Everybody loves a great party, and everyone appreciates a great host. Special memories are made when we gather together. There are, however, risks associated with events occurring at your home. Below is a list of considerations we’ve compiled when hosting gatherings at your home.
Vendors
When using caterers, DJ’s, bartenders, decorators, valet services, security services, shuttle services, event planners, amusement device providers, or any other outside service as part of your event, we recommend the following:
- Verify that you are utilizing services that are insured for General Liability and Workers Compensation.
- For vendors involved in serving alcohol, verify their coverage includes Liquor Liability and when selecting a vendor, give special consideration to vendors who carry higher limits.
- For Valet services, verify they have Garage Keepers Liability for physical damage caused to any cars they park.
- For Event Planners, verify they carry professional liability for any errors they may make that could cause the event to be postponed or cancelled, which could cause you financial harm such as unreturnable deposits made to other vendors.
- Amusement device vendors that supply items such as bounce houses for children should also be vetted more carefully for higher liability limits, as injury to children are litigated more frequently than adult injuries, and for much higher settlements or judgements.
- Consider utilizing vendors that will offer service agreements with hold harmless / indemnification wording in your favor.
- Utilize the help of Swarts Manning Insurance Private Client Department to assist in interpreting vendor insurance coverages and service agreements.
Animals
Animals can be frightened into uncharacteristic behavior by loud noise and crowds. Consider boarding your animals, dropping them off at a friend’s house, or securing them in a part of your home that guests cannot access. This recommendation is for both the safety of your guests and the animals.
Home Maintenance
Before an event is a good time to check that your home is well maintained. Property lighting on dark pathways, eliminating tripping hazards, checking that all stairway and balcony railings are secure, smoke and carbon dioxide detectors are working, fire extinguishers are up to date and accessible, are all examples of items to check prior to your event.
Valuable Items Security and Inventory
Putting away all valuable items, preferably in locked safes, drawers, or rooms, is recommended. If you haven’t made an inventory of your items and scheduled them on your insurance policies recently, this is a great time to do so in case of something getting broken or stolen.
Pool and Hot Tub Safety
Especially if your event will be open to children, pool safety is an utmost consideration. If the pool will be unattended at any point during the event, ensure that the pool area is inaccessible to children. This is a major source of accidents and deaths.
Excess Liability Coverage
Prior to your event is a good time to revisit your current Umbrella (aka Excess Liability) limits. Adding an Umbrella if you don’t already have one is strongly recommended, as is considering increasing your limits.
Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol can enhance any event and is often expected. However, risk increases exponentially when alcohol is present. Consider the following precautions:
- Consider hiring a bartending service that carries adequate Liquor Liability coverage. These professionals are typically trained in the avoidance of guests being overserved.
- Encourage all guests to utilize ride share services to and from the event.
- Be sure there is plenty of water available for guests.
- Serve guests plenty of food so the effects of alcohol are lessened.
- Consider a time to stop serving alcohol and a designated time to end the event.
- Invite guests to stay over who have obviously been overserved.
- Encourage guests to designate a driver who will not drink at the event.
Community Considerations
If part or all of your event occurs in common areas within your community such as club houses, pools, or parks, be prepared to possibly be required to comply with some additional risk requirements. These can come in the form of mandatory security service if alcohol is served, increased limits, or the HOA being named additionally insured on your coverage.
With a little though and planning, you can ensure your guests are safe, your assets are protected, and everyone has a great time.
