INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Insurance warns Hoosier homeowners and renters that accidental damage caused by fireworks that are banned in their counties may not be covered by their homeowners or renters insurance policies.
Many insurance policies contain provisions disclaiming coverage for illegal acts committed by the insured. However, consumers who experience property damage due to another person’s use of fireworks may be able to claim benefits under their homeowners or renters policy.
The following are laws governing fireworks in the Hoosier state, and many towns and cities have additional ordinances that Hoosiers must follow:
• Fireworks can be purchased only by persons 18 years of age or older.
• Fireworks may be used:
- on the user’s personal property;
- on the property of someone who has consented to the use of fireworks on that property;
- a location designated specifically for the use of consumer fireworks.
Consumer fireworks may be used only between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. on most days that are not holidays, but this may be limited further by local ordinances — check with local officials.
On holidays (Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and New Year’s Eve), fireworks may be used between 9 a.m. and midnight. (You should check first with local officials.)
The times on the following dates are protected in Indiana for consumer use of fireworks and may not be prohibited by local ordinance:
• June 29 to July 3: from 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset;
• July 4: from 10 a.m. to midnight;
• July 5 to July 9: from 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset; and
• December 31: from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.