VRBO doubling down on refunds

[Collin Hays]

TRIP INSURANCE.  You know, that stuff VRBO almost forces you to buy when you make a reservation?

So while VRBO is steadfastly denying trip insurance claims for refunds to to CV-19, they are simultaneously doubling down on homeowners to make refunds, chiding homeowners and painting them the bad guy.

What we are doing as part of our COVID-19 emergency policy

A full refund of our fees: We are refunding 100% of the money we make through traveler service fees when you must cancel a trip due to COVID-19, whether the cancellation is government-mandated or because you’re prioritizing the health of your family and loved ones. This is in effect for all stays booked before March 13 with a stay night between March 13 and April 30. You don’t have to do anything to collect the refund, it will happen automatically over the next two weeks. No need to call and confirm.

Minimum of 50% refund: We have notified partners to abide by our COVID-19 emergency standards, which set a 50% refund minimum if different stay dates cannot be found, in order to avoid penalties in our marketplace. This is applicable for all canceled stays with a night that falls between March 13 and April 30, 2020, even on trips that are outside the set cancellation policy.

After throwing everyone at the lap of the greedy homeowner, I think it is worth readying VRBO's blanket statement on the trip insurance refunds that they sold:

Position Statement - Coronavirus Outbreak

The Coronavirus outbreak is considered a foreseeable event under any plans purchased on or after January 29, 2020. That means you could be covered if you are diagnosed with Coronavirus, but foreseeable events such as becoming quarantined due to the Coronavirus will not be covered. Please note, our plans will not cover fear of travel. Customers are strongly encouraged to read their Description of Coverage or Insurance Policy for details regarding their available coverage.

I've seen pretty much everything now.