You’ve spent weeks preparing for Halloween. Pumpkins are carved. Bowls of candy sit near the front door. Costumes are donned. But, is your homeowners insurance ready? Do you know the answers to the what-ifs?
- What if a child falls on your walkway and the parents sue you for medical costs? You may be held liable.
- What if your house is vandalized? Most policies cover vandalism, but do you know your deductible?
- What if your dog gets overexcited and bites a particularly litigious individual’s child? Let’s talk about an umbrella policy, which provides protections beyond your existing insurance coverages.
- What if you throw a party and an intoxicated guest crashes his or her car on the way home?
You could be held responsible. Some states have laws that hold a host responsible for any injuries or property damage done by a guest who has left a party drunk, while other states hold hosts responsible if a minor is found in possession of alcohol—so, verify your young guests are of age before you serve them an alcoholic beverage. If guests become intoxicated, it is the host’s duty to oversee their transportation arrangements. Halloween can pose problems for property owners.
Here are a few tips to make sure you don’t get tricked this holiday:
- Turn on all outside lights. And, to deter vandalism leave them on all night.
- Make sure walks and pathways are clear of debris.
- If a pumpkin gets smashed on your walkway, clean it up.
- Motorists should drive slowly and with caution all evening.
If you have any questions regarding your homeowners insurance and the coverage—such as personal property, personal liability, medical payments, loss of use, dwelling, other structures—call Muller Insurance, we’re happy to provide the answers you need.
