Hosting for the Holidays? A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Between Thanksgiving, holiday parties and family visits, many of us will have more guests than usual over the next couple of months. Most gatherings go off without a hitch, but it’s a good time to think about safety around the house and how your insurance typically responds if a guest gets hurt.

The ideas below are general suggestions many hosts find helpful. They aren’t a guarantee that an accident won’t happen.

Around the house

• Consider keeping walkways, steps and the driveway clear of snow and ice, and treated if needed.
• Good outdoor lighting and secure handrails can help guests find their footing after dark.
• Keep candles away from decorations and out of reach of kids and pets.
• If you’re frying a turkey, do it outdoors, well away from the house, garage and deck, and follow the fryer manufacturer’s instructions.
• If you have a dog, think about giving it a quiet room during the party. Even friendly pets can get stressed by a crowd.

If you’re serving alcohol

Hosts can face liability risk when serving alcohol, especially if a guest is underage or leaves impaired. Some hosts like to offer non-alcoholic options, stop serving a while before the party ends, and help arrange rides or a place to stay for anyone who shouldn’t drive. Laws vary, so if you have specific questions, a qualified attorney is the right person to ask.

How coverage typically works

Most homeowners and renters policies include personal liability coverage, which may help if you’re found legally responsible for a guest’s injury, and medical payments to others, which may help with a guest’s minor medical bills regardless of fault. Limits vary by policy, and some situations, like business activities in the home, may be excluded.

If you host often or want extra protection, an umbrella policy adds liability limits on top of your home and auto policies and is often more affordable than people expect.

Want to check your liability limits before the holidays, or see if an umbrella makes sense? Call or text my agency at 234-254-5660 or request a call back, and we’ll take care of it for you.

This post is general information only. These suggestions are not a guarantee against an accident, damage or loss, and following them does not ensure a claim will not occur. Coverage depends on your specific policy terms, conditions and exclusions, which vary by carrier. Please review your own policy or contact us with questions.