We talk to a lot of homeowners everyday so it’s not really a surprise that we’ve heard our fair share of bizarre mishaps and claims over the years. It never fails that Super Bowl Sunday produces an endless number of crazy accidents (some silly, some scary!) all in one day. Here are some of the more memorable stories we’ve heard from our customers over the years. Keep in mind that just because someone may have tried to file a claim for these accidents, doesn’t mean their insurance covered them!
Team rivalry sparks injuries: One of our own agents told us about a Super Bowl party where things started heating up between fans from opposing teams. Our agent got caught in the middle of the argument only to find himself involved in a knock-down-drag-out which resulted in his head being smashed through a sliding glass door! The homeowner filed a MedPay claim on their homeowners insurance to cover his injuries and then had to cough up the loot for a new door.
Living room replays gone bad: One of our customers recalls thinking it would be a good idea to replay some of the game plays in the living room during half time with his buds. His wife was not pleased when she heard the noise and came in to find a broken sofa and a smashed antique coffee table. She was only further angered when her husband looked her in the eye and drunkenly suggested, “Touchdown?”
Alcohol related car crashes: One of the most serious and deadly Super Bowl Sunday accidents that can occur is an alcohol related car crash. All joking aside on this one- we’ve talked to drivers shopping for insurance who have been found guilty of DWI’s- many that occurred after sporting events. In addition, the National Highway Safety Administration reported recently that 48 percent of driving fatalities that occurred on Super Bowl Sunday were alcohol-related. Designate a sober driver or call a cab- we can’t emphasize the importance enough. Not only is the driver at risk but other innocent travelers on the road can fall victim as well. Also, keep in mind that host laws in may states can hold a homeowner responsible for damages caused by a drunk driver that left their party intoxicated.
Food Poisoning: Sounds silly but it happens all the time when people get together to share food that isn’t properly prepared. One homeowner we talked to in the past was curious if their homeowners insurance would cover them for serving spoiled and undercooked chicken wings that gave food poisoning to 20 different Super Bowl party guests. “At first I thought they made me feel sick because I added too much hot sauce,” said the homeowner. “But then a whole slew of my friends fell ill too- leaving us to blame the chicken wings that everyone had been eating”.
Stolen jewelry: It’s important to know who you are inviting over to your home for any kind of Super Bowl party as we’ve heard an increasing number of people tell us about guests stealing jewelry and other high value items while no one is paying attention. Make sure you know your guests so that they don’t go home with your possessions as party favors.
Objects thrown through the TV: One customer was disheartened to hear that they would probably not be getting a claim approved for a broken television set that he had, in the heat of the moment, thrown a remote control at and broken during last year’s Super Bowl game. Home insurance policies do not cover accidents like this so it’s advised to keep your remote away from the screen!
Dogs under stress can bite: On another serious note, keep in mind that our dogs are not always down for partying like we are, especially when they are not accustomed to being around a lot of rowdy people. We’ve heard many accounts of Medical Payments claims being filed for dog bites sustained by guests at a party. When even the tamest animal is under stress or feeling threatened they can lash out- so it’s best to keep the dogs outside or gated in a bedroom away from any loud commotion.


