If you are anything like the other 10 million Canadians watching the Super Bowl game this year, you’ll most likely be at a party or hosting one yourself. Plenty of good food and drinks, along with some half-time fun, are expected. However, given the added risk, proper home insurance coverage is essential. Why? Because, as a host, you are liable for potential risk to the guests inside (and outside) your home. Read below to see how some liability insurance can help you have a stress-free time with guests during your Super Bowl party.

Super Bowl Party: Liability Insurance 

So, your Super Bowl party is underway, and everybody is having a great time. Your guests have arrived, your food and drinks have gone over well, and the house is still standing. Unfortunately, accidents do happen when you least expect them. Your guests have gone into the backyard for snowy half-time three-on-three football fun. One of your guests goes in for a touchdown but slips on your icy patio and breaks his leg. Ouch! As a homeowner, that could land you with a hefty lawsuit, the last thing you want to come from your Super Bowl party.

Fortunately, you have purchased $2 million worth of liability coverage under your homeowner policy. As a homeowner or tenant, you are responsible for slips and falls on your property. You are covered in situations like these when you purchase liability insurance as part of your homeowner’s policy. Your liability insurance will help cover legal bills if you are sued and pay out for any damages caused. It will also assist you if you must pay someone’s medical bills. Prepare ahead of time by clearing and salting your outdoor walkway. Without liability coverage, situations like these can result in you paying a hefty amount out of pocket, so it’s crucial to be prepared.

Super Bowl Party: Liquor Liability Insurance

A fridge stocked with beer and other alcoholic drinks is typical for a Super Bowl party. However, what if you have a friend who has a few too many before the night is over? Did somebody take their keys or call them an Uber or a cab? Many people aren’t aware, but you can be found liable for any motor accidents that occur due to an intoxicated guest leaving your home after you have served them alcohol. Unfortunately, this happens far too often. A good way to reduce your responsibilities is to implement a BYOB policy or a taxi/Uber program. However, if you let someone leave your house with alcohol in their system, you can be equally as liable for anything that happens afterward.

This is where Third-Party Liability Insurance comes into play. This portion of an insurance policy protects you if you are sued for a physical injury or damage to someone else’s property. Without it, you can pay a hefty price if any accidents occur. To prevent this, please ensure your guests have a safe way home. If they don’t, be an even better Super Bowl Party host and let them stay the night for safety’s sake.

Your Legal Liability As A ‘Social Host’

Under Ontario’s host liability law, someone who hosts a party or gathering on their property is considered a “social host.” This is the case whether they provide the alcohol or organize a BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) event. The “social host” in Ontario is categorized as someone who is not selling alcohol for profit or someone who is serving alcohol on a premise in which they have control. It can also be classified as someone with a unique, non-employer relationship with their guests. Though having a BYOB party may reduce some of your responsibilities, it will likely not eliminate them.

Many hosts believe their guests are no longer responsible once they leave. As mentioned previously, this is not the case. Anything that happens once your guests leave can still result in a lawsuit against you for over-serving. This is why making sure your guests are safe when drinking is crucial! If you’d like to learn more, you can take a look at our article on Liquor Liability Insurance.

Insurance Options For Your Super Bowl Party

Overall, if you are hosting a Super Bowl party, you have a few insurance coverage options. If you plan on having a larger party, you’ll want to get a liquor license and Liquor Liability Insurance. Luckily, these options are pretty affordable. A liquor license permit is only $25 a day at the LCBO, and additional insurance coverage can be as low as $150. If you are hosting a smaller gathering with family or friends, you’ll need proper home insurance coverage. You never know who will throw an errant football pass through your $2,000 smart TV. Please get in touch with your isure broker to confirm your current policy and whether you need additional coverage.

Party Liability Insurance (PAL Insurance)

If you plan to go above and beyond for your Super Bowl party or any party, consider Party Liability Insurance. This is generally fitting for companies that regularly throw parties where alcohol will be served. It is important to remember that you need a valid liquor license to legally throw a party. When acquiring PAL insurance, please provide the venue for your event. On top of this, you must figure out the amount of coverage you may need. Generally, these factors depend on how many people you invite.

Now that you know everything there is to know about throwing a safe and fun Super Bowl party, you are ready to go! Make sure you take care of the minor details and make it a perfect Super Bowl by picking the right insurance coverage. Most importantly, please remember: don’t drink and drive! If you want to learn more about liquor liability or party liability insurance, contact us at isure or request a quote today!

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