Super Bowl Party Hosts Should Play It Safe
MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- With the Super Bowl just two weeks away, you may already be planning to host a Super Bowl party. But did you know you could be putting yourself at legal risk long after the big game ends?
Insurance companies are warning Super Bowl party hosts that they could be liable if their guests drink and drive or get food poisoning.
When Jim Angleton throws a Super Bowl party, he wants it to be a winner. But a couple of years ago, a guest got into a post-game fender bender.
"They actually had some medications and they had a little bit of too much to drink," explained Angleton.
Now, before kickoff, he has a game plan in place, which includes a call to his insurance agent.
"We obtain a general liability insurance policy that covers our family, friends, guests that would come to our house."
The Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers Association of America says it's important for party hosts to understand the risks that go along with hosting a Super Bowl party.
If there's a fumble with food or alcohol, you could end up in serious legal trouble.
"Nobody thinks they are going to be sued, and people get sued, so party hosts have to be cognizant that even friends can file lawsuits," explained Bob Rusbuldt of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers Association of America.
That could leave you responsible for things like lawyer's fees, lost wages, medical bills, even wrongful death claims.
In addition, food poisoning affects one in six Americans each year and can easily land partygoers in the emergency room.
"Even if the food is served by a caterer, by a pizza delivery shop, by a restaurant, you are responsible for what you serve in your house," said Rusbuldt.
That goes for drinks, too.
The American Bar Association says if there's an alcohol related accident, party hosts can be held liable in most states and in other states, you can still be sued.
"The argument they will make is that the social host knew, or should have known, of the level of intoxication of their guest when they left," said Dick Semerdjian of the American Bar Association.
To protect your assets, look to the liability portion of your homeowners or renter's insurance, and talk to your agent about any exclusions.
"You need to make sure that you're adequately covered. Most trusted choice agents will tell you that $100,000 is not enough coverage. They usually recommend a minimum of $300,000," said Rusbuldt.
Finally, stick with brands or restaurants you trust. Store and handle game day grub properly, and consider not serving alcohol or, limiting the amount you serve.
"If someone can't drive and everybody is intoxicated and there's no way to get that person home, please call a cab," said Semerdjian.
It's because Jim plays by these rules that he can relax and enjoy the big game.
"We sleep better at night, and we actually have a good feeling that we've done everything that we possibly can to mitigate liability," said Jim.
If you want extra coverage, consider an umbrella policy.
The Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers Association of America says that for a couple of hundred dollars a year, you can get a million dollars worth of coverage.
