Starting the new year with fireworks? For many people, it is a tradition they would like to maintain. From next year, consumer fireworks will no longer be allowed in the Netherlands, and many Belgian municipalities and cities are also banning them.

Every year, there are hundreds of victims, and the damage to houses and cars runs into the millions. Dutch insurance experts fear that damage claims will be even higher this year, precisely because many people want to stock up on fireworks to have one last big celebration before the ban takes effect.

More damage reports after New Year’s

According to the Dutch online platform Independer, damage caused by fireworks last year was at least 71.4% higher than the year before. Insurance Allianz Direct is also reporting a boom: just after the turn of the year, it received almost 50% more claims for damage to cars and homes than usual.

Although legislation for a safe New Year’s Eve in the Netherlands has been passed, with the ban expected to come into effect at the turn of 2026-2027, insurance experts fear that large numbers of people – it is likely that a record amount will go up in smoke – will still set of consumer fireworks, increasing the risk of fire or material damage to your car.

Damp old blanket

The best way to prevent damage from flying fireworks is, of course, to park your car in a garage or covered public parking garage. If that is not possible and you have to park on the street, one option is to drape a damp old blanket over the car. This will protect it from falling fireworks and paint-damaging gunpowder.

Waxing your car is also a reasonable precaution, as it protects it from fireworks residue.

If fireworks have landed on your car, you can usually remove the black-brown discoloration from the paintwork without any problems using a good polish. Please do not do this at low temperatures, as it will be difficult to rub off.

If plastic parts have been affected, you will need to use a special plastic cleaner. Minor paint scratches can be removed with a scratch remover. For deep scratches or burnt paintwork, only a car sprayer can provide a solution.

Vandalism

Damage to your car caused by fireworks is usually classified as vandalism by insurance companies. In principle, you are only entitled to compensation if you have an all-risk or comprehensive assurance. Note that damage caused by vandalism will affect your no-claims bonus and, therefore, your no-claims discount.

If the responsible party can be identified, they will be responsible for the damage. Because they do not always do this deliberately, they can rely on their family insurance to cover it.

If there was no intent, you will be compensated for the damage if you have third-party liability insurance or higher. Unlike vandalism, fire damage caused by fireworks (without intent) does not affect your no-claims years or no-claims discount.

Also, prevention measures at car-sharing companies

And if, as a private individual living in a busy residential area, you are already worried about the consequences of fireworks in your street, imagine how the managers of car-sharing companies feel. Because these vehicles are recognizable, with logos and striking colors, insurers and municipalities say they are more likely to be targeted for vandalism around New Year’s Eve.

Some providers proactively remove cars from high-risk neighborhoods around New Year’s Eve, precisely because of this spike in damage.