Insurance issues to consider when hosting a house party

Hosting a party at home

Whether you want to show off your newly redecorated apartment, you're having a small family BBQ or you're hosting a crowd for the big game, it's important to understand if you need insurance for a house party. Take a look at your homeowners or renters insurance policy and help make sure you're covered if the unexpected happens.

Property damage to your home

If you are hosting a party at home, your homeowners and renters insurance policy may cover things like:

• Property in your home that could be damaged by fire or smoke (be sure to check your smoke detectors before guests arrive)
• Property in your home that could be broken due to vandalism
• Property in your home that could be stolen
• Home windows that could be broken

Injury to a guest

You never know when something could go wrong at a party. That's why it's important to have enough liability coverage for:

• Accidents or injuries resulting from alcohol you're serving
• Guests getting sick from the food you're serving
• Damage to equipment any vendors, like photographers, bands or caterers, might bring
• If your dog bites a guest
• Guests having a slip, trip or fall on your property

Remember, the more people you have in your home, the more potential liability. Why not consider a Personal Umbrella PolicyIt kicks in when your homeowners policy runs out of coverage, which helps you protect your personal assets.

Check with your insurance company to see if they offer event liability insurance to protect your for unforeseeable events during your party. Such events may include weddings, graduations or retirement parties.

Damage to your stuff

• Some items in your home might be more valuable than what's covered under your homeowners policy. A Personal Articles Policy can help make sure you're protected.
• Create a home inventory before the party starts. If anything, like an accident or theft, happens to something you own, you'll have a record for your insurance company.

Help keep your guests safe

• Encourage guests to designate a driver.
• Offer non-alcoholic beverages and always serve food.
• Don't pressure guests to drink quickly or rush to refill their empty glasses.
• Stop serving alcohol toward the end of the party.
• If a guest has had too much to drink, call a cab or ride share service, arrange a ride with a sober guest, or have them sleep at your home or apartment.
• Remind all your guests to wear seat belts on the way home.

Also remember, part of being a neighbor and/or good tenant is letting your neighbors and landlord know about your event well in advance. This is to help address any concerns ahead of time. Then, take some time to help make sure you and your home or apartment are protected. Not sure if you're covered? Your local State Farm® agent may help.