Super Bowl parties can lead to super problems

Published 10:14 am Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Super Bowl XLIV is just days away, and what will many Americans be doing? Hosting or attending a Super Bowl party. No one wants to spoil the fun of the big game, so Allstate Insurance Co. is providing tips to prepare and protect party hosts and guests getting ready for the Super Bowl.

Many party hosts don’t think about the liability risks that accompany a party. In some states, a host could be held liable if a guest is injured on his or her property. A host may also be liable if a guest has too much to drink and something happens. Fortunately, there are ways for hosts to protect themselves:

• Worried about a raucous guest falling and injuring himself in your home? Check your homeowners policy to make sure you have personal liability protection that provides adequate coverage for your home and assets. Liability protection provides coverage when others are injured or have sustained damage to their property for which you are responsible. If an accident in your home does happen, make sure the injured persons are comfortable and call for medical assistance if needed.

• What if that guest breaks your pricey antique vase in his fall? Will your insurance replace it? Protect your home valuables — like fine art, collectibles or sporting equipment — with a scheduled personal property endorsement to your homeowners policy. Scheduled personal property provides protection for loss or damage to personal property items not always covered under traditional homeowners policies.

• Protect yourself and your guests. Provide non-alcoholic beverages to guests and don’t let drunk or drowsy guests drive home.

The party is over, and your team won. Now, all you have to do is drive home and revel in your team’s victory. Unfortunately, drunk and drowsy drivers on the road with you could make your happy drive home a dangerous one. To protect your family traveling home after the big game:

• Don’t drink and drive. If you know you will be drinking alcohol, use a designated driver or public transportation. Many cities even offer safe ride home programs.

• If you spot an impaired driver on the highway, maintain a safe following distance and don’t attempt to pass.

• Report a suspected drunk driver immediately to area law enforcement from your cell phone or a pay phone. Give police as much information (for example, license plate number, make, model and color of vehicle, direction vehicle is traveling, physical description of driver) as possible.

• Allow enough travel time, especially when traveling long distances. Drowsiness can reduce reaction time almost as much as drinking.

• Don’t drive when you are sleepy.

• Stop driving if you become sleepy while on the road.

Contact Allstate agent Rhett Orr at (706) 226-8500 or via e-mail at rhettorr@allstate.com for more information on choosing the right auto or homeowners policy.