As a Vrbo host, protecting your property and ensuring a smooth guest experience are top priorities. Vrbo Host Insurance offers valuable coverage for unexpected incidents, such as guest injuries, giving you peace of mind with every booking.
In this article, we’ll explore what Vrbo Insurance covers, common exclusions, and how to file a claim if the unexpected happens.
Table of Contents
What Is Vrbo Host Insurance?
Vrbo Insurance is a programme designed to protect owners and property managers from potential risks associated with renting their properties. It offers up to $1,000,000 in liability protection as primary coverage for all stays booked via the platform – at no additional cost. This means that even if you don’t have a liability policy, Vrbo’s coverage will respond first if a claim is made against you.
If you already hold a liability policy, Vrbo Insurance serves as an additional layer of protection, with both policies contributing in the event of a claim. Automatically included with every booking, this insurance provides hosts with peace of mind, eliminating the need to purchase separate insurances.
What Does Vrbo Host Insurance Cover?
Vrbo Liability Insurance provides a range of coverage options. Here’s a detailed look at what the insurance typically covers:
Guest Injuries: This programme may cover claims made against you if a guest is accidentally injured while staying at your property.
Third-Party Property Damage: If a guest accidentally damages someone else’s property and you are sued for the damages, the programme may offer coverage.
Potential Enhancements: Vrbo aims to explore additional options to better protect hosts from unforeseen risks associated with managing vacation rentals. However, it’s important to note that the $1 million liability insurance does not cover damages caused by travellers to your own property.
What Is Not Covered by Vrbo Liability Insurance?
While Vrbo Host Insurance offers valuable protection for hosts, it’s important to understand its limitations to avoid unexpected surprises.
Vrbo Liability Insurance does not cover:
- Harm to people or property that the insured caused on purpose, unless it was reasonable force used to protect someone or something.
- Properties that are not allowed to be rented short-term due to local laws or specific bans.
- Damages related to alcohol distribution or intoxication if the insured is in the business of selling or serving alcohol.
- Obligations under workers’ compensation or similar laws.
- Injuries to employees during employment or related consequential injuries to their families.
- Damages caused by pollutants or cleanup requirements.
- Damages involving vehicles like planes, cars, or boats owned or used by the insured.
- Damages during transportation or high-risk activities with mobile equipment.
- Damages caused by war, uprisings, or similar events.
- Damages to property under the insured’s care, custody, or control.
- Loss or corruption of electronic data.
- Bodily injury or property damage arising directly or indirectly out of any action that violates laws like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act or CAN-SPAM Act.
- Damages from secretly or improperly using devices to record, share, or print information in private spaces.
- Damages restricted by trade sanctions or regulations.
Note: The limitations listed above are based on the policy effective from May 23, 2022, to May 23, 2023. For the latest updates, please contact Vrbo support.
How Does Vrbo Insurance Work?
$1 Million Coverage Limit:
Vrbo Liability Insurance has no extra cost and offers:
- Up to $1 million in liability coverage per occurrence per rental agreement.
- Up to $5,000 for medical payments.
- A total limit of $1 million for all claims per property listed on Vrbo during the policy period.
Primary Coverage for Eligible Claims:
- If you don’t have liability insurance, Vrbo Insurance acts as your primary coverage.
- If you already have liability insurance, this programme supplements it with an additional $1 million in protection for online reservations made through Vrbo’s checkout.
Liability Protection for Vacation Rentals:
Many standard homeowners’ policies exclude liability coverage for vacation rentals. Vrbo Host Insurance fills this gap by providing protection if you’re held liable for accidents occurring during a guest’s stay. (Coverage is subject to conditions, limitations, and exclusions.)
Global Coverage:
Every booking made through Vrbo’s checkout system is automatically covered, no matter where your property is located. There’s no extra action required on your part to activate this protection.
How to File a Claim for Vrbo Insurance
- Gather details about the incident (e.g., date, time, and description of what happened).
- Collect names and contact information of guests or any other parties involved.
- Contact the Generali Global Assistance:
- P.O. Box 939057
- San Diego, CA 92193
- Tel: 858-810-2000
- Email: VRBOClaims@Generali-Liability.com.
It is recommended to read Vrbo Liability Insurance policy before filing a claim.
Pro Tip: Supplement Your Coverage
Since Vrbo Liability Insurance does not cover damages caused by travellers to your property, it’s important to take additional precautions.
For comprehensive protection, consider combining Vrbo’s Host Insurance with third-party vacation rental insurance tailored to your needs.
To further minimise risks:
- Clearly outline your house rules regarding events, pets, children, and smoking to avoid misunderstandings.
- Require guests to sign a rental agreement specifying their responsibilities and how they should care for your property during their stay.
These measures can help prevent disputes and strengthen your case if you need to file a Vrbo Host Insurance.
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