More Than Half of Danes Forget to Check Insurance Before New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is the most dangerous day of the year for accidents, yet 62 percent of Danes forget to check their insurance coverage beforehand. Insurance company Alm. Brand urges the public to review their home and personal accident insurance to avoid unpleasant financial consequences in case something goes wrong.

While New Year’s Eve is a festive occasion, it also carries a significantly increased risk of accidents. Last year alone, 210 Danes ended up in the emergency room due to fireworks-related injuries during New Year’s, with 42 of them suffering serious injuries, according to the Danish Safety Technology Authority.

In response, Alm. Brand issues a clear reminder for people to ensure their insurance is in order before the fireworks begin.

A recent survey of more than 1,500 respondents from Alm. Brand’s customer panel reveals that 62 percent do not review their insurance coverage in connection with New Year’s Eve. This oversight could lead to substantial financial consequences if accidents occur.

“New Year’s Eve is unfortunately a high-risk day, and if you’re not covered properly, it can become very costly. For instance, if you accidentally cause fire damage while visiting someone or if your fireworks destroy a neighbor’s garage, your liability through your home contents insurance should cover the damage. If you don’t have contents insurance, you’re personally liable for the full compensation, which could amount to several thousand kroner,” says Britta Bjerregaard, Claims Director at Alm. Brand.

She continues: “We recommend spending just five minutes checking your insurance coverage to ensure you’re properly protected. It’s the best way to avoid an unpleasant financial surprise on top of a possible physical injury.”

According to Bjerregaard, there are several important reasons to review your insurance policies before the end of the year:

Accidents involving fireworks: If you are injured, your personal accident insurance covers long-term disability and treatment expenses.
Children’s accident insurance: Children are not automatically covered under their parents’ personal accident insurance and need their own policies.
Damage to others’ property (liability): If, as a guest, you cause damage to your host’s property—such as a fire, a broken window, or damage to a car—your home contents insurance’s liability coverage applies. Without this insurance, you are personally liable for the full cost of compensation.
Damage to your own belongings: If fireworks cause damage to your home or personal property, your home contents or building insurance will cover the loss (minus the deductible).

Alm. Brand encourages everyone to take a few minutes to verify their insurance coverage before celebrating the New Year.