Get a quote
Mon to Fri9:00 AM TO 5:00 PM Get In Touch: (631) 423 2233

Check Your Homeowners’ Insurance Before You Host a Graduation Party

graduation party

Hosting a graduation party at your home can be worry-free if your insurance includes the right coverages.

How safe are you from a graduation party lawsuit?

This includes homeowners, co-op and condos, and renters! Everyone hosting a party invites risks as well as guests. The first item on your graduation party planning checklist should be to contact your insurance agent about your “home” coverage. Graduation is a time to look toward the future so you don’t want something unexpected to disrupt this happy time!

In addition to reviewing your current homeowners’ insurance policy, ask your insurance agent about special event insurance, liquor liability insurance, and umbrella insurance.

These policies can help protect you from property damage, medical expenses, and lawsuits, but you should also take steps to mitigate your risks.

Before you send the invitations

Besides the guest list and the food, you’ll need to make some early decisions. Let’s start with the most obvious issue, alcohol. Referred to as “social hosting” there are liabilities that come with serving alcohol such as underage drinking, over-drinking, and driving while intoxicated. Being lenient on the drinking age, even in the privacy of your home, can have dire consequences far past your homeowners’ insurance. (Here is a quick reference for the laws regarding underage drinking and a story of a party that went bad. )

Underage drinking is only half of the issue, for the adults who drink, make sure you know how they are getting home. Don’t be afraid to stand up to a guest who is not fit to drive.

Preparing your home for the graduation party

You’ve made the preparations regarding food and drinks, now on to the physical issues. You may not realize some potential hazards since everyone who lives there has also learned to live with them. For example, do you have a few loose tiles in the kitchen or is the carpet on the stairs worn to point of being slippery? Time for a serious walk-through to see what could literally “trip up” your guests.

Here’s a short list of things to consider – be sure to add things that are unique to your home to this list!
• Furniture location – is there anything blocking a path that you just walk around?
• Furniture condition – is there a sharp edge, pointy corner, exposed wood, or rogue nail that you always mean to fix?
• Flooring condition – tiles, wood floors, carpets, and any transitions from one to the other; any “watch your step” situations that are just part of your everyday life?
• Appliances – are they all working correctly? Anything unusual that needs explaining to someone who doesn’t live there?
• Sidewalk/driveway – depending on the weather these could be hazardous.
• Structure – is that gutter hanging by a thread or maybe your gate needs extra attention to line up correctly?
• Yard – are there any obstacles, such as tree branches, where “ducking” or “sidestepping” are part of your daily walk from the door to your car?
• Pets – make sure pets are safe from guests, and that guests are safe from pets.

Set the graduation party ground rules

Graduation parties don’t need to by unruly to be fun. In fact, setting expectations for your guests will help them relax and enjoy themselves. Your rules should include everything you need to keep the party under control and fun.

Some simple rules include where to put their belonging to keep them secure (such as a closet that only the host/hostess can access) and designated smoking areas if necessary. Other, more important rules include what’s not allowed such as uninvited people “crashing” the party, loud music, too many drinks, and the use of fireworks or firecrackers, to name a few.

Happy Graduation!

Graduation parties celebrate both today’s accomplishment and tomorrow’s expectations! Planning a great party takes time and thought, so start by putting your mind at ease. Call your insurance agent and confirm that you’re covered so that you have a fun and safe graduation celebration!

Comments are closed.

  • Mary Graf has provided our small business with the knowledge, tools, and expertise to make informed decisions regarding our insurance investments. She is a warm and professional person who is highly motivated to do the absolute best for her clients and community.

    Brian Botticelli , Botticelli Prints Inc. Huntington, NY
  • Mary has been our insurance broker for many years. Her extensive knowledge of the companies and product offerings is critical to securing the best coverage for us. Her ability to ask the right questions, delve into the most relevant information and discern our requirements has forged a strong working relationship. Personally delightful and professionally efficient, Mary and her agency staff always provide top-shelf service!

    Fritzi Gros-Daillon , Anson Environmental Corp. Transitions USA Inc.
  • When I think of insurance, I think “Graf Agency.” I first joined our family business in 1984 and when I was introduced to Ken Graf, I soon realized why our family did business with his family.

    Over the years, Mary Graf has continued the family tradition of unmatched service, responsiveness and attention to detail. I know I can always depend on Mary to possess the knowledge, do the research and advise me on the best products for our business and my personal needs.

    The peace of mind that this provides is priceless.

    Joseph Fusaro , Green Energy Solutions AMJ Building Corp. Huntington, NY
  • As a Business Management Consultant with high-end clients who demand excellence, I only work with Mary from the Graf Agency for all my insurance needs.

    Mary’s response time, care and attention to my requests are always impeccable. Not only does she know her industry very well and provide the best packages, but she also takes the time to research the most cost-effective ways to make sure I am always offering my clients the very best!

    Evan Antonini, EHM Group, LLC Bookkeeping & Controllership Services New York, NY

Online Payments

MetLife Insurance
Hanover Insurance
Progressive Insurance
Hagerty Insurance