The holidays are full of fun traditions: good food, festive decorations, and trying to remember where you stored the serving tray last year. If you’re hosting family and friends, you’re probably focused on making everyone feel welcome. But before the doorbell rings, it’s worth thinking about one guest you definitely didn’t invite: liability risk. A slick front step, tangled extension cord, or overly excited dog can quickly turn “holiday cheer” into a “holiday claim.”
What Is Liability, Exactly?
Liability generally means you could be held responsible if someone is injured or someone’s property is damaged, and you’re found at fault. Homeowners or renters insurance may include liability coverage, depending on the policy.
One thing you may not know is that most hospitals and clinics will insist that the homeowner file a home insurance claim when a guest is injured. While insurance may not protect the pumpkin pie from being eaten before dessert, it may help with certain covered accidents involving guests.
Common Holiday Hosting Risks
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Holiday gatherings can create the perfect obstacle course:
• Snow or ice on sidewalks, steps, or driveways
• Wet floors from boots and umbrellas
• Extension cords across walkways
• Clutter from coats, gifts, or decorations
• Poor lighting near entries or stairs
Your goal is a cozy holiday home, not the “extreme winter edition.”
Pet-Related Mishaps
Your dog may be convinced every guest came specifically to see him. Your cat may strongly disagree with the entire event. But pets can get stressed in busy homes, and scratches, bites, or an accidental knockdown could lead to liability concerns. If your pet isn’t a fan of parties, a quiet room may be the real holiday gift.
Decorations and Seasonal Hazards
Decorations bring the magic, but they can also bring risks:
• Loose rugs or décor that can cause trips
• Unstable trees or oversized decorations
• Candles near high-traffic areas
• Space heaters too close to furniture or décor
•Dim lighting inside or outside
A beautifully decorated house is great. One that no one trips in is even better.
How to Help Reduce Your Risk
A few simple steps can help make your home safer:
• Shovel snow and treat icy walkways
• Turn on outdoor lights
• Secure railings
• Move cords out of walkways
• Wipe up wet floors
• Clear clutter from stairs and entryways
• Set aside a spot for coats, shoes, and bags
If children are visiting, pay extra attention to fireplaces, stairs, breakable decorations, and anything shiny enough to attract tiny hands.
Why a Coverage Review Can Help
If you host often, have made home updates, or haven’t reviewed your policy in a while, the holiday season can be a good time to check in with an agent. A quick conversation can help you understand your liability coverage, limits, and whether your policy still fits your needs. Keep the Memories, Skip the Mishaps Holiday hosting should be about laughter, connection, and maybe one relative telling the same story for the fifth year in a row. A few precautions and a coverage review can help make your home safer and happier this season. Enjoy!
If you have questions about your coverage, Sally White, your American Family Insurance agent, can help you review your policies before the festivities begin.
Prosperity & Purpose
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sally White has been an insurance professional in St George, Utah, for twenty-one years. Her experience and knowledge have been instrumental in the lives of her clients. They look to her for advice and trust her to take care of the things that matter most. As a policy springs into action, Sally is there to answer questions and guide her clients. She enjoys helping others understand their policies and offers no-cost insurance review consultations.