Insurance Read Time: 2 min

Teen Drinking and Your Liability

Despite the overwhelming research documenting the health and behavioral consequences of underage drinking, some parents believe that allowing minors to drink under their supervision may lead to more responsible drinking in their adult years. Other parents believe that allowing minors to drink in the home is a better alternative to drinking outside the home.

Regardless of your parental approach to your teen children and drinking, when teens drink at home, you may be exposed to substantial civil liability. Even if it occurred while you were away or without your consent.1

Social Host Laws

At least 43 states have laws that make social hosts civilly liable for injuries or damages caused by underage drinkers, and many states have criminal penalties for adults who host or permit parties with underage drinking in the their homes or in premises under their control.2

State laws vary, so the precise circumstances under which you may be held liable will depend upon the state in which you live.

The liability to which you may be subject may include medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering.

The most effective way to avoid this risk is not to allow any alcohol at teen parties that may be hosted in your home. Since you may be liable for teen drinking in your home even when it occurs without your consent (e.g., while you’re on a well-deserved weekend getaway), make sure you have adequate personal liability coverage.

1. The information in this material is not intended as legal advice. Please consult a legal professional for specific information regarding your individual situation.
2. III.org, April 8, 2021

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

 

Related Content

Red Flags for Tax Auditors

Red Flags for Tax Auditors

Here are six flags that may make your tax return prime for an IRS audit.

What Is My Current Net Worth?

What Is My Current Net Worth?

Use this calculator to estimate your net worth by adding up your assets and subtracting your liabilities.

My Retirement Savings

My Retirement Savings

Estimate how long your retirement savings may last using various monthly cash flow rates.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.

The Ivory Tower Changes Wall Street

Thanks to the work of three economists, we have a better understanding of what determines an asset’s price.

Keep Your Umbrella Handy

Umbrella liability can be a fairly inexpensive way to help shelter current assets and future income from the unexpected.

View all articles

Assess Your Life Insurance Needs

This calculator estimates how much life insurance you would need to meet your family's needs if you were to die prematurely.

Saving for College

This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.

What Is My Life Expectancy?

Estimate how many years you may need retirement assets or how long to provide income to a surviving spouse or children.

View all calculators

Principles of Preserving Wealth

How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.

Managing Your Lifestyle

Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest.

Your Cash Flow Statement

A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.

View all presentations

Keeping Up with the Joneses

Lifestyle inflation can be the enemy of wealth building. What could happen if you invested instead of buying more stuff?

Making Your Tax Bracket Work

Have you explored all your options when it comes to managing your taxable income?

When Special Care Is Needed: The Special Needs Trust

A special needs trust helps care for a special needs child when you’re gone.

View all videos