New Year's Eve can be dangerous for cars – we'll tell you the best way to avoid damage.
For many, New Year's Eve is one of the most beautiful evenings of the year – loud firecrackers, colourful rockets and the smell of fireworks in the air. But while people are celebrating, some cars suffer in silence: burn marks on the paintwork, melted plastic parts or even smashed windows are not uncommon.
Year after year, insurance companies report thousands of damages caused by fireworks around the turn of the year. If you love your car, you should therefore take precautions in good time. In this article, you will learn how to effectively protect your vehicle from firecrackers and rockets, which insurance policies apply in an emergency - and what you should avoid at all costs.
Why New Year's Eve is so dangerous for cars
Fireworks look harmless, but can cause considerable damage. Especially if they are ignited near parked cars. Flying sparks, burning rockets or firecracker residues flying around can damage paintwork, plastic and seals. Tires and rims also suffer if a firecracker explodes right next to them. It becomes even more dangerous if fireworks get under the vehicle - the heat can damage pipes, cables or even the tank area.
In addition to direct fire damage, there is often wanton destruction: Some revelers throw firecrackers at cars or put them on car hoods out of high spirits or carelessness. Unfortunately, many a New Year's Eve turns into a nightmare for car owners - and the next morning the car is sooty, scratched or with a smashed window.
The best prevention: Finding the right parking space
The most important step to protect your car starts before midnight: parking. The rule of thumb here is: the further away from the action, the better.
1. In the garage or carport
The safest place for your car is, of course, a closed garage. Here, your vehicle is fully protected from flying sparks and falling missiles. If you don't have your own garage, maybe ask friends or family if you can use their garage space overnight. A covered carport also offers at least basic protection against vertically falling rockets.
2. Underground car park or multi-storey car park
In cities, underground garages or multi-storey car parks are a good alternative. Firecrackers are usually prohibited there, and access is usually controlled. Many public parking garages offer cheap overnight flat rates - this can be worthwhile if you know your car is safe.
3. Remote side streets
If you don't have a garage, you should look for a quiet, secluded street, as far away from party zones or busy places as possible. Avoid streets with a high density of housing or celebrations – that's where most rockets fly. Intersections or open spaces are also riskier than narrow side streets with dense buildings.
Extra protection: These measures really help
Once the perfect parking space has been found, you can also secure your car. Some measures are simple but extremely effective:
Car cover or tarpaulin
A fireproof tarpaulin protects against sparks and ash. Make sure that the tarpaulin is heat-resistant – normal plastic tarpaulins can even melt themselves if sparks fly. There are special fire protection tarpaulins or thermal covers that have been developed for use around New Year's Eve. They are somewhat more expensive, but a costlyinvestment, especially for new cars or high-quality paintwork.
Close windows and sunroof
Sounds banal, but is often forgotten: Close all windows, the sunroof and the fuel filler flap. Even a small opening can be enough for sparks or smoke to enter the vehicle. You should also check loose gaps on doors or seals.
Fold in the mirror and lift the wiper
Fold in the exterior mirrors and lift the windshield wipers if necessary - this will prevent sparks or firecrackers from melting plastic parts or damaging rubber lips.
Paint care beforehand
A fresh layer of wax on top of the paint can help keep small sparks out. The wax forms an additional protective layer and makes it easier to remove soot or residue the next day.
Insurance coverage: Who pays for damage caused by fireworks?
If, despite all caution, something happens, it is important to know which insurance company will step in in the event of an emergency.
Partial comprehensive insurance
Partial comprehensive insurance covers damage caused by fire, explosion or fire, i.e. even if a rocket or firecracker sets the vehicle on fire. Melted plastic parts or paint damage caused by fire are also covered. However, vandalism damage, i.e. if someone intentionally puts a firecracker on your car, is not covered.
Comprehensive insurance
Comprehensive insurance also applies in the event of wilful damage by third parties, i.e. vandalism. So if someone intentionally damages your car by putting a firecracker on it or putting a rocket in it, you're on the safe side with fully comprehensive insurance. Important: Even with fully comprehensive insurance, there is usually a deductible.
Liability insurance
Motor vehicle liability insurance only protects you if you cause damage with your car yourself – for example, if you brush against another car while driving away on New Year's Eve. It is not responsible for fireworks or fire damage to your own vehicle.
Important: Report damage immediately!
If your car is damaged after New Year's Eve, you should immediately take photos and document the damage. Witness statements or surveillance videos can also be helpful. Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible – preferably on New Year's Day, as soon as you discover the damage.
You should definitely not do this
Some drivers try to protect their vehicle with unusual methods – but not everything is a good idea.
- ❌ Cover the car with blankets or foil: Flammable materials such as bed sheets or plastic tarpaulins are dangerous. They can catch fire by sparks.
- ❌ Pour water over the car: This does not provide any protection and can even lead to frost damage in sub-zero temperatures.
- ❌ Park your car under trees: Falling branches or burning rocket parts can damage the roof or paintwork.
- ❌ Wrap your car "safely" with aluminum foil: This not only looks bizarre, but also provides little protection - and can damage paintwork or seals.
What to do if it happens anyway?
On New Year's morning, many people anxiously go to the car. If you discover damage, keep calm and proceed systematically.
- Take photos: Document all damage from multiple perspectives.
- Looking for witnesses: Maybe someone saw something or a surveillance camera nearby recorded something.
- Notify the police: In the event of wilful damage, it is essential to file a complaint – otherwise the insurance company may not be able to cover the damage.
- Inform the insurance company: Report the damage immediately with all documents.
Even if the temptation is great to wash or polish the car immediately, have the damage assessed beforehand. Otherwise, evidence could be lost.
After New Year's Eve: cleaning and control
If your car is undamaged, it should still be cleaned thoroughly. Rocket residues, soot and traces of gunshot can eat into paint and plastic. It is best to wash the vehicle in a car wash or with warm water and mild detergent. Also, check to see if any plastic parts or seals have melted or scorched.
A little tip: Paint polishing in January is not just a cosmetic measure - it helps to detect and eliminate any minor damage at an early stage.
Conclusion: With a little preparation, your car will stay safe
New Year's Eve doesn't have to be a risk for your car. With a little planning, the right parking space and a few protective measures, you can protect your vehicle well from firecrackers and rockets. Particularly important are:
- look for a safe parking space in good time
- close all windows and doors
- cover the car with a fireproof tarpaulin if necessary
- Check insurance coverage
So you can enjoy the turn of the year in a relaxed way - and don't have to run to the car the next morning with your heart pounding.
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