored safely - could be deemed a breach of terms.  

Claire says, “Don’t assume your policy covers you when transporting fireworks - always check your policy, or confirm with your insurer beforehand as coverage can also depend on the amount you’re carrying. Failing to know the rules means you could be driving uninsured without even realising it.”

Spark Smart: Setting off fireworks (The £5,000 fine)

Misunderstanding the strict legal limitations on where and when fireworks can be set off can result in the most extreme penalties. 

• Setting them off from the car: It is illegal to set off fireworks in or from a vehicle. This can result in a huge fine of up to £5,000 and/or 6 months in prison.
• Beware of roads: It is also illegal to set off fireworks in the direction of any lane, road or motorway also resulting in fines of up to £5,000 and/or 6 months in prison. 
• The time trap: Setting off fireworks any time after midnight (on the 5th November), is a breach of the law and could result in a fine up to £5,000 or up to 6 months in prison.

Claire says, “The law is non-negotiable. A moment of carelessness near your car or on a public road could result in a massive financial blow. Research the rules before you light a match.”