Over the past few years, a trendy new activity has swept the nation. A popular form of entertainment for family and friends, as well as a team building method used by many businesses, escape rooms are an exciting way for a group to work together.

Escape rooms generally focus on a theme (history, crime solving, science fiction, crises, etc) in which the participating group aims to decipher clues, solve puzzles, and complete tasks. The goal is to overcome obstacles within a given amount of time and gain freedom (escape) from the activity site. The activity is enhanced by attempting to break existing records set by previous groups who have completed a room.

In previous years, those interested in such events booked time at a business that specializes in escapes. Today, the themed challenge activities are being created in homes to celebrate anniversaries, birthday parties, graduations, or even friendly neighborhood gatherings.

Hosting escape rooms in a private home is an exciting way to entertain friends or family. Many people enjoy working in groups, participating in friendly competitions, and enjoying a new experience. Themes often featured in escape rooms are the following:

  • Solving murders/mysteries
  • Iconic fantasy setting
  • Sensory Rooms
  • Prisons/tombs
  • Crises (imminent train, plane, or ship catastrophes)
  • Adventures (escaping jungles, deserts, islands)
  • Board Games

You Have A Responsibility!

If you decide to host an escape room in your home, you must keep one crucial thing in mind. You owe a legal obligation to your guests, and it's a significant duty. When you invite persons to your home, you are responsible for their safety. Your homeowners policy can provide valuable protection should an injury occur to a guest or if property belonging to others is damaged.

However, most HO policy insurance limits for liability coverage are modest. A homeowner could increase their protection by increasing limits on their policy. They could also consider purchasing an umbrella policy. It would also be appropriate to take precautions that reduce the chances for loss, such as the following:

  • Be careful whenever the event involves children - Kids are more vulnerable to injury and need a high level of supervision. The safest move is to avoid themes, props, and actions which include activities that are likely to cause accidents.
  • Don't charge for escape activities - If you host an event to make money, it turns into a business activity, and that could result in a loss of insurance coverage if an incident occurs.
  • Avoid dangerous themes - Even if participants are not children, it is reckless to host parties that involve high levels of physical activity or props that are heavy, long, large, or have features that could easily injure a person.
  • Make sure your escape space is safe - Take steps to reduce the chance of harm by removing unneeded furniture, stowing away slippery rugs, and checking for and correcting uneven spots on floors. Make sure that furniture in the area or being used is sturdy. Do not permit climbing, do not use multiple rooms, and do not use different levels of a home.
  • Closely supervise the action - Hosts should not be active participants other than answering questions. They should be focused on monitoring their guests.

If you decide to host an escape room, be certain to make it as safe as possible. Otherwise, you may not escape the charges you might run into!

Don’t let this scare you away from having a great time! Contact the professional agents of Williams Insurance, and we’ll make sure the only danger comes from the escape room simulation!


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