Personal Finance Tips

How does Vrbo host insurance work?

Ucha Vekua

30.06.26

Read time 3 minutes

Opening your vacation rental to strangers comes with risks. To help, Vrbo automatically includes a $1M Liability Insurance program with every checkout, covering third-party injuries and damage to neighbors' property.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how Vrbo host insurance works, what it leaves exposed, and what are the steps for making a claim.

We'll also introduce Wise — your international money transfer alternative. Use Wise to send stress-free transfers to over 140 countries - all at the standard mid-market exchange rate.

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Table of contents
What is Vrbo host insurance and what does it cover? How to file a claim for Vrbo host insurance? Vrbo damage waiver fee Getting paid on Vrbo with Wise

What is Vrbo host insurance and what does it cover?

Vrbo host insurance is a protection program designed to give property owners peace of mind against unexpected challenges.

Primarily, they provide two main types of coverage to protect hosts¹²:

Property Damage Protection (PDP):

This is an optional insurance plan that guests can purchase to cover accidental damage they cause to your property during their stay.

You can set the coverage tier for your property, allowing guests to pay $59 for $1,500 in coverage, $89 for $3,000 in coverage, or $119 for $5,000 in coverage.

$1M Liability Insurance:

This is automatically included at no additional cost for any reservation processed online through Vrbo's checkout. It provides up to $1,000,000 in protection if a traveler is accidentally injured on your property and makes a claim against you.

It also covers property damage claims made against you, such as damage to a traveler's personal belongings or to a neighboring unit.

How to file a claim for Vrbo host insurance?

If you need to file a claim under the $1M Liability Insurance program\2, you can do so by following these steps:

Step 1: Act immediately

Notify Generali Global Assistance (GGA) right away if you become aware of any third-party bodily injury or property damage that might be covered.

Step 2: Gather required information

Before contacting them, make sure you have the following details ready:

Full details of the incident
Any and all related documentation
The names and contact information of any individuals or parties who were injured or are claiming damages

Step 3: Contact a representative

Call immediately to initiate your claim and speak with a dedicated GGA claims representative.

United States: Call 800.313.6457
International Free Phone: Call 800 5454 2222

Alternative Contact Methods: You can also contact Generali Global Assistance via standard telephone at 858-810-2000, or by email at VRBOClaims@Generali-Liability.com.

Claim resolution times can vary depending on the complexity of the claim and the associated damages. However, having all of your documentation prepared before you call can help expedite the process.

Vrbo damage waiver fee

On Vrbo, a damage waiver fee refers to the non-refundable cost a guest pays for the Property Damage Protection (PDP)¹ plan.

Here is how it functions on the platform:

Coverage purpose: It is an optional insurance plan that covers accidental damage to a host's property during a stay, such as broken glass or scuffed furniture

Tiered pricing: The fee is based on the level of coverage the host selects in their settings. Guests will pay $59 for $1,500 of coverage, $89 for $3,000 of coverage, or $119 for $5,000 of coverage

Deposit alternative: It provides guests with an alternative to paying a large, upfront damage security deposit. When booking, a guest can choose to pay the non-refundable damage waiver fee or leave a fully refundable damage deposit equal to the chosen coverage amount

Getting paid on Vrbo with Wise

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*Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a claim to be resolved?

Several variables, such as including intricacy, specifics of the incident, and resulting losses can impact the time it takes to settle a case.

To help accelerate your case, aim to have all relevant paperwork and testimonies prepared before you dial. If you want updates regarding the progress of your case or its standing, you may consult your assigned Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services case representative.

What does Vrbo damage protection cover?

Accidental Damage Protection shields travelers from unexpected costs if they unintentionally damage a rental property during their visit. Provided through Generali Global Assistance, this coverage must be purchased no later than 24 hours prior to check-in.

Bottom line

Ultimately, Vrbo’s $1M liability insurance provides a valuable baseline of protection against third-party claims.

Since it focuses strictly on liability rather than your personal property, it’s best viewed as a starting point. Review your existing policies to ensure your vacation rental has comprehensive coverage from every angle.

Opening a Wise account is another option you can benefit from — it’s quick and simple to do it online with just a few clicks.

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Sources

1. Vrbo help – How do I protect my property from potential damage
2. Vrbo – Liability insurance

Sources checked 06/30/2026

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.