The clock is counting down to kickoff for this year’s Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles from Minneapolis, MN.
Here in Rhode Island, we’ll be rooting for Tom Brady and the Patriots!
As millions of Americans prepare to host and attend Super Bowl parties, many may be unaware of the risks they may be taking. Party hosts need to understand their responsibilities when inviting people into their homes and serving food and drinks. Before hosting a party for the big game homeowners need to be aware that if someone drives drunk or becomes sick after consuming food at their party, the host – homeowner could actually be liable. If you are hosting a house party for the Super Bowl, you want to be sure you are prepared against: food poisoning, slip and falls and drinking and driving.
This year, roughly 45% of Americans plan to host or attend a Super Bowl party, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF).
Insurance experts advise homeowners who choose to host a Super Bowl party to anticipate potential liabilities — on the chance something unexpected occurs that results in an insurance claim.
If you are planning to host a Super Bowl party, the Insurance Information Institute & Trusted Choice suggest the following tips:
- Make sure you understand your state laws. Before sending out party invitations, familiarize yourself with your state’s social host liability laws
- Ensure your home’s entry is in good condition, free of loose or broken pieces on stairwells and walkways to avoid the chance of injuries on your property
- Make sure there is adequate outdoor lighting
- Make sure your driveway, sidewalks and your porch are clear of snow or ice for guests and delivery people
- Provide filling food for guests and alternative non-alcoholic beverages
- Be a responsible host. Limit your own alcohol intake so that you will be better able to judge your guests’ sobriety
- Offer non-alcoholic beverages and always serve food. Eating and drinking plenty of water, or other non-alcoholic beverages, can help counter the effects of alcohol
- Do not pressure guests to drink or rush to refill their glasses when empty
- Stop serving alcohol toward the end of the evening well before the party ends such as halftime. Switch to coffee, tea and soft drinks
- If someone is visibly intoxicated, stop serving them immediately
- Arrange transportation or overnight accommodations for those who should not drive home
- Encourage guests to pick a designated driver who will refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages so that he or she can drive other guests home
- If guests drink too much or seem too tired to drive home, call a cab, arrange a ride with a sober guest or have them sleep at your home
- Encourage all your guests to wear seatbelts as they drive home as seatbelts save lives
If someone drives intoxicated after your party and gets into an accident, the impaired guest is not covered by the host’s insurance policy. But everybody else who was injured or property that sustained damage could be covered by the host’s insurance policy. If an intoxicated guest backs over your mailbox while leaving the party, the homeowner’s insurance will pick that up.
Be mindful of your grills, your crock pots, leaving your ovens on to heat food. Be mindful of your cooking apparatus, because people do tend to get caught up in the game and forget some of the more basic safety things that they should be taking care of. You should make sure that you have the small items and things cleared out of the way for the party, so guests can move about freely. And make sure your big flat screen TV is properly secured to the wall. You wouldn’t want it to flatten a guest.
Here’s hoping for a great — and incident-free — Super Bowl party for hosts and guests everywhere.
You put a lot of work into hosting a party. Do your best to be prepared. Then, enjoy the party knowing that you are insured in case an accident occurs!
If you have any questions on your homeowners insurance policy and what it covers, please contact our office at 401-253-6542!