Hosting a Super Bowl Party? Understand the Xs and Os of Your Home Insurance First

Ben Galbreath

One of the biggest sporting events in the world is around the corner…naturally we’re talking about the Super Bowl. Whether your team is playing or not, chances are, you are either hosting or attending a party for the big game. While Super Bowl festivities are typically all fun and games, as an independent insurance agent, we have been conditioned to look for possible problems within every event to evaluate any potential loss and protect the assets you have worked so hard to build.

If you are planning to host a party, there are myriad potential accidents and occurrences that you need to keep in mind beyond your checklist of ordering pizzas, picking up ice and putting out plenty of chairs. For example: trip and falls on an icy sidewalk leading to your house, guests choking on food, fights between guests, pet attacks, broken items, guests’ missing personal property. And probably the biggest item to think about is alcohol intake – are you providing an unlimited amount of alcohol? When should you cut-off guests and how can you ensure they’re taking a cab or Uber? What if they fall while intoxicated? You may be liable for any of these situations, and unfortunately, when it comes to friends and family, the loss usually gets nasty and harder to resolve; it also depends on the severity of the event.

Typically, homeowner policies might offer some protection for the non-alcohol induced accidents mentioned above, but when it comes to the injuries, accidents of a non-motorized variety or the motorized kind, then things get a little stickier. Allowing someone to leave “after a few” is the misconception that it’s okay because, “they’re not drunk” (Note current advertising efforts: “Buzzed driving is drunk driving.”)  Now you’ve put yourself in the same position of your favorite bartender, meaning, “How do I get this friend out of here, safely and politely?”  And you thought the Super Bowl was going to be fun and relaxing!

Homeowner policies (and hopefully the Personal Umbrella that you have) should provide “Host Liquor Liability,” meaning you didn’t sell the beer to your guests, you merely provided it – while designed for this very situation, keep in mind that gross negligence can not only be an insurance claim, it can also carry with it some civil and criminal implications. A Personal Umbrella policy would offer broader coverage and would also give you coverage for renting a location to hold a party where the homeowner’s policy coverage would be very limited.

Generally speaking, as the host, your liability is fairly broad when it comes to your exposure. If things transpire into a lawsuit, your coverage would respond depending on how the lawsuit was written. You will need to notify your insurance company as soon as you receive the paperwork, and to trigger your liability coverage, attorneys will need to be involved. Liability coverage could respond in the event of being served with a lawsuit and/or you are found liable for the loss within the limitation of coverage. The cost is paying an attorney to defend you. The attorneys are usually provided by your insurance company if coverage is going to respond.

In the event of a medical visit to the hospital from an event on your premium, medical payments could come into play to help the guest with their medical bills.

The above shouldn’t scare you off from hosting a Super Bowl LIV party, but be sure to review your homeowner’s policy to understand what will/will not be covered in the instance of an accident. It’s also a good idea to take precautions such as locking up your valuables, keeping pets in a separate room, hiring a bartender, offering to let guests stay over and/or calling for cabs and Ubers.

Questions about your homeowner’s insurance? Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 or info@wtins.com.

New Year's Resolutions - Protect Yourself in 2020 and Beyond

Happy New Year! It's time to set those resolutions for 2020 and we hope you consider the following to ensure peace of mind throughout the year. Download our app: https://bit.ly/2SHgQ9J

Ben Galbreath Discusses Wind Damage Insurance Coverage

Did you experience damage from high winds? Producer Ben Galbreath takes a look at common occurrences in Springfield, Ohio.

Contact us at 937-324-8492 to discuss coverage for wind damage.

Don’t Be a Turkey This Thanksgiving: Insurance Tips for a Safe Holiday

Did I put too much salt in the gravy? Will grandma ask me why I’m still not married? Will the Giants beat the Cowboys? These are valid Thanksgiving Day concerns and hopefully the biggest worries you’ll have this coming Thursday. Unfortunately, the holiday can bring up a cornucopia of other troubles, from cooking accidents and injuries, to home and driving safety issues. Below, we’ve outlined a handful of steps you can take to make sure this is one of your most memorable Thanksgivings – for all of the right reasons. 

