With the warmer weather comes graduation parties and BBQ season… are you prepared? If you're planning on hosting a graduation party or a BBQ, it's essential to be prepared and consider these liabilities to protect yourself, your family and your home before the festivities start.
No matter how careful a host is, accidents can happen. Imagine if a guest trips and falls while playing a game of bocce on your lawn or burns their hand on your grill. Will your homeowners, renters, or condo insurance cover these injuries? What if a guest damages your property while they're attending your party? It's important to speak with your insurance agent before your event to discuss coverage.
If you're hosting a big event, such as large graduation party, you may need to rent a venue. Seems straightforward, but what if you need to cancel at the last minute or the venue goes out of business before your party? Event liability insurance may help you so you don't lose your deposit. Then there's the party itself; if a guest damages the venue's property, who will be liable? Speak to your insurance agent about event liability insurance well in advance of your event.
Social host liability laws vary from state to state, so ask your insurance agent about coverages available to you before you throw a party. Regardless of your state's liability laws, be sure to appoint designated drivers at your event. Some states extend the host's liability to anywhere an inebriated guest goes, even after the party's over, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
Parties can be a lot of fun, and warm weather is the perfect time to gather friends and family for delicious BBQ or to celebrate a graduation. However, if you're worried about liability coverage the whole time, you're sure to find your event much less enjoyable. Avoid the stress by speaking to your insurance agent as part of the party planning process.
