If your Super Bowl Sunday plans include throwing a party, be sure you have adequate insurance in case a guest is injured and makes a claim. This guidance comes from a study sponsored by Trusted Choice, the independent agent branding campaign of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America.
The study, conducted by TRC of Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, polled 1,009 adults by telephone about social-gathering plans. Of an estimated 28.5 million Americans who plan to host parties at home, the survey found 21 million do not carry a Personal Umbrella policy and about seven million were unsure of their coverage.
Proper coverage matters because, in many states, hosts can be held responsible if a guest who drank at the event later drives and causes an accident. Fifty-three percent of respondents said the host should be held responsible, yet most of those people had not taken steps to protect themselves.
The researchers concluded that many homeowners and drivers mistakenly assume their Homeowner and Auto policies provide enough liability protection. Large jury awards and rising medical costs make it common for lawsuits to exceed the liability limits on typical Homeowner or Auto policies; for more example products, see Large Cruisers Insurance.
Recommendations
- Discuss your insurance coverage with one of our agents before hosting a party to learn your state’s host liability laws and ensure you have proper limits.
- Limit invited guests to people you know.
- Host the party at a licensed restaurant or bar rather than in a home or office when possible.
- Provide filling food and nonalcoholic beverage options.
- Schedule entertainment or activities that draw people away from drinking.
- Arrange transportation or overnight accommodations for guests who should not drive.
- Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party ends.
- Do not serve guests who are visibly intoxicated.
- Consider hiring an off‑duty police officer to monitor sobriety discreetly or handle alcohol‑related issues at departure time.
If you need help reviewing limits and gaps in your policies, see Get A Quote — CompleteMarkets or discuss with an agent about umbrella coverage and host liability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Personal Umbrella policy?
A Personal Umbrella policy provides liability coverage above the limits of your home and auto insurance, helping protect your assets from large claims or judgments.
Can a host be held responsible if a guest drives drunk?
In many states hosts can face legal responsibility if a guest who drank at their event causes an accident, so local laws and circumstances determine liability.
Does homeowner or auto insurance always cover party-related injuries?
Not always; homeowner and auto policies have liability limits that may be exceeded by large medical bills or jury awards, leaving the host exposed without umbrella coverage.
How do I decide how much umbrella coverage I need?
Consider your assets, potential risks from hosting events, and your exposure under state law, and review options with an insurance professional.