Review of Vrbo Trip Protection: Is it a Good Deal?
What is Vrbo Trip Protection?
Travel Protection and optional Damage Protection are Vrbo's two primary forms of protection. Underwritten by the Generali US Branch, Travel Protection addresses trip cancellals, interruptions, and delays resulting from covered reasons, including illness or specific weather conditions. It does not cover cancelals for any cause or medical bills. For an extra charge, damage protection covers inadvertent damage to the rental property up to a specified maximum; it does not cover damage from severe weather or neglect.
Coverage Details for Vrbo Travel Protection
Should cover concealments or interruptions, Vrbo's Travel Protection provides 100% compensation for prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses. Reasonable expenditures cap the reimbursement for trip delays at $150 daily. 24/7 emergency aid, concierge services, and ID theft resolution are also covered. Crucially, pre-existing conditions are usually not covered unless you satisfy particular criteria at purchase, such as purchasing the insurance within a short period after your original trip payment and covering the whole trip cost.
What about Damage Protection?
For a nominal charge, Vrbo's Damage Protection pays up to $1,500 in accidental damage. You have fourteen days from check-out to submit a claim. Should no claim be filed, the guest will automatically be reimbursed for any stored damage deposit. This does not cover wear & tear, natural calamities, or deliberate harm.
Comparing Vrbo Protection to Other Options
Other travel insurance companies, including Allianz, AIG Travel Guard, and Seven Corners, offer more thorough policies. These usually include baggage protection, medical coverage and evacuation, and "cancel for any reason" (CFAR) options—all of which Vrbo lacks. Though their costs vary, these general plans usually provide far greater protection. For regular visitors, several companies also sell annual multi-trip plans.
Real-World Examples
One passenger purchased Vrbo's trip cancellation insurance but found the coverage wasn't registered with the insurer, so her claim was denied. As a show of goodwill, Vrbo finally reimbursed the travel expenses; still, the experience made apparent flaws in their system. Another visitor revealed limits in typical policies when their claim for a VRBO cancellation was denied because of COVID-19.
Credit Card Coverage and Alternatives
Certain high-end travel credit cards offer travel insurance features like trip cancellation and interruption, which could augment or replace Vrbo's cover. Still, these advantages often have specific terms and restrictions, so you should check the policy information on your card. For complete property protection, consider third-party vacation rental insurance such as Safelystay, CBIZ, and Proper Insurance (approved by Vrbo in the US).
Vrbo Host Protection
Vrbo provides liability insurance totaling $1 million per property annually. This includes claims for damage to third-party property or guest injuries. However, It does not cover damage to the host's property, so it emphasizes the need for other coverage, such as a strong commercial homeowner's policy or specific vacation rental insurance.
Cost Considerations
Usually, Vrbo's Travel Protection costs about 7% of the trip cost. One charge is damage protection. It is imperative to compare these expenses with more all-encompassing travel insurance policies since a somewhat higher price could offer significantly more coverage. Consider possible credit card savings and bundling insurance with other travel expenditures.
Customer Experiences and Reviews
Customer opinions of Vrbo's Travel Protection vary. While some passengers have had trouble, others declare procedures to be seamless. Claim delays or denials have resulted from several documented instances of Vrbo and its insurance underwriter having communication problems. Research consumer evaluations and compare other insurance companies' claims processes and customer service before relying on Vrbo's protection.
What to Consider Before Purchasing
Review your trip's demands and possible hazards before purchasing Vrbo's Travel Protection or Damage Protection. Consider your risk tolerance, the trip cost, length of stay, and destination. Check Vrbo's options' coverage, cost, and claims process against those of other travel insurance companies and credit card rewards.
| Provider | Policy Name | Coverage Type | Trip Cancellation | Trip Interruption | Trip Delay | Medical Expenses | Medical Evacuation | Baggage Loss/Delay | Property Damage | Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) | Other Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vrbo (Generali/CSA) | Travel Protection | Named Perils | Up to 100% of insured travel costs | Up to 100% of insured travel costs | $150/day (limited) | No | No | No | No (separate Damage Protection available) | No | 24/7 assistance, ID theft resolution, telemedicine, concierge |
| Vrbo (Generali/CSA) | Damage Protection | Accidental Damage | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $1,500-$5,000 (depending on option selected) | N/A | N/A |
| AIG (Travel Guard) | Various (Essential, Preferred, Deluxe) | Named Perils | Up to 100% of trip cost | Up to 100-150% of trip cost | Up to $500-$2,000 | Up to $15,000 - $100,000 | Up to $150,000-$1,000,000 | Up to $750-$2500/$200-$500 | Optional, up to $1,500 (Safe Travels Rental Plus) | Optional on some | 24/7 assistance, various optional upgrades |
| Allianz | Various (OneTrip, AllTrips) | Named Perils | Up to $10,000-$100,000 | Up to $10,000-$150,000 | Up to $300-$1,500 | Up to $10,000-$50,000 | Up to $50,000-$500,000 | Up to $500-$2,000/$200-$2,000 | $1,500 (Safe Travels Rental Plus) | Available (80% reimbursement) | Rental car damage, pre-existing conditions waiver |
| C&F Travel Insured | Worldwide Trip Protector | Named Perils | 100% of Trip Cost | 100-150% of Trip Cost | $500-$2000 | $50,000-$500,000 | $200,000-$1,000,000 | $750-$2,500/$200-$750 | $1,500 (Safe Travels Rental Plus) | Available (75% reimbursement) | Optional bundles for rental car, pets, cruises, etc. |
| Trawick International | First Class | Named Perils | 100% of Trip Cost | 150% of Trip Cost | $1,000 ($200/day) | $150,000 | $1,000,000 | $2,000/$400 | $5,000 | Available (75% reimbursement) | Pre-existing condition waiver |
