Guest damage: platform protection and property insurance

A broken smart TV, damaged furniture or water leak can cost far more than a guest deposit. Prepare before the first booking with an inventory, evidence process, platform reporting plan and insurance suitable for short-term stays.

There is no universal 500 lei cap

Policies vary by platform and programme. Airbnb describes host damage protection with a stated limit of up to US$3 million, subject to terms, exclusions, evidence and claims procedures. Its terms explicitly say the programme is not insurance. Booking.com offers damage-policy options, including deposits, with their own settings and conditions. It would be inaccurate to say every platform pays at most 500 lei.

What to do after damage

1. Photograph the item and property before the next cleaning.
2. Keep an inventory, purchase evidence, model details and a repair or replacement estimate.
3. Report the issue through the booking platform within its deadline. Airbnb's current terms describe requesting payment from the guest within 14 days after checkout and further steps for a platform claim.
4. Notify your insurer under your policy and do not assume the same loss can be paid twice.

What to check in an insurance policy

Confirm explicitly that short-term guest stays are permitted. Compare covered risks, theft, guest damage, liability, electronics limits, deductibles and notification requirements. Insurance can reduce exposure to a large loss, but no policy covers every situation; exclusions matter.