Whether you’re hosting a Memorial Day party, a graduation celebration, or just a backyard get-together, inviting guests onto your property comes with more responsibility than most people realize. A slip near the pool, a broken railing, or an unexpected mishap can quickly turn into an expensive problem—especially if someone gets hurt. In this blog, we’ll dive into how liability insurance can help protect you during summer celebrations and what steps you can take to stay prepared.

Why Summer Gatherings Increase Risk

Massachusetts homeowners know how important it is to make the most of summer—but large gatherings can bring unexpected liabilities. Whether you’re having five guests or fifty, here are a few ways your celebration could turn into a claim:

• Slips, Trips, and Falls. Uneven walkways, loose decking boards, wet stairs, and pool areas are common hazards. If a guest is injured on your property, you may be held responsible for their medical costs—even if the injury was accidental.
• Property Damage. Lawn games, grilling, and kids running around can easily lead to broken furniture, damage to your home, or even issues with neighboring properties. If you’re found liable, the cost to repair or replace items may fall on you.
• Alcohol-Related Liability. If you’re serving alcohol, Massachusetts’ “social host liability” laws may apply. This means you could be held responsible if an intoxicated guest causes harm—whether on your property or after leaving.

What to Check Before Hosting

Before you send out invites or fire up the grill, here are a few steps every Massachusetts homeowner should take:

• Review your liability coverage. Make sure your homeowners policy includes personal liability protection and check the limit. If it feels low for the size of your event, ask about adding umbrella insurance for additional coverage.
• Inspect and prepare your property. Secure steps and handrails, clean up the yard, check for tripping hazards, and make sure lighting is sufficient if your party goes into the evening.
• Plan for safe alcohol service. Consider limiting how much you serve and offer designated drivers or rideshares if needed.

Do You Need More Than Standard Coverage?

Most standard homeowners policies include some level of liability insurance, but it may not be enough in the event of a serious injury or lawsuit. If you’re hosting large celebrations or simply want greater peace of mind, umbrella insurance can provide extended liability protection at a relatively low cost.

Here at the Safeside Insurance Agency, we help Massachusetts homeowners feel confident in their coverage—whether they’re hosting a few friends or a full backyard bash. If you’d like to review your liability insurance before your next event, give us a call at (508) 753-8862 or visit our website to get started.