Super Bowl Party Hosts: Liable for Guests Drinking and Driving

Christina Cole

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The insurance industry financed a survey that says many Americans that are planning a Super Bowl Party are underinsured and open to potential lawsuits and financial ruin.

The data shows that of an estimated 28.5 million people hosting a party between the holidays and the Super Bowl, 21.3 million do not have a personal umbrella insurance policy, liable for potential lawsuits should the worst happen. The remaining 7.2 million hosts said they don't even know what coverage they have.

If you a host a party, the guest drinks and drives, causing an accident, the host can be held responsible in over thirty states. Interestingly, 53 percent of party hosts do believe they should be held accountable; however most haven't taken any steps to protect themselves.

There are many different ways to protect yourself and lower your risk when hosting a party, according to Lanier Upshaw, a Lakeland Insurance Company.

Agencies' Suggestions:

• Limit your guest list to those you know.
• Host a party at a restaurant or bar that has a liquor license, rather than in a home or office.
• Provide filling food for guests and alternative non-alcoholic beverages.
• Schedule entertainment or activities that do not involve alcohol.
• Arrange transportation or overnight accommodations for those who should not drive.
• Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party is scheduled to end.
• Consider hiring an off-duty police officer to discreetly monitor guests' sobriety or handle any alcohol-related problems as guests leave.
• Stay alert, always remembering your responsibilities as a host.
• Review your liability insurance coverage.