Does Your Homeowner’s Policy Cover Your Summer Bash?

Got big party plans for the rest of your summer? If you’re the host, your warm weather recreation comes with a little added responsibility.

What could go wrong? After all, everyone’s just having a good time... eating barbecue, swimming in the pool, maybe having a few beers. But throwing a party has risks — and accidents could spoil your summertime fun faster than a thundershower.

Whenever you have guests, there’s a chance that someone could get hurt — and a court could find you responsible.

Homeowner’s insurance doesn’t just cover your property against disasters — it protects you if you’re found liable for an accident or injury on your property.

Accidents Happen… Even When You’re Careful

Summer means pool parties, and cooling off with friends and family. If you’re a pool-owner, you’re probably not happy about paying extra for your homeowner’s policy. You’re charged more because the risk of getting hurt goes way up when you own a pool, so most companies tack extra dollars onto your insurance.

If you don’t already have a fence around the pool, get one. A fence drastically lowers the risk of small children falling in. Most insurance policies require this, anyway.

It’s a good idea to review your policy before the party, to make sure that it covers you. If your insurer doesn’t know about your pool, or if you built the pool after getting the policy, you probably don’t have coverage against an accident.

One For The Road?

Your potential liability doesn’t stop when the party’s over. Did you know that depending on where you live, you could be held responsible for guests’ actions after your party? If you’re surprised, you’re not alone: most homeowners don’t even know they could be held accountable for post-party accidents.

But it’s true: if one of your guests has too much to drink and ends up behind the wheel of a car, you could be at fault. In many parts of the country, the host of a party is responsible if their guests drive drunk.

For everyone’s safety, make sure people who plan on drinking have a designated driver to take them home. Even if you have to call cabs or let intoxicated guests spend the night, it’s worth knowing everyone leaves your party safely.

Again, you’ll want to check your homeowner’s policy to see how much protection it gives you. Some people choose to get an umbrella policy — a supplement to your insurance that offers even more protection. If you were sued for more than your homeowner’s policy covers, your umbrella policy could cover the rest.

And never allow anyone underage to drink alcohol. Many policies won’t cover you in a lawsuit if you provided alcohol to minors.

Talk to your insurance agent to make sure that you’re protected. And go and enjoy the summer!