Getting claims approved for Guest caused Damages: A Guide to Navigating Airbnb AirCover for Homeowners in Rockport, Gloucester, and Manchester-by-the-Sea
If you are in the vacation rental business in Rockport, Gloucester, or Manchester-by-the-Sea, you understand the value of protecting your investment and offering a positive stay for your guests. While Airbnb bookings are generally trouble-free, the unexpected can happen, making Airbnb's AirCover an essential part of your hosting toolkit. This complimentary insurance program is included with every booking, offering you peace of mind. This is one of the reasons we love hosting guests from this platform.
But! lots of vacation rental owners on the North Shore find that relying solely on AirCover is not enough due to its coverage limitations. Additionally, the frustration of having claims denied due to insufficient evidence is a common grievance among hosts. In this post, we’ll guide you through filing a successful damage claim with Airbnb AirCover, equipping you with the necessary knowledge to maximize your claim's chances of approval.
When Should North Shore Homeowners File a Damage Claim?
For vacation rental owners in Rockport, Gloucester, and Manchester-by-the-Sea, and other North Shore towns it is crucial to file a claim when your property experiences significant damage that surpasses normal wear and tear. This could range from broken furniture and damaged appliances to major structural issues caused by guests. It’s also wise to initiate a claim for damages requiring costly repairs or replacements. We host thousands of guests per year and find that the frequency in which we need to file a damage claim is fairly infrequent, given how good our tenant screening process is.
Prompt action is essential, as Airbnb has specific deadlines for damage claims. Start the claim process immediately upon discovering any damages to increase the probability of a successful claim payout.
Steps to Filing a Successful AirCover Claim:
Assess the Damage: Collect all pertinent information right after the incident. Take many detailed photos and videos, and gather any other supporting documents (receipts are a really good thing to track down for items purchased).
Act Quickly: Timing is crucial. You have just 14 days from the guest's checkout to submit your claim through Airbnb’s Resolution Center, but we aim to get a claim started within hours of the damage being reported to us.
Submit Your Claim: Navigate to the Resolution Center, select the associated booking, and use the ‘Send or request money’ feature. Upload your evidence and detail the damages and associated costs.
Involve Airbnb Support: If the guest does not respond within 72 hours, escalate the issue by involving Airbnb support through the Resolution Center. They may request additional information to process your claim.
Resolution and Appeals: Airbnb’s claims team will evaluate your submission and determine your eligibility for reimbursement. If you disagree with their decision, an appeals process is available to present additional evidence.
Tips for North Shore Hosts to Maximize AirCover Claim Success:
Document Your Property’s Condition: Before each guest’s arrival, take detailed photographs and videos of your property. This establishes its pre-visit condition. If you are working with us for management, we have processes for property checks before and after some guest stays.
Communicate Professionally: If damage occurs, discuss it with the guest through the Airbnb app without making accusations. Their responses could serve as additional evidence for your claim.
Engage with Your Cleaning Team: Arrange for your cleaning crew to document the property’s condition post-checkout and upload these images to Airbnb, providing clear evidence of any changes.
Update and Confirm House Rules: Make sure your house rules are clear and acknowledged by guests upon booking. This clarity can prevent disputes over responsibility for damages. As part of our onboarding process, we put together a detailed section on house rules for each property.
Request Fair Damage Costs: Be reasonable in your damage claims. If possible, provide estimates or receipts to justify the costs involved in repairs or replacements.
Conclusion:
While Airbnb AirCover provides a useful layer of protection for your vacation rental in Rockport, Gloucester, or Manchester-by-the-Sea, understanding the nuances of filing a claim is crucial. By preparing in advance and following these guidelines, you can enhance the security of your investment and maintain the highest standards for your guests. If you would like to chat with someone from our team about how to file a claim, feel free to reach out; we would be happy to provide a free consultation.
We also include a damage waiver with each guest we host at our properties; this includes up to $800 of coverage for guest-caused damages that are reported to us by the guest within 24 hours of the incident. Reach out to learn more =)
