Tailgate Insurance 101
Tailgating has become one of football’s most beloved traditions, and it’s a rite of passage for many Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans fans.
But before you load up and head to the stadium, here’s what you need to know about tailgate insurance for a fun, safe experience.
Check Your Property Coverage
This might be the last thing you think about as you load up items to take outside of your home, but it’s a crucial aspect of tailgate insurance. However, most property insurance policies include coverage for personal property. This includes “an automatic 10% extension for personal property away from premises — so when you are traveling or tailgating,” says Kristin McGinty, an Agent in Hubbard.
McGinty points out that personal property would only be covered for the named perils on the policy, which may include fire or theft. That’s good news if you get a tad overzealous while lighting the grill or game day excitement spills into the stadium parking lot, and an opposing fan steals something from your setup.
Keep in mind that wear and tear or mechanical breakdown wouldn’t be covered. So, if something like your grill malfunctions, that repair would fall on you. (Regular grill maintenance and upkeep can make it last longer.)
McGinty also emphasizes knowing, and understanding, your deductible as part of figuring out tailgate insurance. “Always remember claims are subject to your deductible,” McGinty says. “So, it would be important to know what your 10% coverage limit amount and theft deductible is before you go.”
Know before you go! Contact your Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent; they can answer questions about your policy’s details and help you get covered before the big game.
Update Your Auto Insurance
Anything can happen on the highway and in the parking lot, which makes having the right auto insurance critical. While liability is the state-mandated minimum, collision and comprehensive coverages could help if you hit another car or equipment.
Collision coverage comes in handy when you’re in a fender bender, or you hit a stationary object (say, a fellow tailgater’s setup). Comprehensive auto insurance helps cover weather-related damage (hail, anyone?), as well as theft and vandalism.
Getting in and out of the stadium can be a nail-biter in itself, so take your time and engage those defensive driving best practices.
What to Do If There’s an Accident
You’ll want that playback should there be an accident. McGinty recommends calling 911 if anyone is injured. If there aren’t any injuries that need immediate attention, call the local police department to report the incident. Depending on where you are, some municipalities like Austin, Dallas, and College Station have an online filing option.
An official report from the incident could help later. “Any eyewitness statements and photos are also usually helpful in these situations,” McGinty says.
Tips for Filing a Claim
Depending on the level of damage, you may want to file a property insurance claim.
- Assess the damage. Sure, you may not be a professional adjuster, but it’s sometimes easy to determine repair or replacement costs. If a fender bender results in $300 worth of damage, but your deductible is $500, you might want to reconsider filing a claim.
- Record the damage. Take photos and/or video of the damage after the accident — as long as it’s safe to do so. Depending on the situation, a police report could come in handy.
- Contact your Agent. They can help you navigate the insurance claims process and give you some reassurance.
- File the claim. If you decide to file a claim, call 1.800.266.5458 or online.
Tailgating Tips
- Stay hydrated. Texas can be hot — even deep into the fall months. Keep water on hand for your fans.
- Plan for rain. Keep umbrellas and ponchos on hand; have a backup plan for any electronics, such as TVs and speakers.
- Think about food safety, from food prep to cleanup. Keep your tailgaters safe with this cookout safety guide.
Are you a tailgating rookie? We’ve got you covered with our first timer’s guide to tailgating.
© 2024 Texas Farm Bureau Insurance