PREVENTING A FIRE

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment. Moreover, cooking is the leading cause of reported home fires year-round, accounting for nearly half of all US home fires (48 percent) and reported home fire injuries (45 percent), as well as one-fifth (21 percent) of home fire deaths. These stats are a good reminder to use caution when preparing your Thanksgiving Day feast.

Deep Frying a Turkey

You’re probably not alone if your top question now is, “Can I still prepare that tasty deep-fried turkey?” While it’s not an absolute “no,” you should be aware that turkey fryers can lead to severe burns or other injuries, and even property damage, even if you’re extremely careful. Deep-frying a turkey requires a substantial amount of hot oil which can splash, spill or combust.  

Butterball offers helpful cooking and safety tips whether you’re frying indoors or outdoors. As with any cooking, don’t leave your deep fryer unattended and keep children away from the frying area. Alternatively, NFPA suggests contacting your local grocery store, a specialty food retailer or restaurants that sell deep-fried turkeys so you don’t have to encounter any risk. 

Kitchen Safety

With family and friends going in and out of the house, TV and music volume, and possibly alcohol, it’s easy to be distracted while you’re cooking. Below are a few quick tips for keeping you and your home safe from accidents.

• It’s tempting to try and accomplish other things while food is cooking, especially a turkey that takes hours, but you should check on food frequently and never leave your home while your oven or other cooking appliances are on.

• Make sure you have timers set so food doesn’t burn and potentially set off smoke alarms or worse, cause a fire. Keep the timer next to you so you don’t miss it over loud conversations or other noise.

• Keep your prep space clean and organized. Oven mitts, paper towels and dish towels, food wrappers and other easily combustible items should be kept at least three feet away from heat and flames.

• Don’t wear billowy clothing that could come in contact with heat and flames.

• Confirm that smoke alarms have new batteries and are properly working before you being cooking.

• Avoid cooking if you’re drinking heavily.

It’s always a good idea to check your homeowners or renters insurance coverage if the worst does happen and you experience a fire or related loss.  

AVOIDING CAR ACCIDENTS

Drinking and Driving 

This should be a no-brainer but, don’t drink and drive! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drunk driving still causes 28% of all traffic-related deaths in the U.S. If you’re planning on drinking on Thanksgiving (or any day), arrange for a designated driver or call a cab, Uber or another service to get you safely from place to place. Depending on your location, you may be able to call AAA and use their Tipsy Tow service. 

Be mindful of who you hand your keys over to as well. Even if you’re watching your alcohol intake, your family member offering to run up to the grocery store for the missing ingredient may not be as sober as you think. Generally speaking, it’s always a good idea to limit loaning out your car. You may be on the hook as the insured if they get in an accident.

Review Your Auto Insurance Policy Before Hitting the Road

It’s widely reported that the week of Thanksgiving is the busiest travel period of the year, with millions of Americans traveling 50+. This means the likelihood of getting in a car crash increases exponentially. While comprehensive car insurance coverage can’t prevent an accident, it can cover costs for vehicle damage and injuries. If you’re renting a car, determine what your policy will cover or not, and consider rental car insurance if necessary.

While you can’t predict other drivers’ behavior, you can take a few steps to safeguard yourself.

• Give yourself extra time. Weather is often bad this time of year and with additional cars on the road, this is a Thanksgiving recipe for disaster if you’re rushing or stressed to make up for time in snow, rain and ice.

• Secure food and other items. The last thing you want is additional hazards distracting you while driving. Prevent food from sliding around and ensure everything has tight lids.

• Protect your pets. If your furry friends will be traveling with you, use a strapped in harness or other safety belt to keep them in one place. If you have to brake suddenly, this can avoid possible injuries.

• Pack a roadside emergency kit. This is a good idea year-round, but especially in inclement weather and times when AAA or other roadside services may take longer to get to you.

PROTECTING YOUR HOME WHILE YOU’RE AWAY

Unfortunately, the holiday season can see an uptick in home robberies. Thieves know homes are often empty for days at a time and take advantage of this. Here are a few measures to take to keep your home safe while you’re away:

• Keep your travel plans off social media. This can be a tough one since you want to share photos and good times with friends and family, but consider waiting until you’re back in town so the wrong person doesn’t become aware of your absence.

• Put your lights on a timer and use motion detectors for outdoor lights.

• Get a safe for small valuables such as jewelry and family heirlooms.

