Deposits vs Insurance

[Don Dougherty]

Hello all!  Just finding this site.  We have had some really mixed experiences this year with inconsiderate guests, and we have been playing around with the deposit vs insurance.  As most would recoginze, most guests are great.  But then you get that one in 20 that is just awful.  From what I can tell the VRBO insurance really restriced to damage, accidental (how ever they chose to define that).  So we see some really problems with coverage for things like a hot tub servicing (too dirty), extra cleaning, having a pet, extra guests... etc.  So what to do?  I have seen posts that require a damage waiver, non refundable.  I like that idea, but how do you do that?  Seems like the categories on airbnb and/or vrbo are restrictive in terms of labels, so I am not sure how this could be done.  Interested in persuing this.  Thanks

Karin

[John Underwood]

I switched many years back to a refundable security deposit.

Insurance seemed like they had no skin in the game. So if something happened it would be charged to the insurance they already paid for.

I have made rare claims against the security deposit for damage and got it with no problems. I always take pictures for proof.

Several times I have contacted the renter and they have paid for any damage without having to get Vrbo or Airbnb involved. I would advise to always check with the renter first and give them a chance to make things right.