ARE YOU READY FOR SOME TAILGATING? Make Sure Your Insurance Playbook Up To Date

CHICAGO – If when you hear “ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL??” it automatically translates into “ARE YOU READY FOR SOME TAILGATING??” you can probably relate to the concept that the best offense is a good defense.

For you and about 50 million other fans who have taken tailgating from a simple fall ritual to an art form, that good defense involves making sure you follow basic safety precautions and that you are properly insured.  

After taking the time to shop for great grub for the grill, getting to the game early to find the ideal parking spot and location for your bags tournament, you don’t want to get flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct even before you head into the stadium because you damaged someone’s vehicle or even your own.

As part of your pre-football game warm up, consider what could happen if your buddy doesn’t catch that long pass you threw and it dents a fellow tailgaters new sports car. What happens if you don’t fully extinguish your grill or it tips over and causes a fire? How about those guys a few spots over who were eyeing all of your best stuff, what if they break into your vehicle and take your gear? These and other potential hazards should lead you to ask the question, will this damage during the ultimate tailgating experience be covered and if so, by what insurance policy. Believe it or not, your homeowners policy may come into play with some tailgating mishaps.

Over $12 billion is spent each year on tailgating, make sure your wallet is protected with adequate insurance coverage. The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) encourages tailgaters to talk with their insurance agent about Comprehensive Auto Insurance. Comprehensive insurance can cover claims of physical damage outside of collisions and homeowners or renters insurance may help you replace your property even if it stolen from your vehicle.

Make sure you have reviewed your insurance playbook before game day to confirm you are covered for all possible outcomes.

PCI offers tips and information to make sure you have a safe and fun experience.

• Do not drink and drive
• Don’t throw a ball near your car, damage may not be covered under your insurance policy
• If you are grilling while tailgating, make sure you have you a fire extinguisher on hand
• Throw away glass bottles and other hazards
• Hide valuables from visible sight in your car, theft is common during game hours

For more information on Fall Facts and Tips you can follow @PCIAA on Twitter

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