New Year’s Eve is often celebrated with a party, lots of drinks, and a countdown to the New Year. The point is to have fun with your friends and loved ones. No one wants to have their fun spoiled by something that involves the filing of an insurance claim. Here are some safety tips for New Year’s Eve.
Last year, a poll was done by Met Life Auto and Home Safety Pulse. It included questions about safety issues that can arise during a holiday party that takes place in one’s home. The results showed that many hosts ignore important safety issues. One of the things that the poll showed was that hosts of New Year’s Eve parties (and other parties) were not locking up their valuables before the guests arrived. Perhaps it was because the guests would include family members and close friends and that the hosts felt as though their valuables were safe around these people.
In reality, it is entirely possible for someone to steal from you as the party is happening. Take a few minutes to put your jewelry and other small (but expensive) items somewhere that is locked away from guests. This simple advice could prevent the need for filling out a homeowners insurance claim after a theft has occurred.
Amica Insurance wants to remind you not to drink and drive this New Year’s Eve. Lisa DeCubellis is a senior assistant vice president with Amica Insurance. She said:
Motorists arrested for driving while impaired also face serious consequences, including loss of license, fines, and even jail time.
Lisa DeCubellis suggests that if you had too much to drink you should call a taxi or have a sober friend drive you home. It is also a good idea to select a designated driver before your group of friends arrives at a party. Keep in mind that all it takes is one ticket for your auto insurance company to decide to raise your rates.
Amica Insurance had a poll on their Facebook page that included just one question:
In December 2010, _______ of the alcohol-impaired drivers in fatal crashes were men.
The answer has been revealed. Amica says that the answer is 78%. That’s huge! For further details, check out their Facebook page.
Keven Moore wrote a very informative article called “Know your liability when planning that New Year’s bash”. I suggest you read the whole thing. A key point is:
If you allow your guest to get drink, you could find yourself in court and liable for subsequent medical bills, vehicle repair costs, lost-work time or claims from wrongful death potentially costing you a lot more than the price of hors d’oeuvres and decorations.
Image by Creative Tools on Flickr