Can you be liable when guests drive drunk or get food poisoning from your party?

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 on and their own responsibilities to ensure their guests don’t hit the road drunk.  According to a national survey on homeowner’s insurance issues by Trusted Choice^® and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, of which Holden Agency is a member, 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.

The Trusted Choice^® survey found that almost 46% of homeowners thought they weren’t liable in the event that a guest became seriously ill from catered food consumed at the host’s home, and about 22% didn’t think they could be held responsible if a guest was injured on the sidewalk in front of their property.  More than one-third of homeowners either didn’t think they could be held responsible or admitted they didn’t know they could be liable if they destroyed someone’s home with a careless act.  The bottom line is that homeowners could, in fact, be held responsible in any of these scenarios or accidental incidents.

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.

Depending you your situation you may need additional coverage though the purchase of an inexpensive Personal Umbrella insurance policy.  Our educated and dedicated employees are eager to help you identify if there is a need for you to consider this coverage.  Often times, Umbrella insurance policies are under $200/year for $1 million worth of coverage.