Holiday Party Liabilities

As millions of Americans host and attend holiday parties across the street or across the country, many are unaware of the risks they may be taking or of their own responsibilities to ensure their guests don't hit the road drunk, according to a new national survey on homeowner's insurance issues by Trusted Choice® and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big "I").

For the survey, homeowners were asked if they believed they were legally liable if a guest caused an alcohol-related traffic accident after leaving a holiday party at the respondent's home. Additionally, they were questioned about the liability responsibility of a guest destroying a house with a careless act such as leaving a candle unattended or smoking indoors. Respondents were also asked if they thought they would be legally liable if a guest was injured on the sidewalk in front of their property or suffered food-poisoning from catered food while attending a holiday party at their home. Alarming percentages of homeowners either thought they could not be held liable in these situations or admitted they didn't know.

Do Your Homework: When hosting a holiday party, individuals should look to the liability portion of their homeowners or renters insurance policy to protect them if they are sued and found liable for an accident involving a guest who drank at their home. Consumers should regularly review their liability coverage limits to ensure they are adequately covered should an accident occur.

Consider an Umbrella Policy: While holiday partygoers and hosts alike should act responsibly and know their limits, consumers need to acknowledge that most risks cannot be entirely eliminated. But planning ahead and learning about what's involved in hosting a reception is the best defense. Purchasing a personal "umbrella" liability policy - providing $1 million or more in additional coverage over the limit of a standard homeowners or renters policy - may be a prudent move for the frequent party host.

Consider the following tips to prevent holiday party accidents and protect yourself:
* Limit your guest list to those you know.
* Host your party at a restaurant or bar that has a liquor license, rather in a home or office.
* Provide filling food for guests and alternative non-alcoholic beverages.
* Schedule entertainment or activities that do not involve alcohol. If the party centers around drinking, guests will likely drink more.
* Arrange transportation or overnight accommodations for those who cannot or should not drive home.
* Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party is scheduled to end.
* Do not serve guests who are visibly intoxicated.
* Consider hiring an off-duty police officer to discretely monitor guests' sobriety or handle any alcohol-related problems as guests leave.
* Stay alert, always remembering your responsibilities as a host.
* Review your insurance policy with your Trusted Choice® agent before the event to ensure that you have the proper liability coverage.

From Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, Inc.