Keeping liabilities low when hosting Halloween parties

posted by Michael Hanson

Though home insurance may be the furthest thing from a person's mind during Halloween, consumers should make sure they take the proper steps so they aren't forced into a scary situation.

A recent report from the Insurance Information Institute notes that people who are hosing Halloween parties should make sure they are protected for any liabilities associated with serving liquor.

"Talk with your insurance agent about your liability insurance coverage and any exclusions, conditions or limitations your policy might have for this kind of risk," Loretta Worters, a vice president with the III, said.

Along with making sure they have proper insurance coverage, people who host Halloween parties can take steps in order to avoid problems. For example, hosts should make sure to serve food if they plan on allowing liquor at their party.

Furthermore, hosts should make sure to speak to their guests before they leave. Doing so will allow the host to make sure their guests aren't too drunk to drive. If a host determines that a person is not able to drive, they should call them a cab or let them stay over for the night.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, almost 5,000 people have died as the result of vehicle accidents on Halloween. Of those accidents, 38 percent involved a driver who had a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or higher.