Holiday Home Sojourn: Who's Responsible for Covering Repair Costs?
Relaxing in Vacation Rentals Can Be Pleasant, But Breakages Can Ruin the Holiday Feel. Which Insurance Policies are Crucial - and What Requires Particular Attention.
Not paying enough attention and the vase smashes onto the floor - in a vacation rental, things can break rather swiftly and the homeowner may demand reimbursement. "In principle, renters are shielded by their personal liability coverage if they cause damage within the vacation rental," explains Bianca Boss from the Insurers' Association.
In the context of rented vacation properties, the insurance coverage should encompass the property and its contents. However, damage to rented items also necessitates coverage.
This applies even in the event of an electric fire. If the rented e-bike suddenly ignites into flames or the phone battery bursts, you are accountable for any resulting fire damage to the rented apartment. Yet, if damage to rented property is specified in the agreement, the personal liability insurance will also cover this.
Beware, though: Depending on the insurance provider and the policy's extent, there may be restrictions and exceptions in case of damage. Therefore, it's essential to meticulously review the insurance terms prior to commencing the vacation.
Burglary and Theft: Home Contents Insurance with Outdoor Coverage
Not all harm is self-inflicted. In the event of burglaries into the locked vacation rental, home contents insurance with its integrated exterior coverage offers the optimum protection. This also safeguards household contents outside your own home and is valid globally. The external coverage period varies by provider, but usually lasts for at least three months.
"The exterior insurance covers your own household items that get stolen, for example, in a break-in into the locked travel accommodation." Again, a thorough examination of any exclusions and compensation limits in the contract is advisable, as the protection does not always extend to all items: "There are significant disparities, for instance, with cash and valuables," advises the BdV representative.
If things deteriorate further and items get stolen from the accommodation under the threat of violence, this is classified as robbery. "This is typically covered by insurance. Then the insurance pays the replacement value," says Boss. In this instance, the threatened violence must have occurred on the premises, and the robbery must be reported to the local police station promptly.
After enjoying your vacation, accidentally leaving the rented e-bike outdoors might result in an electric fire, requiring coverage under the insurance policy for damage to rented property. It's crucial to carefully study the insurance terms beforehand to understand any restrictions or exceptions related to damage.
In the unfortunate event of a burglary into your locked vacation rental, having home contents insurance with exterior coverage can provide the necessary protection for your belongings outside your home, ensuring global coverage for up to three months, depending on the provider.
