How Does Vrbo Insurance Work for Travellers and Property Owners?

By Kay FleuryUpdated on April 9, 2021

Having insurance to protect yourself and your assets is essential. Whether you are a guest or a host renting your property to travellers, unexpected and unfortunate accidents can happen to anyone.

In this article we will be getting into the nitty gritty of what Vrbo insurance covers for hosts and guests, so that both parties have one less thing to worry about. To learn more about how Vrbo works before you plan your next vacation, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Vrbo property and traveler insurance.

To help you book your next vacation with confidence, we’ll teach you all there is to know about Vrbo insurance.

Vrbo insurance for owners and renters

Vrbo’s $1M liability insurance provides owners and property managers with liability protection for all stays that are processed online through the HomeAway checkout, giving them $1,000,000 in primary liability coverage at no additional cost. From a renter’s point of view, they are insured to be reimbursed for the accident that happened at the host’s property.

How Vrbo insurance protects owners

The following types of scenarios describe what Vrbo’s insurance coverage includes for owners so that they don’t have to spend any money out of their pocket.

Injury claims made by travelers: If a traveller staying at your property injured themselves (by say falling down the stairs or burning their hand while cooking), the owner can file a claim with Generali to cover the medical bills against the $1M liability insurance plan.
Property damage claims: If a traveller staying at your property causes damage to your property (such as damaging furniture, flushing something down the toilet that messes with the plumbing system, etc.), then the liability insurance would cover the cost of fixing it up to a maximum of $1 million.

How Vrbo owner insurance works

Vrbo’s $1 million liability coverage comes in handy, as most homeowners’ plans do not provide protection if the property is used as a vacation rental. In a situation where an owner doesn’t have liability coverage for their property, Vrbo’s liability insurance will provide the basic liability coverage. If someone already has a liability policy, Vrbo insurance will act as additional coverage on top of what they already have.

This insurance program applies to Vrbo properties listed anywhere in the world, and homeowners are not obliged to use it. However, any reservations processed through HomeAway checkout are automatically protected at no additional cost.

Vrbo insurance for travelers

Vrbo offers insurance that travelers can purchase to protect the booking of their upcoming stay against unexpected cancellations, delays, and interruptions. A traveller can be reimbursed for non-refundable fees or any other out-of-pocket expenses if there is a problem with their stay for a reason that is covered under the Vrbo travel insurance.

Vrbo travel insurance

While making a booking on Vrbo, the traveller will be given the option to buy the Vrbo travel insurance at checkout and also after their booking is confirmed, in case they decide to buy it then. If the traveller is not satisfied with the plan for any reason, they can cancel their coverage within 10 days of buying for a full refund. If their trip is cancelled and they won’t be needing the insurance, all they need to do is call Generali at 877-880-0975 to cancel their Travel Insurance plan.

Vrbo Accidental Damage Protection

The Accidental Damage Protection plan provides guests with coverage for any accidental damage that could take place at the vacation rental during the period of their stay. If the owner holds the damage deposit or more money is owed to cover the loss, then Damage Protection can reimburse them for the difference.

Like all other coverages on Vrbo, Generali Global Assistance has an accidental damage protection insurance plan that travelers can purchase 24 hours before check-in. Vrbo recommends damage protection to their travelers with children, pets, and when visiting in a large group.

Let us look at the different types of policy options that a traveler can purchase:

$59 for $1500 coverage
$79 for $3000 coverage
$99 for $5000 coverage

Travelers get the option to buy the Accidental Damage Protection at checkout or when they make the payment on their booking. They can also directly purchase this on the Generali site. If the traveler(s) choose to purchase this protection, they will receive an email confirmation after their purchase containing the certificate of insurance and a copy of the policy.

For any reason, if the traveler decides that they don’t want this plan, they can request a refund as long as it is before their check-in date. They must call Generali before their scheduled date of arrival to receive a refund. The policy is also eligible for a full refund, if the reservation is cancelled.

We hope we have been able to help you understand everything there is to know about Vrbo insurance from a host and a guest’s point of view. You may also check out more articles in our Vrbo series to learn if Vrbo is safe and reliable and our overall review of Vrbo.