I accidentally flooded my hotel room after leaving the bathtub running. I was staying in a suite and stepped out to watch TV, completely forgetting about the bath. It ran for about 30 minutes and ended up flooding the bathroom and some carpeted areas.
After realizing what happened, I tried to clean up the mess with towels. The front desk called me because the floor below reported water damage, so it clearly leaked down. Maintenance came, noted the situation, began the cleanup, and transferred me to another room. They mentioned that they would evaluate the damage and that their risk team would follow up with me.
I have renters insurance with a personal liability coverage of $100,000. I’m wondering if this incident would be covered under my personal liability, considering it was an accident. Does this type of coverage extend to hotel stays?
Should I wait for the hotel to provide an invoice for the damages before I file a claim with my insurance, or would it be better to contact my insurance provider right away?
I’d appreciate any advice or insights you might have. Thank you!
I’m sorry to hear about your situation! Here are some points to consider regarding your renters insurance and the incident:
Personal Liability Coverage: Your renters insurance typically includes personal liability coverage, which may cover damages you accidentally cause to other people’s property. Since the flooding affected not only your hotel room but also the floor below, it’s possible that your policy could help with any liability claims from the hotel.
Hotel Property: It’s important to check your policy details, as not all renters insurance policies cover damages that occur in temporary accommodations like hotels. Reach out to your insurance provider to clarify whether your policy includes this specific scenario.
Claim Process: It’s a good idea to contact your insurance company as soon as possible to notify them of the incident. They can guide you on the process and whether you should wait for the hotel to provide an invoice or if you should initiate the claim now. Having an open line of communication with them may help streamline the process.
Documentation: While waiting for the hotel’s assessment, gather all relevant information, including photos of the damage, any communication with the hotel, and notes about the incident. This documentation can be helpful for your insurance claim.
Next Steps: Once you speak with your insurance agent, they can provide specific instructions on how to proceed. If the hotel’s risk management team decides to pursue costs related to the damages, your insurance can then handle that claim accordingly.
I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck resolving the situation!