I accidentally flooded my hotel room after leaving the tub overflowing for about 30 minutes while I was watching TV in the living room. It caused damage in the bathroom and some water got onto the carpet as well.
When I noticed the situation, I tried to clean it up with towels, but the front desk contacted me because the unit below mine reported water damage. Maintenance came to take a look, started the cleanup, and moved me to another room. They mentioned that they’d evaluate the damage and that their risk team would reach out to me.
I have renters insurance with $100,000 in personal liability coverage. Will this incident be covered under my liability since it was accidental? Does this type of insurance cover situations in hotels?
Should I wait for the hotel to send me the invoice for the damages before filing a claim with my insurance, or should I contact my insurance company right away? I’d appreciate any advice or insights. Thanks!
It’s an unfortunate situation, but here’s some guidance on how to approach this:
Understand Your Coverage: Renters insurance typically covers personal liability for damages you cause to others and their property, but coverage can vary by policy. Accidental damage, like what you described, might be covered, especially since it was unintentional. However, you should review your policy details or consult with your insurer to clarify what is specifically covered.
Hotel’s Liability and Personal Responsibility: Since you were renting the hotel room, the situation could be seen differently than renting a private residence. The hotel’s insurance will often cover their infrastructure and any damage to their property. Your renters insurance may come into play if the hotel seeks to recover costs for damages caused by your actions.
Contacting Your Insurer: It may be beneficial to contact your renters insurance provider sooner rather than later to discuss the incident. They can guide you on the next steps and whether you should wait for the hotel to assess and send an invoice. Some policies might require you to report incidents promptly.
Documentation: Make sure you document everything related to the incident: take pictures of the damage, keep any correspondence with the hotel, and make a note of any conversations you have with their staff. This will be helpful when dealing with your insurance and the hotel.
Next Steps: If the hotel provides you with an invoice for the damages, share this with your insurance provider when you file your claim. Your insurer will assist you in navigating any claims process.
In conclusion, reach out to your renters insurance company to inform them of the incident. They will provide direction on how to proceed and help you understand your coverage options related to the hotel damage. Good luck!