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November the fifth should be about fireworks, bonfires, treacle toffee and fun. Not about break-ins, costly damage to property and trips to the A&E!.

To ensure Bonfire Night does not burn a hole in your pocket AOL Money is providing advice from experts on how to keep your possessions safe and avoid any unexpected, financial big bangs.

Firstly it is important to remember that empty homes are easy targets for break ins – as families congregate at the local display, many homes are left empty during the noisiest night of the year. The evening darkness and loud bangs can provide the perfect cover for burglars attempting to get into a home. For those attending public displays, leave all windows and doors locked, leave lights on and activate alarms. The more deterrents are in place, the more likely thieves will move on to easier targets.

Accidental Damage & Personal Liability

If you are having a sizeable party, accidental damage and public liability insurance are recommended. When homes are full of lots of people (drinking and eating) more accidents can happen such as spillages and breakages. Accidental damage cover will protect the homeowner against mishaps and will offer peace of mind for the party hosts. Personal liability is also recommended, especially if fireworks are being let off. In the worst case scenario, guests attending your party need to be covered if an accident should happen. This would cover the host for any claims made as a result of falling, breaking bones or being burnt etc. Annual home insurance policies are available for as little as £144 from Churchill, and provide cover for personal liability to the tune of £2,000,0001. Julie Owens, head of home insurance at moneysupermarket.com, stresses that sometimes the full dangers of bonfire night are not taken on board and the potential of large financial settlements ignored.

"Parties at home are a great way to celebrate the night, but if someone burns their hand on a sparkler (a simple sparkler reaches a temperature of up to 2,000°C!) or on the bonfire, you could find yourself liable for any injury or damage if you are not covered by insurance, and face a hefty payout. The same applies if you are at a friend's party and are hurt by a firework, they will need to have adequate insurance to cover any injury."

Pet Insurance

Guy Fawkes night can be a distressing time for pets who are unnerved by the constant loud bangs from fireworks. All pets should be kept indoors to prevent them bolting across roads, causing accidents. If they are being left alone it is wise to leave a radio or TV on, which will provide background noise. If you are having a fireworks party, let your neighbours know so they can make contingency plans for their pets. According to moneysupermarket.com, owners can cover their pets from as little as £59 a year for dogs and £36 for cats, but checking the small print is crucial as levels of cover for vets fees and third party liability will vary.

Darren Black, head of household insurance at Confused.com explains the importance of checking ALL insurance cover as November the fifth approaches. ‘Although bonfire night is enjoyed by thousands, it is a dangerous night for many reasons. Being vigilant around fires and fireworks is a necessity to avoid accidents. One way of reducing the financial risk you expose yourself and home to, is to ensure adequate insurance is in place. Check your policies offer cover for accidental damage, public liability and theft. Pet insurance should not be overlooked as man's best friend can become very upset due to the loud bangs. Everyone should look at insurance small prints to ensure Bonfire Night does not burn a hole in their pockets, if they find out they are not covered for all eventualities.”

James Hillon, head of home insurance at The Co-operative Insurance, takes a similar line. "Whether you're planning to just let a few fireworks off in your garden, or you're holding a lavish firework party, it's important that you check your insurance cover. Many families spend time making sure they're safe and warm before venturing out - but we also suggest that checking your household and car insurance should be part of your preparations for the big night."

If you do decide to have a bonfire and fireworks at home, make sure they're not too close to your house, car, outbuildings, fences or hedges, and don't stand too close, just in case things get out of hand.

If things do go wrong, household insurance policies should cover most incidents, including damage to garden sheds and garages. If you are legally liable for damaging someone else's property or injure them through your own negligence, then the public liability section of your household contents policy will provide cover for claims made against you.

If you find that your property has been damaged through someone else's negligence, you should be able to use the legal expenses insurance and legal advice helpline provided by your insurance company, to help recover damages.

If you do decide to have fireworks at home, make sure you adopt a safety-first approach. It is worth noting that 23% of those injured are those who attend family or private parties while only 3% are injured at large public displays. If you haven’t got adequate insurance or haven’t got the time or money to upgrade an existing policy, perhaps your best bet is to go to an organised display!