The end of 2021 is nearly here, and it’s time to ring in the New Year in a big way. Before the big night, make a plan of how to keep yourself safe during the celebrations.
Whether you’re throwing a party or going to one, there are a few things to do so you have less to worry about and no need to file an insurance claim later.
Here’s what you need to know.
Celebrating at Home
If you’re hosting a New Year’s Eve party this year, there are several things you’ll need to do to make sure everyone has a good time and you limit your own liability. When someone is injured in your home or suffers property damage, you may be responsible for the costs. Add alcohol and a lot of partying to the mix, and your liability increases.
- Make sure you have liquor liability coverage if offering alcohol at your New Year’s Eve party. As the one serving alcohol, if a guest drinks and then drives, you could be found at fault for any accidents they might have.
- Limit the amount of alcohol you serve and make sure to include non-alcoholic options as well as food.
- Know how your guests will get home. Be prepared to let them stay overnight or to call a ride for them in order to keep everyone from drinking and driving.
- Keep your food safe to prevent food poisoning. Warm food needs to be kept warm, and cold food kept cold.
- Manage your guest list carefully. You should know who is coming and going from your home. Allowing just anyone to enter could open you up to damage and theft.
- Don’t shoot guns or light fireworks when the clock strikes midnight. It’s too easy for someone to get hurt or for a fire to be started. Stick with sparklers and sing an off-key version of Auld Lang Syne instead.
You can have plenty of fun while also protecting your guests from harm and yourself from a lawsuit later.
Celebrating Out on the Town
Not hosting a party is a great way to limit your liability, but that doesn’t mean accidents still won’t happen. New Year’s Eve tends to be chaotic and wild, especially if you like to ring in the new year with more than a champagne toast. Keep yourself safe while you enjoy the festivities so you don’t have any unfortunate accidents or unnecessary claims later.
- Plan your ride home in advance. If you plan on having a few drinks, make sure you know how you’re getting home. Download and set up a rideshare app on your phone. Designate a sober driver. Know who you’ll call and make sure they know they might be your ride, so they don’t drink, either.
- Go out with friends or at least your partner. Groups are less likely to be the victim of crimes than solo-partiers.
- Charge your phone before you leave for the night so you can use it in an emergency.
- Drive carefully when you’re out on the road. It’s dark and the roads might be wet or icy. You might not have a drink but that doesn’t mean you can’t get into an accident.
- Avoid leaving your car anywhere overnight. It’s best to start with a rideshare or riding with friends rather than leave your car at the bar or on the street. If the choice is to drive drunk or leave your car, leave your car. But try to plan ahead so neither is an option, and you don’t have to worry about break-ins or vandals.
If you’re hosting a New Year’s Eve party this year, make sure you have the right kind of insurance. Contact Charlotte Insurance today to discuss liquor liability coverage. And no matter how you celebrate this year, be safe and have fun!