Your yacht club’s holiday party is a fabulous way to help members build relationships. Sparkling Christmas lights and glamorous eveningwear also make for great photos to post on your social media site to entice new clientele. As you pick out decorations, hors-d’oeuvres, and gift baskets during this exciting time, be sure to put updating your marina yacht club insurance on your to-do list. Without it, this night to remember may turn into a day you wish you could forget.
Understanding the Damage Risks That Yacht Club Insurance Covers
If you have hosted successful holiday parties in the past, you may not realize their tremendous potential for property damage.
Rented or recently purchased holiday lights and karaoke machines can overload breakers and cause electrical damage.
Guests who have over-indulged in alcohol can stain carpeting and break valuable items. They may also cause damage, injuries, or worse if they engage in altercations or attempt to drive home.
Protecting Yourself From Liability
Serving alcohol leaves you vulnerable to lawsuits when things go wrong. Especially in states with dram shop laws, anyone an intoxicated person injures has the right to sue the establishment that served the alcohol.
Victims of sexual harassment and parents of minors who have engaged in underage drinking may also seek legal action.
Without yacht club insurance, you might have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars defending yourself in court or paying medical bills because of someone else’s poor judgment.
Mitigating Risks
It is important to prioritize risk management strategies while planning your party. For example, if your event will take place on a boat rather than at the clubhouse, consider having non-members sign waivers before setting sail.
Also, consider that daytime parties with water sports require different precautions than evening events where everyone remains on board. If you plan to serve alcohol, set guidelines for servers about checking identification and setting limits on the number of drinks for intoxicated guests.
Protecting Your Yacht Club’s Reputation
An unfortunate event at a holiday party could affect your club’s reputation, especially if you do not handle the aftermath appropriately by filing claims with your yacht club insurance. It could also negatively impact your finances and legal standings.
Comprehensive coverage acts as a safety net by offering financial protection and peace of mind to you and your guests.
Customizing Your Marina Yacht Club Insurance
Just as yacht insurance varies based on the type of vessel you own, a marina policy should align with your club’s unique climate, clientele, and facilities. You can even purchase extra protection during the holidays.
The following are common risks that comprehensive policies cover:
- Property damage to grounds and buildings
- Damage to members’ yachts
- Personal liability for injuries that guests sustain at the marina
- Host liquor liability
- Special events coverage to protect from vendor and caterer cancellations
Choosing Mariners Insurance
Mariners Insurance specializes in insuring the marine industry and knows how to keep you protected as you celebrate the holidays near the water. Contact us to ensure your party is the talk of the town for all the right reasons in the new year.
About Mariners Insurance
Mariners General Insurance Group was founded in 1959 to protect boat owners and marine business clients. We are marine insurance experts and insure boats worldwide — in every ocean on the planet. Marine insurance is critical if you own a boat or nautical business. Trust the professionals with all of your Boat Insurance needs — trust Mariners Insurance. Call us at (888) 402-5018 any time you have questions or concerns about insurance for your vessel or marine business.
