- Around 1,000 damage reports from New Year’s Eve at Allianz every year
- 15% have experienced physical or material damage from fireworks
- Liability insurance protects against unintentional behavior
- Almost every second person likes fireworks and enjoys watching them
- Banging from firecrackers and Swiss firecrackers is perceived as disturbing
- Protection of animals and the environment are the most common reasons for wanting a ban on fireworks
It’s a much-discussed and controversial topic every year: fireworks and bangers at the turn of the year. While some people love watching the colorful hustle and bustle in the night sky, others are annoyed. A current survey commissioned by Allianz Austria among 1,000 people also shows a differentiated picture: According to this, the majority of Austrians (40%) like fireworks at midnight and enjoy watching them. 35% like fireworks, but find the firecrackers terrible. 17% feel bothered by the noise.
What may be surprising is that only a small proportion (9%) like to set off fireworks themselves – especially men and the 14 to 19 year old age group. A good quarter (23%), however, think that only professional pyrotechnicians should be allowed to do this. A wish that would certainly avoid some damage and injuries: 15% of those surveyed say that they have already experienced damage from fireworks – either to themselves or in the form of property damage.
Allianz also reports around 1,000 damages from New Year’s Eve every year, with the average damage amount being in the low four-digit range. Damage to motor vehicles was reported to Allianz most frequently at the turn of the year 2023/2024 (around 300).
“Every year, numerous accidents caused by fireworks occur on New Year’s Eve. Improper ignition often results in injuries and burns to the hands and face. But rockets can also cause damage to cars and houses. Depending on the situation, liability insurance, vehicle comprehensive insurance or home or household insurance, for example, can cover follow-up costs,” explains Rémi Vrignaud, CEO of Allianz Austria and adds: “However, the problem, especially when it comes to property damage caused by rockets and firecrackers, is that they are usually set off at night in public places or streets or that property damage is only discovered the next day. In this case, it is difficult to determine which policy or policyholder may be held liable.”
Abolition of fireworks is hotly debated
For many people (18%), the risk of injury is also a reason to advocate a general ban on fireworks. But there are also a number of other arguments in favor of many Austrians: The majority, namely 31%, would abolish the fireworks tradition out of consideration for domestic and wild animals. For 26%, the environmental impact of the emissions released is a valid reason. 18% report noise nuisance. Since fireworks and explosions cause psychological stress for many people, 15% are in favor of abolishing them. 13% are of the opinion that fireworks are simply too expensive. In general, it can be said that it is primarily older people (aged 50 and over) who are in favor of a ban on fireworks and firecrackers for the reasons mentioned.
Damage and injuries are usually covered by private liability insurance
According to the Allianz survey, 15% of Austrians have been harmed by fireworks: 3.6% were slightly injured, and 3% a person from the same household was injured. 3% also suffered material damage – 2% reported that their car was damaged, and 2% also reported damage to their house or apartment. Conversely, 7% have already injured themselves or someone else or damaged something.
“The cause of damage and injuries is usually experiments with pyrotechnics, illegal fireworks or carelessness due to alcohol consumption. “One should therefore always keep in mind: Anyone who causes a fireworks accident is fundamentally responsible for the consequences of their actions and must pay for the damage caused,” says Vrignaud.
To reduce the risk of injuries and accidents on New Year’s Eve, Allianz advises:
- Please note that the use of fireworks/New Year’s Eve crackers (e.g. Swiss firecrackers, firecrackers, etc.) is generally prohibited in the local area all year round. However, the mayor is free to allow an exception as long as there is no risk to people, their property, public safety or unreasonable noise nuisance.
- If you buy fireworks, only buy products with a CE mark from Austrian specialist retailers and read the instructions for use carefully.
- Fireworks/New Year’s Eve bangers may only be lit individually and separately from each other.
- Keep a safe distance when lighting fireworks.
- If a firecracker doesn’t explode, don’t light it a second time. Pour water over the dud and dispose of it in a watered bin.
- When lighting fireworks, pay attention to yourself, others and your surroundings (parked cars, open windows, etc.).
About the survey
On behalf of Allianz, marketagent interviewed 1,000 people between the ages of 14 and 75 in the period from October 30th. surveyed until November 6th, 2024. The sample is representative of the Austrian population. Multiple answers were possible for all questions. The numbers have been rounded.