When you’re trying to host the football watch party of the year, insurance is the last thing you want to worry about. However, if you don’t have a solid homeowners insurance policy to protect yourself, your big game party could be headed toward disaster. While you prepare for fun by making your signature buffalo wings and firing up the flatscreen, you’ll also want to think about how to avoid any party fouls that could lead to an insurance claim. By taking a few simple precautions ahead of time and staying alert during the game, you can make sure everyone has a ball.
Understanding Home Insurance Before Big Game Parties
Every year, people gather from far and wide to root for their favorite football team and see who brings home the winning trophy. While your favorite players train on the field, you’ll be busy preparing for your game-time get-together. That includes reviewing your homeowners insurance coverage.
Everyone knows that diehard football fans can get a bit rowdy, especially when watching the championship game. If people get a bit too excited and cause some collateral damage in your home, you’ll want to make sure your insurer has your back. You’re responsible for the things that happen in your home, whether you’re renting out your home or just hosting a few friends.
Plus, damage to your home isn’t your only risk as a host. Your homeowners liability plan will also kick in if someone gets injured on your property or if someone else’s belongings get damaged. The right plan will give you the peace of mind and financial protection you want, whether a rogue football breaks your window or someone slips and falls on their way to the snack bar.
Preparing Your Defensive Line: Minimizing Party Risks
Before you open the doors for your game day bash, make sure you have a handle on some basic home party safety to effectively protect yourself from accidents during house parties. Whether it’s a small kickback or a massive gathering, these best practices can help you protect your guests, your home, and yourself.
Alcohol Awareness and Guest Safety
Alcoholic drinks are often a staple of football watch parties, but serving alcohol as a party host can involve some extra responsibility. In some states, you may be subject to social host liability, where you are legally responsible if you provide alcohol to a guest who later causes an accident. Laws can vary by state, so it’s important to understand your responsibilities as a host depending on where you live. In California, for example, social host liability kicks in if you make alcohol available to an underage guest.
Along with the risk of drunk driving, overserving guests could lead to all kinds of fouls, whether someone falls over after drinking too much or trips and damages your property. Using some general alcohol awareness practices can keep your party running smoothly. Here are a few tips:
- Make sure minors don’t have access to alcohol
- Stop serving alcohol before the gathering ends
- Ask attendees to select a designated sober driver
- Make sure plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages are available
Securing Property to Prevent Damage
Before anyone sets foot into your home, secure any valuables that you don’t want out in the open. If you have any expensive decor or electronics, it may be best to lock it away in a safe location that’s far away from the bustle of the party. Designate a specific area in your home to be completely off-limits — bonus points if you can lock the doors to keep any wanderers at bay. This can also prevent theft if any untrustworthy plus-ones make their way to your event.
While you’re checking your home for valuables, keep an eye out for potential hazards. For example, you can tidy up any extra clutter that could turn into an obstacle or tape down any wires that could trip up your guests.
When Guests Go into Overtime: Handling Overzealous Partygoers
During the high-energy game environment, you might notice some of your guests getting a bit overexcited. It’s important to take control of the situation as soon as you notice things getting out of hand. For example, if someone is stumbling around after too many drinks, cut them off and make sure they get some food and water into their system — or better yet, have a sober driver take them home.
Extra Points: Special Considerations for Hosting Game Day
As a host, you can take a few extra steps to protect your home and your guests. For example, the kitchen can be a dangerous place — if you’re cooking or grilling, make the cooking area off-limits to prevent accidents.
You should also have an action plan in place for if an accident occurs. Be prepared with a first aid kit to treat any injuries. You’ll also want some basic cleaning supplies to quickly address any spills before someone slips.
The Post-Game Analysis: After the Party Dust Settles
Even if you think your party went off without a hitch, you may uncover some damage after the fact. Once everyone is safely home, do a lap around your house to look for any broken items, spills, or other issues. This is also a great time to check on your valuables and make sure nothing is stolen or out of place. If you do notice issues, it’s critical to document any damage and make a claim right away.
Make Sure You’re Covered Before Kickoff with Freeway Insurance
Throwing the football watch party of the year starts with taking the right precautions. Securing your valuables, looking after your guests, and doing some post-game cleanup will make it easy to let loose without any extra stress. By learning how to host a safe party, you can fully enjoy the game without having to worry about dealing with damage to your home.
Despite your best efforts, accidents can always happen. If something goes awry during the final quarter, you’ll want to have home insurance for parties from Freeway keeping you covered. Freeway offers homeowners coverage designed to handle any situation, so you won’t have to stress if an accident happens amid all that game day excitement. Don’t wait until February to start preparing for the championship game! Set up your policy at a Freeway Insurance office, get an online quote, or call 800-777-5620 to learn more.