Insurance issues to consider when hosting a house party

Overview: When hosting a party at home, consider how having the proper insurance coverage may be beneficial for you and your guests. Mishaps such as property damage to your home, injury to a guest and damage to your things are incidents where having insurance may come in handy. As the host, help keep your guests safe by reminding guests to drink responsibly and encouraging safe driving habits.

Hosting a party at home

Whether you want to show off your newly redecorated apartment, have a small family barbecue or host for the big game, it's important to understand how insurance fits in. 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 property in your home damaged by things like:

• Fire or smoke (remember to check your smoke detectors before guests arrive)
• Vandalism
• Theft
• Broken windows

Injury to a guest

Liability insurance may cover incidents like:

• Guests slipping, triping or falling on your property
• 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
• Accidents or injuries resulting from alcohol you're serving

Remember, the more people you have in your home, the more potential liability. Consider talking to your State Farm agent to make sure your coverage is enough to help protect your personal assets.

See if your insurance company offers special event liability insurance for celebrations like weddings, graduations or retirement parties.

Damage to your stuff

• Some items in your home might cost more to replace than what's covered under your homeowners policy. A Personal Articles Policy may offer broader coverage for your belongings.
• Create a home inventory before the party starts. If anything happens to something you own, like an accident or theft, you'll have a record for your insurance company.

Help keep your guests safe

• Offer non-alcoholic beverages and always serve food.
• Encourage guests to designate a driver.
• 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 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 good neighbor and/or good tenant is letting your neighbors and landlord know about your event well in advance. This helps 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.

You can get a homeowners insurance quote now, or give us a few details and a State Farm® agent will reach out to you.