Guest damage on Booking.com and Vrbo without AirCover
How the damage rules on Booking.com and Vrbo work and what to do before every stay.
On both platforms you report damage within 14 days of checkout. Note for each listing which model applies, and add proof of the cost to your claim.
What applies on Booking.com and Vrbo?
Neither platform has protection like AirCover. What applies depends on the model you chose.
- 1
Vrbo deposit
You report damage within 14 days of checkout, otherwise the deposit goes back automatically.
- 2
Up to the deposit
Vrbo covers valid claims up to the deposit amount, even if it cannot collect from the guest.
- 3
Vrbo protection
Instead of a deposit, the guest can pay for damage protection at booking.
- 4
Booking program
You submit the payment request in the Extranet within 14 days of checkout.
- 5
No guarantee
Under Booking.com's damage program you are paid only if the guest pays.
- 6
Own deposit
Alternatively, you manage a deposit yourself on Booking.com.
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Which rules apply
Under Vrbo's help pages on damage deposits, you have 14 days after checkout to file a damage claim, up to the deposit amount. Under Booking.com's partner terms the damage program also has a 14-day deadline, and you are paid only if the guest pays.
General information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Do Booking.com and Vrbo have protection like AirCover?
Nothing equal to it. Vrbo covers valid claims at most up to the deposit amount, and under Booking.com's damage program you are paid only if the guest pays.
How does the Vrbo deposit work?
After checkout you have 14 days to assess the property and file a damage claim; without a claim the deposit goes back automatically. The amount cannot exceed the deposit, and nothing more can be withheld after the first claim.
How long do I have on Booking.com?
Under the damage program you submit the payment request in the Extranet within 14 days of checkout. You set the per-stay maximum yourself when setting up the program.
Also in this topic: Burn holes and cracked ceramic hobs: what the guest paysHost liability: when a guest is injuredInventory list for a holiday flat: making it hold upHandover record for a holiday flat: what applies with no handover
Next guest arriving soon?
Scan your place before check-in and after check-out. Then your claim rests on a comparison of before and after, whichever platform the booking came through.
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