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Increasingly, people are choosing vacation rentals through companies like Airbnb and VRBO over hotels for everything from weekend getaways to family vacations to business trips. They can be less expensive than a hotel if you’re traveling with your children or other family members. They give you a chance to feel like a local, and they’re usually just homier and more comfortable than even the best resorts.
Sometimes staying in someone’s home means more opportunities for injury. You’re not just navigating one room or suite. You may be in a multi-story home with any number of hazards – no matter how careful the host is to minimize them. So what happens if you’re injured?
The good news is that you’re probably going to be covered by the vacation rental company’s liability insurance. Both Airbnb and VRBO offer $1 million coverage to protect hosts and, in turn, their guests. Individual hosts may also have their own insurance policies.
Most injuries caused by accidents are covered by these insurance programs. For example, if you trip on the stairs and fall because of an uneven step, you can expect the coverage to pay for your medical care and other expenses.
However, these insurance programs have exclusions as well. Host insurance typically won’t cover intentional acts. If someone in your family was taking advantage of Colorado’s lenient marijuana laws, climbed up on the roof and fell into the pool below, you shouldn’t plan on receiving compensation.
It’s wise before you rent any vacation property to find out what kind of insurance coverage the host has. It doesn’t hurt to read the fine print on the policy.
No one expects to be injured on vacation. However, it happens a lot. The combination of an unfamiliar place and a relaxed atmosphere can cause people to let their guard down. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a vacation rental and you’re not getting the compensation from the insurance company you believe you’re entitled to, it’s wise to find out more about your legal options.
