New Year's Eve is full of opportunities for fun and celebration. But with increased partying comes greater potential risk to the safety of your vehicle and home. An incident could cause you to have to file a claim with your auto or homeowner's insurance provider. To help minimize this possibility, follow these four New Year's Eve safety tips.

Ways to Protect Your Car & Home on New Year's Eve

1. Arrange a Ride Home

If you plan on drinking, take the time to set up a sober ride home before the night begins. There are a few ways to do this. Choose a nondrinking friend to be a designated driver. Schedule a taxi to drop you off and pick you up at certain times. Download a rideshare app and easily summon a ride on-demand to and from the party. Download the city's public transportation app so you know beforehand the nearest bus stops and bus routes that will take you home.

2. Leave Your Car at Home

If at all possible, leave your car at home on New Year's Eve. Not only will this eliminate the temptation to get behind the wheel if you've been drinking, but it will also be safer for your vehicle and prevent theft. If you need to drive, make sure your destination has a secure parking lot and remember to lock the vehicle and engage the alarm and anti-theft system.

3. Party-Proof Your House

For those hosting New Year's Eve festivities at home, make sure the house is safe for guests. This will protect them from injuries and you from liability—and the need to file a homeowner's insurance claim. It will also offer an additional level of security for your belongings.

If you have valuables that you fear may get stolen or broken, store them in a locked room for the duration of the party. If you're serving alcohol, also serve plenty of food to balance out some of its inebriating effects, and offer extra beds or couches for guests who cannot drive. If you have a potential safety issue in your home, like a loose floor tile or a rickety banister, repair them before the party to prevent injuries.

4. Nix the Fireworks

While fireworks are legal in Nebraska on New Year's, they come with a lot of safety concerns. They can cause fires and serious injuries, especially if drinking has compromised one's clarity or judgment. Instead, ring in the New Year with confetti and noisemakers—they're much safer.

The right auto and homeowner's insurance policies will safeguard you on New Year's Eve and all year through. Alvarez Insurance Agency has been providing insurance solutions to the Omaha, NE, area since 2001. In addition to car and homeowner's insurance coverage, they offer renter's, motorcycle, and SR-22 policies. To request a quote, contact their insurance agents by calling (402) 733-1878 or visiting them online.