Wednesday, December 21st, 2005 — If youre hosting friends and family this holiday season, it might pay to check your insurance first so you know in advance what is and is not covered when hosting a Christmas or New Years party. The number of insurance claims tend to rise during the winter months from everything from auto accidents, home damage caused by bad weather, faulty wiring, increased crimem to liability accidents resulting from overindulgence. The Illinois Department of Insurance has put together the following tips to provide guidance for residents hosting holiday celebrations this season.