• Ask a neighbor or friend to keep an eye on your home and pick up any mail so it doesn’t pile up and tip off burglars.

• Arrange for yard service to clear away snow and ice while you’re away so it appears someone is home.

• As an added precaution, invest in an outdoor security camera that you can monitor from anywhere. 

Homeowners insurance such as dwelling coverage and personal property coverage may help recover costs in the instance of a break-in. Hopefully, you’ll never be the victim of a home burglary, but you should be aware of what your homeowners policy covers and be sure to document your home inventory in advance to expedite the claims process.

Questions about home insurance? Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 or info@wtins.com.

Safeguarding Your College Student’s Valuables: On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Insurance

Myles Trempe

As your child heads off to college, you’re likely talking to them about being safe and staying aware while living away from home. While personal safety is of utmost importance, you also need to consider protecting their high-value belongings like laptops, jewelry and watches, furniture and bicycles. Did you know that whether your college student lives on-campus or off-campus can determine if your homeowners insurance will cover them in the instance of an accident or theft?

On-Campus Insurance Coverage

According to the Insurance Information Institute, burglaries constitute approximately 50 percent of all on-campus crimes. There are steps your child can take to prevent theft, but in the unfortunate instance of a burglary, or any other type of loss, you should be aware of what is covered, or not.

Most homeowner policies will extend liability and personal property protection to a student while they live in a campus dorm room – this is considered “off premise” coverage.

Homeowners Insurance extends:

• Personal Liability – This covers the student if they hurt someone or cause damage to someone else's property. 

• Medical Payments to Others – If someone is injured in your son or daughter's dorm room. This coverage is typically included along with Liability coverage, but at a lesser amount.

• Personal Property Coverage – Standard homeowners insurance can pay for repair or replacement of your student’s personal property after a covered claim – theft, fire, vandalism etc.

There are typically limits to the amounts covered in the above, so be sure to review your homeowners policy to avoid any surprises.

Off-Campus Insurance Coverage

Off-campus housing or apartments may or may not be covered under your homeowners insurance policy. If no coverage is provided, a renter's policy is an inexpensive way to have personal liability coverage and protect personal belongings. If your child has a roommate, note that renters insurance will cover his or her possessions and any shared possessions (e.g. furniture) but it will not cover the roommate’s items.  

Regarding car insurance, if your student is leaving their car at home, notify your insurance agent as you may be eligible for a premium discount depending on how far away they move.

Preventing Theft and Damage at College

Whether your child lives on or off campus at college, there are precautions he or she can take to help prevent losses.

• Take inventory of valuables – Similar to taking inventory of the possessions in your home for potential insurance claims, it’s a good idea for your student to document the items they’re taking with them. Photos and descriptions will help ensure your claim is settled quickly in the event of a fire, theft or other loss.

• ID items – Engraving or permanently marking valuables such as laptops and phones makes it less likely thieves will want to steal, and can make it easier for police to track down stolen items.

• Purchase a small safe – If your child is taking jewelry, watches or other expensive possessions, it’s a good idea to keep these items in a safe, particularly in a dorm room where a roommate may have access to all of their valuables.

• Lock up valuables on the go – Your child will likely use a backpack to carry around their laptop and expensive school books, and it’s safe to assume they won’t always have an eye on it. A low-cost zipper lock could be an easy deterrent for would be thieves.   

Details and coverages vary so it’s best to consult with your local insurance agent to see how your insurance policy covers your child while away at school. Contact Wallace & Turner here or call us at 937-324-8492 to discuss coverage for your college student and send them off with peace of mind.

Flood Solutions: Insurance Against the #1 Natural Disaster

Flooding is the largest natural catastrophe and largest single event natural catastrophe that ever occurs, and only 7% of homeowners have flood insurance! Floods are not covered in your homeowners policy, but anyone can get the coverage as a supplement to their homeowners.

Flood insurance coverage to complement your homeowner policy.

We work with Cincinnati Insurance Company to offer Preferred Primary Flood or Excess Flood Endorsements as alternatives to insurance available from the National Flood Insurance Program.

Learn more about types of flood insurance, costs andwhy it’s important to have this coverage. Read How Much is Flood Insurance in Ohio?

Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 or info@wtins.com to discuss your options for flood coverage.