Halloween is supposed to be fun—costumes, candy, spooky playlists, and maybe a party or two. But while most people are out enjoying the night, insurance companies are bracing for something else: a sharp spike in risky behavior.
Behind all the masks and good times, October 31st consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous nights of the year for both drunk driving and vehicle vandalism. And unfortunately, what happens in one night can haunt your insurance premiums for years.
The DUI Risk: One Night, Years of Consequences
The combination of late-night parties, alcohol, and heavy foot traffic makes Halloween a high-risk event on the roads.
Law enforcement agencies across the country report a consistent rise in DUI arrests on Halloween night, especially between the hours of 6 p.m. and 4 a.m.
Drivers who make the mistake of getting behind the wheel impaired (even just slightly over the legal limit) can face far more than a criminal charge.
From an insurance perspective, a DUI conviction is one of the most damaging events to your driving record.
In most states, a DUI can stay on your record for three to five years. During that time, your premium could double, or worse.
Some carriers may even drop your policy entirely, forcing you to shop for high-risk coverage at a much higher rate. It’s a steep cost to pay for one bad decision, and it doesn’t go away when the decorations come down.
Vandalism: When Halloween Mischief Costs You
But it’s not just what happens behind the wheel that affects your coverage. Halloween is also notorious for vandalism.
Keyed doors, egged windshields, slashed tires—these are common claims that flood insurers in the days after. And while comprehensive coverage typically protects against this kind of damage, not all drivers have it.
If your policy only includes liability coverage, you’re likely on the hook for repairs yourself.
Even with comprehensive coverage, filing a vandalism claim can still raise your premium. Insurance companies don’t just look at the size of the claim—they look at frequency.
A single act of Halloween mischief could trigger a rate increase at renewal, especially if you’ve had other incidents on your record in recent years.
Protect Yourself This Halloween
The best defense? Planning ahead. If you’re going out for a party, arrange for a ride. Rideshare, designated driver, public transit, whatever it takes to avoid temptation.
And if you’re parking your car overnight in an unfamiliar area, aim for well-lit spots and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight.
Insurance is about preparing for the unpredictable. But when it comes to Halloween, many of the risks are unfortunately very predictable.
At QuoteScouts, we want to help you enjoy the night and protect what you drive, because one moment of fun shouldn’t lead to months (or years) of regret.
Stay safe, make smart choices, and let your costume be the only thing that scares you this year.
