Tis’ the Season to be Liable

Doing a little insurance research can make your holiday party much more festive

Aurora, Ontario.  December 13, 2011.  – Hosting a party this holiday season?

As you celebrate with family, friends and loved ones it’s a good idea to educate yourself about your responsibilities as the host. While we intend for our guests to eat, drink, and be merry, sometimes accidents happen – and that can be a costly headache for a homeowner.

“There are a variety of situations or accidents that can occur that could put a serious damper on your party,” explains John Bordignon, Media Relations spokesperson for State Farm. “What if a guest slips and falls, someone requires medical attention, or has too much to drink, then drives, and causes an accident? These situations are unpleasant to think about when planning a party, but homeowners should always make sure they are prepared for worst case scenarios.”

Before hosting a party, talk to your State Farm agent, broker, or insurance provider about your homeowner insurance policy. They will help you determine if you have adequate liability coverage.

Most homeowners policies cover bodily injury, property damage, and will provide for legal defense should a homeowner get sued in civil court as a result of an occurrence that is covered by the policy.

Your agent can also help you determine if an umbrella policy is needed. Umbrella policies (also called Personal Liability Umbrella Policies) offer an additional level of protection beyond the limits of a homeowner policy.

Here are some tips for homeowners who are planning a party:

• Warn guests to pay attention to any hazards on the property that they should avoid or take them by surprise; such as steep steps or a hole in the ground
• Ensure there is adequate outdoor lighting during times when guests will be arriving and leaving
• Take special care of items on the property that may attract children, like a swing set or tree house, and reinforce to guests that their children must be accompanied by an adult at all times
• Be prepared to have guests spend the night, appoint designated drivers, or have a local taxi service phone number easily available
• Drink responsibly

About State Farm®

State Farm has been serving Canadians since 1938. State Farm and its affiliates are the fourth largest auto insurance provider, and the seventh largest property and casualty insurer in Canada. In addition to providing affordable car insurance rates, State Farm has more than 540 Canadian agents and 1300 employees providing insurance and financial services including mutual funds, life insurance, vehicle loans, critical illness, disability, home and auto insurance to our customers in Ontario, Alberta and New Brunswick. For more information, please visit statefarm.ca, join us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or see us on YouTube.