Case Studies

Real stories of insurance coverage gaps gone-wrong for vacation rental managers and co-hosts.

*While Wister cannot disclose details of actual lawsuits or settlements, these examples are based on real claim situations and are shared to help illustrate the exceptional protection our policy provides.

Cleaner’s Car Crash Becomes the Manager’s Problem
Melia M. McDaris Melia M. McDaris

Cleaner’s Car Crash Becomes the Manager’s Problem

A cleaner’s car crash while working for a vacation rental led to unexpected liability for the property manager. This case study explains how operational risks escalate and what insurance coverage should be in place.

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A Guest’s Dog Attack Cost $1 Million
Melia M. McDaris Melia M. McDaris

A Guest’s Dog Attack Cost $1 Million

A guest’s dog attack at a vacation rental resulted in severe injuries and a seven-figure liability claim. This case study explains how these incidents escalate and what insurance protection operators must have in place.

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The Icemaker Leak That Soaked $50,000
Melia M. McDaris Melia M. McDaris

The Icemaker Leak That Soaked $50,000

A simple icemaker leak at a vacation rental caused extensive water damage and major financial loss. This case study explains how property damage liability develops and what insurance coverage operators should have in place.

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Airbnb Guest Assaults Tenant in the Building
Melia M. McDaris Melia M. McDaris

Airbnb Guest Assaults Tenant in the Building

An assault involving an Airbnb guest and a building tenant can quickly lead to legal liability for operators and property managers. This case study explains how these incidents escalate and what insurance protection should be in place.

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The Hot Tub Rash That Became a Lawsuit
Melia M. McDaris Melia M. McDaris

The Hot Tub Rash That Became a Lawsuit

A guest developed a rash after using a vacation rental hot tub, leading to medical claims and legal exposure for the operator. This case study explains how liability develops and what insurance protection should be in place.

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When Tragedy Strikes: Child Drowns in Vacation Rental Pool
Melia M. McDaris Melia M. McDaris

When Tragedy Strikes: Child Drowns in Vacation Rental Pool

A tragic pool drowning at a vacation rental can lead to devastating legal and financial consequences for owners and managers. This case study explains how liability develops and what insurance protection must be in place before an incident occurs.

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Neighbor Sues for Privacy Violations
Melia M. McDaris Melia M. McDaris

Neighbor Sues for Privacy Violations

Privacy complaints from neighbors can quickly escalate into legal action for short-term rental operators. This case study shows how these disputes arise and what liability insurance should protect against.

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Property Owner Sues After STR Permit Revoked
Melia M. McDaris Melia M. McDaris

Property Owner Sues After STR Permit Revoked

When a short-term rental permit is revoked, property owners can face major financial loss and legal action. This case study explains how disputes escalate and what insurance protection operators should have in place.

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When Discrimination Claims Hit Your Inbox.
Melia M. McDaris Melia M. McDaris

When Discrimination Claims Hit Your Inbox.

A discrimination complaint from a guest can quickly turn into legal costs and reputational damage for vacation rental operators. Here’s how these claims arise and what insurance coverage should be in place before they do.

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The Hot Tub Incident That Cost a Host $40,000
Melia M. McDaris Melia M. McDaris

The Hot Tub Incident That Cost a Host $40,000

A relaxing hot tub amenity turned into a $40,000 problem after a guest incident led to medical bills, legal fees, and reputational damage for the host. The case underscores how liability tied to amenities can escalate quickly, and why specialized coverage can step in to handle defense costs and claims.

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The Slip-and-Fall That Turned Into a $60,000 Claim
Melia M. McDaris Melia M. McDaris

The Slip-and-Fall That Turned Into a $60,000 Claim

A guest slipped on an icy stairway at a vacation rental, resulting in a wrist fracture and a $60,000 claim for medical care and legal defense. The incident highlights how gaps in traditional coverage can leave co-hosts and managers exposed, and why purpose-built liability protection matters.

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