By Jim McCafferty

Ahh…you can feel it in the air, my favorite time of the year— football season. Many share my sentiments for the sport that has become America’s favorite— high school, college or professional.

But before watching our on-field gladiators, we need to consider our pregame ritual—tailgating—the fastest growing activity in America for college and professional sports. More than 50 million people tailgate and spend nearly $15 billion a year doing it.

Some tailgating rules to live by:

Make a list. Be sure your cooler is full, chairs packed, tickets in hand, and a designated driver selected if alcoholic beverages are to be consumed. Keep the list and tweak it for upcoming games.

Have the right gear. Tailgating is about good food and friends. Be sure to bring the gear needed, such as a table and chairs with cup holders and a canopy for sun and rain shelter.

Make it fun and show hospitality. When the opposing team fans stroll by and are amazed at your tailgating spread, invite them to join you. Your guest might become your host on a future road trip. Meeting others can make game day a wonderful experience.

Beverages. Make sure you know campus rules about adult beverages.

Many college campuses prohibit consumption of adult beverages even if you are of legal drinking age. Don’t serve adult beverages to underage students.

Bring your own trash container. Clean your area after your tailgate party. Bring trash bags for disposable items.

Contact your insurance agent before the first game.

Many campuses are tightening up tailgating guidelines due to increased incidents related to the pre-game festivities.

The Property Casualty Insurance Association estimates that on Saturdays during football season, insurance companies pay out $2.9 million more in claims than on non-football Saturdays.

Here are some coverage needs: A tailgater jumped off the back of his friend’s pickup and fractured his right ankle. This compound fracture put him out of work for four months. Loss of income and medical bills exceeded $82,000. The court decided the “friend” was negligent and responsible for the $82,000.

If an auto or RV accident takes place on private property and it’s not clear whose fault it was, how does your auto/RV insurance work?

Are you liable for a misthrown football or behavior from someone who has over-imbibed? If someone stops by for a drink, and something happens later on involving that person, how responsible are you?

What tailgater can forget the 1996 Auburn-LSU game? Someone dumped coals from their grill by the old “Auburn Sports Arena” and it burned to the ground. That mistake cost a Tiger tailgater millions. If that had been you, would you have been covered?

While an insurance agent can’t protect your team from losing, we can help protect your assets. AAA Carolinas Insurance Agents can be reached at (800) 974-1222.

Jim McCafferty is President of The Members Insurance Company. To find out if you’ve properly transferred your risk to an insurance carrier, contact AAA and speak with one of our insurance professionals at (800) 974-1222.