NFL Season Is Back. So Is One of the Riskiest Times to Be on the Road.

The 2 Hours After the Game Are the Most Risky

Fan tension may be high during the closing minutes of a neck-and-neck game. But the most concerning time is actually the two-hour window following the final whistle.^[1] 

“Large numbers of drivers leave stadiums, bars, restaurants, and watch parties at roughly the same time. Traffic congestion, distracted driving, impaired driving, and heightened emotions can increase the likelihood of accidents during this period,” cautions Janet Ruiz, director of Strategic Communication for the Insurance Information Institute.^[2]

Consider that most NFL venues accommodate between 61,500 and 82,500 people, all of whom have to head home. When there are more drivers on the road, the risk of accidents goes up.^[3]

This is also the time when impaired driving incidents tend to spike, as many overserved spectators and intoxicated armchair quarterbacks irresponsibly get behind the wheel to head home. 

“Most people consume alcohol during these events, so they need to not drive and should have a game plan to get home safely. Skip the alcohol or assign a designated driver, and avoid distracted driving,” advises Michael Barrett, co-principal and agent with Barrett Insurance Agency.^[4]

What a DUI Actually Costs You

Getting pulled over for driving under the influence is just not worth it. In addition to risking personal injury and harm to others, a DUI can raise your car insurance rates by around 90%, per The Zebra’s 2026 State of Insurance data, and it can negatively impact your premiums for 3 to 5 years.

“The financial hit isn’t a one-time thing: You could be paying elevated rates for years. And depending on other rating factors, the increase could be even steeper,” says Beth Swanson, insurance analyst with The Zebra. “Depending on your driving record, it might be much more difficult to find insurance coverage in the future, as well.”

While there are nonstandard carriers who offer options for high-risk drivers, policies are often much costlier and your options more limited.

Parking Lot Problems Easily Overlooked

Stadium parking lots are another common source of auto insurance claims. Even if you stay sober and drive defensively following the game, it’s no guarantee that drivers around you can be trusted. Common claims in stadium parking lots include backing-up accidents, hit-and-runs, door damage, and theft. 

“Vandalism can also occur when people are consuming alcohol,” Barrett continues. “And in parking lots, people often throw footballs or other items around. What if one hits your car and breaks a window?”

Remember: If you only have your state’s minimum liability coverage, that just protects someone else’s and covers injuries you are liable for, but it doesn’t safeguard your own vehicle.

“If something happens to your car in a crowded stadium lot, and someone leaves the scene or is uninsured, you’re on the hook for repairs yourself,” Swanson adds.

That’s why it’s smart to have both comprehensive and collision coverage in place.

Additionally, lock your doors, hide or remove valuables, make sure your vehicle’s mirrors and backup camera are working properly, and consider investing in a dashcam to help you remain aware of your surroundings and gather evidence in case you’re involved in a disputed fault claim or hit-and-run.

Away Games and Road Trips

If you’ll be driving out-of-state to catch the big contest, be aware of car insurance rules and limitations.

“Your auto policy should cover you across the United States, its territories, and even into Canada, although there is no coverage in Mexico. So if you are from Connecticut and you go to a game in New York, your policy would still be in place,” says Barrett.

However, if you have roadside assistance coverage, note that free towing may be capped at a particular distance limit, such as 100 miles from the breakdown location.

Also, renting a vehicle to drive to an out-of-state football game could trigger unexpected mileage or geographic restrictions. Check with the rental agency on the rules, and make sure anyone who might drive is added as an authorized driver; allowing an unlisted motorist to drive could void any car insurance coverage that applies to the rented vehicle.

Hosting a Watch Party? Follow This Game Plan

You’ve invited friends and family over to your house to watch this Sunday’s game. But are you prepared for a potential disaster that has nothing to do with the final score? What if one of your guests trips over your dog and breaks his leg, or gets in a car accident after drinking at your party?

“Hosts may face liability if a guest is injured on the property or if circumstances lead to allegations that serving alcohol contributed to harm,” Ruiz says. 

Fortunately, most homeowners policies automatically include social host liability coverage. This protects you financially if your guest becomes inebriated at your event and causes injury or property damage to someone else after leaving. But this coverage will not protect you if you knowingly provide alcohol to a minor.

“Homeowners should review their homeowners insurance liability limits and consider personal umbrella insurance if exposure levels justify additional protection,” suggests Ruiz.