Airbnb's AirCover for Hosts is a type of protection automatically included in every listing booked on Airbnb. It addresses the needs, risks, and concerns of guests and hosts. Airbnb's AirCover provides some protection if you suffer injuries. However, it does not replace traditional property insurance and liability coverage that owners and hosts need to ensure visitors' safety.
If you suffer an injury at an Airbnb, speak to a Philadelphia premises liability attorney about your rights to seek compensation even if you received an initial denial.
How Airbnb AirCover Works
Airbnb AirCover protects property owners from damage caused by guests. For example, it offers host damage protection that covers the home and belongings from damage caused by guests, pests, or other risks. But it also includes liability insurance.
The AirCover for Hosts includes $1 million in host liability insurance. This part of the policy covers losses resulting from injuries sustained at the property due to the owner's or host's negligence. It also protects guests if their property is damaged or stolen while using the facility. This "free" insurance policy can help those hurt while staying at an Airbnb recover damages if you can demonstrate fault and negligence.
If you can demonstrate that the property owner or host is responsible for your injuries, you can file a claim for:
- Slip and falls at the property
- Injuries from unsafe materials or surfaces, such as broken glass
- Burns from unsafe areas
- Electrical shocks from exposed wiring
- Missing or loose railings or steps
- Exposure resulting in illness
- Pest infestation causing an illness
As with all other forms of negligence, this coverage applies when you can demonstrate the owner knew or should have known about the risks and failed to keep you safe. The burden of proving this is on your shoulders as the victim.
How Guests Can File a Claim for Airbnb AirCover
After suffering an injury, seek immediate medical care as your first step. Document as much as you can about the incident, including taking photos of what caused your injury, the area, and the debris surrounding it. This documentation is critical to filing a claim.
Notify the host of the accident and the cause. In these situations, the host should gather information from you and document what occurred with their own photos. The expectation is that you simply need to file a claim, submit some forms, and receive payment. This may work when the loss is limited. Typically, you can start this process in the app if the host does not respond to you.
Should You File a Claim with Airbnb AirCover or Seek Legal Help?
The benefit of Airbnb AirCover is that it makes the process fast and easy, but that is not always in your best interests as a guest. The liability insurance provided is simple and straightforward, but it may be hard to prove your claim. The terms and conditions with the specific, third-party insurance provider apply. Those can have numerous limitations. Consider speaking to a premises liability attorney in situations such as the following.
You Have Serious Injuries
Suffering serious injuries often means much higher compensation. The risk of being denied fair compensation is higher. Insurance companies work aggressively to quickly process your claim before you can seek additional compensation. If you have these injuries, speak to our attorney before filing your claim:
- Traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions, of all forms
- Broken bones with complex fractures
- Spinal cord or column injuries, including partial or complete paralysis
- Development of conditions causing lung damage or other respiratory conditions
- Burns resulting in the need for hospitalization or advanced care
- Internal injuries resulting in bleeding or organ damage
Let your attorney document all of your current and future losses in these cases. This is especially beneficial if you have injuries resulting in permanent losses, including blindness, loss of hearing, or paralysis.
Your Claim Was Denied
This is another important time to speak to our team about your Airbnb accident. The key here is to reach out to us as soon as possible to seek solutions. The insurance company's denial does not have to be the end of the story. Sometimes we can seek damages with more evidence or a clearer explanation of your losses. Sometimes, just having an attorney who takes your claim seriously makes a difference.
You Believe Someone Else Is at Fault
Also, keep in mind that third parties could also be at fault for your injuries. For example, an electrician could create a hazard that causes your injuries. In these cases, our legal team can pursue action against those parties for your losses in addition to or separately from the host claim.
Seeking Legal Guidance Makes a Difference
Does Airbnb AirCover cover guest injuries? The answer is yes, to a degree. That does not make the process easy. Reach out to Kwartler Manus today for a free consultation to discuss your case and your rights to fair compensation. Do so as soon as possible so we can begin preserving critical evidence in your case. Our premises liability lawyers do not charge you anything up front for our services.
Sources
- Airbnb: How AirCover for Hosts Works
https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/how-aircover-for-hosts-works-469
Blog Disclaimer – Kwartler Manus, LLC
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Reading or interacting with this content does not establish an attorney-client relationship with Kwartler Manus, LLC. Every legal matter is unique, and past results, settlements, verdicts, or case outcomes do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future matter. This content may be considered Attorney Advertising under the rules of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. You should not act or rely upon any information contained in this blog without seeking the advice of a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation. Kwartler Manus, LLC is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and this blog is intended for residents of those jurisdictions.