With summer in full swing and a majority of Massachusetts residents vaccinated against COVID-19, many are looking to get back to hosting guests in their homes. Whether it’s to show off your new apartment, gather a crowd for a big game, or get everyone together after a long quarantine, it’s sometimes easier to focus solely on the fun and excitement of a house party than the potential unintended consequences. While it’s important to have an enjoyable time, you should also be mindful of these insurance considerations when hosting a house party.
Damage To Your Home and Property
The more people you have at your home, the more likely an accident may occur that results in damage. Fortunately, with the right homeowners or renters insurance policy, you’ll receive coverage for:
- Broken Windows: If a misbehaving guest breaks a window, you may receive partial coverage for the replacement.
- Fire and Smoke Damage: Make sure your smoke detectors are properly functioning, as the increase in grilling or a backyard bonfire heightens the risk of fire.
- Theft and Vandalism: If an unsavory guest makes their way into your party, your homeowners or renters insurance will cover your stolen or broken possessions. Make sure you have a home inventory before you host a party.
Since the homeowner is responsible for damages despite being the fault of a partygoer, it’s important to discuss these potential issues with your insurance agent to confirm coverage.
Injury to a House Party Guest
You never know what can go wrong at a party, which is why liability coverage is so important. The personal liability portion of your homeowners insurance will cover:
- Incidents Involving Alcohol: Homeowners insurance provides some liquor liability coverage, but you should speak with your insurance agent regarding exclusions, conditions, or limitations.
- Food Poisoning: If there is an issue with the food you’re serving and guests become sick, your homeowners insurance will assist with the medical bills.
- Dog Bites: Renters and homeowners insurance will cover dog bites up to the policy’s limit.
- Vendor Equipment Damages: If you hire a DJ or photographer for your party, you may be covered from damages to their professional equipment.
- Slipping and Falling Injuries: If a guest slips on some ice, your liability protections will have you covered.
Your insurance will only cover up to your limit, which varies by policy. Therefore, you should do all you can to mitigate these risks.
Supplemental Insurance to Protect You During a House Party
For a private party, relying solely on a standard homeowners or renters insurance policy can be risky. That’s why some homeowners will seek specialized insurance to fill in gaps in coverage. Some supplemental insurance includes:
- Special Event Insurance: While this policy doesn’t directly cover incidents involving alcohol at the party, it provides the homeowner with higher coverage limits for personal liability.
- Liquor Liability Insurance: If you hire bartenders or food vendors for your party, they will come equipped with liquor liability insurance.
- Host Liquor Insurance: This is a short-term policy designed to provide added coverage for the host. This will often carry coverage for bodily injury or property damage related to alcohol.
If you’re planning on throwing a large house party, you might also want to consider an event cancellation policy. When a lot of money has switched hands between vendors and guests, it’s a great way to recoup your funds if the party needs to be canceled.
When many people gather in limited space, the risk for injuries and damages unavoidably rises. That’s why it’s important to think about these insurance considerations when hosting a house party so you can work to mitigate accidents. At TJ Woods Insurance, we can help make sure your party goes off without a hitch by ensuring coverage by the most comprehensive homeowners insurance and renters insurance. If you want peace of mind knowing that you’re covered during your party, contact us today.
