Our very own Carolina Panthers won their last game and are headed to the Super Bowl! Everyone is excited and proud, and you’re looking forward to inviting your friends over to watch the big game.
You’ve got a new TV. The beer is already chilling in the fridge, and your liquor cabinet is stocked up. There will be a ton of good food, too. You’re going to invite your best buds and a few people from work to watch the big game.
Before you get too excited and invite everyone you know, keep a few things in mind.
SOCIAL HOST LIABILITY
There’s a term you need to know: social host liability. It’s a legal term for the responsibility a person who offers alcohol has to a guest. This can be in your home or in another location, but it’s most common at home.
If one of your guests has too much to drink and drives, causing an accident, you could be held accountable by their victim. In another scenario, if one of your guests, while drunk, goes too far with another one of your guests, harming them in some way, you could be held responsible. What does that mean? The victims of your drunk houseguest could sue you – and possibly win.
If you’re serving alcohol this Super Bowl Sunday, take a few precautions:
- Don’t allow underage drinking.
- If possible, hire a professional and licensed bartender who knows how to spot someone who’s had too much and cut them off.
- Encourage designated drivers to attend.
- Offer non-alcoholic beverages.
- Serve plenty of food.
- Stop serving alcohol to anyone who’s obviously intoxicated, and stop serving an hour or two before the party is over.
- Offer to call a cab for anyone who’s had too much to drink.
GUARD AGAINST ACCIDENTS IN YOUR HOME
Before anyone arrives, take a look around your home and make sure you’ve taken care of anything that could cause an accident. You don’t want anyone to slip and fall and injure themselves.
- Check around all doorways and fix any broken or rotting steps or handrails.
- Fix broken or rotting boards on your deck.
- Restrain your dog or put him in another room during the party to avoid allergies, accidents, or possible dog bites.
- If you have a pool, make sure the fence is locked up tight and let any parents of small children know you have a pool so they can watch out for their kids.
No one wants to believe a family member, friend, or co-worker will sue if they have an accident in your home, but it happens every day. Do your best to prevent accidents before they happen.
CONSIDER AN UMBRELLA INSURANCE POLICY
Talk to your insurance agent about an umbrella insurance policy before the party. You’ll be protected in the event one of your guests causes an accident after your party or gets into one while they’re in your home, especially if the damages for the accident or injury are over and above your insurance limits.
Umbrella insurance policies pay for claims not covered by homeowner’s insurance. It also helps pay legal fees and damages if you get sued. The amount covered is up to a limit you choose when you purchase the policy so it pays to know your policy limits for your homeowner’s insurance as well. Depending on the amount of coverage you select, umbrella insurance can be very affordable and in the event someone gets hurt or causes an accident during your Super Bowl party, it will be money well spent.
If you’d like to discuss umbrella insurance coverage or go over the details of what your homeowner’s insurance policy covers prior to your next party, contact us here at Charlotte Insurance today. And, don’t forget – Go Panthers!
Thanks to Flickr user James Willamor for the great image!