What used to be cheap Halloween fun is now surprisingly pricey. Eggs, for example, are still volatile in price after the 2023 bird flu outbreak. Even here in Newfoundland, where everything has to be shipped in, cartons that once hovered around $3.50 can still hit $6 or more during supply hiccups.
Toilet paper has followed the same trend. Higher pulp and packaging costs, shipping surcharges, and new tariffs on paper products have pushed prices up since the pandemic. And shaving cream isn’t immune either—manufacturing costs and import tariffs on aerosol products have kept prices higher than they were pre-2020. In smaller markets like ours, that increase is magnified because stores have less buying power. The result? Fewer “soaped” car windows on Mischief Night.
Even the “treat” side of Halloween isn’t spared. From chocolate bars to costumes, the price of celebration has climbed across the board. Cocoa costs have hit record highs, decorations are more expensive, and shipping surcharges make everything a little pricier to get on store shelves. In Newfoundland, families spend plenty to keep the candy bowl full. Between inflation and weather that often feels like November by mid-October, kids here tend to stick to the safer (and warmer) traditions.
When Pranks Go Too Far: Insurance Implications
If a prank crosses into vandalism, coverage depends on the policy and the damage. Most comprehensive home policies cover vandalism, including egg or shaving cream damage to siding, but only if it exceeds the deductible. A $500 cleanup might not trigger a claim if your deductible is $1,000.
For vehicles, egg or shaving cream damage could fall under comprehensive auto coverage, again depending on the deductible. The key is to clean the mess quickly—egg yolk can damage paint and harden if left too long, especially in colder weather.
Common Prank Damage and Repair Costs
- Egg stains: Can strip paint or etch siding. Cleaning costs range from $200–$500, and repainting costs much more.
- Toilet paper: Seems harmless, but wet TP can clog gutters and downspouts, leading to leaks that cost hundreds to repair.
- Shaving cream: If not rinsed promptly, the chemicals can discolour painted surfaces and siding.
The Hidden Cost of “High-Velocity” Pranks
Crab apples are practically everywhere in Atlantic Canada, and come Halloween, they’re free ammo for mischievous kids. When thrown at high speed, though, they can do more than just splatter. A hard crab apple or even an egg can crack vinyl siding, dent aluminum, or break single-pane glass.
Window damage costs:
- Repairing a small crack in a standard double-pane window can cost $150–$300.
- Depending on size and glass type, replacing an entire pane runs around $400–$800.
- Specialty windows (like bay or storm styles) can exceed $1,000.
Insurance perspective:
Damage from thrown objects, whether an egg or crab apple, typically falls under vandalism on a home policy. But if the repair cost is below the deductible—often $1,000 or more—it’s not worth filing a claim.
Other risks:
If a cracked window isn’t repaired immediately, moisture can seep in and cause condensation or wood rot. That secondary damage often isn’t covered because it’s considered a maintenance issue.
Stay Safe (and Covered) This Halloween
At Wedgwood Insurance, we remind homeowners that prevention is still the best protection. Keep outdoor lights on, install a door camera if possible, and park vehicles under cover. Most Halloween nights pass without trouble—but if a “trick” gets out of hand, it’s good to know you’re covered.
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