The Hot Tub Incident That Cost a Host $40,000
Hot tubs sell bookings. They’re cozy, relaxing, and make your property stand out on Airbnb or Vrbo. But what happens when a guest’s weekend soak turns into a serious injury — and a $40,000 lawsuit?
The Incident
A guest slipped while getting out of a vacation rental’s hot tub, severely injuring their back. The guest claimed that the steps were too slippery and the lighting inadequate. They sued the host for medical expenses and lost wages.
The Gap
Most homeowners policies don’t cover short-term rental business activities. Even some vacation rental policies exclude higher-risk amenities like pools and hot tubs. The host thought they were protected, but their policy denied the claim.
The Cost
$40,000 in medical bills + legal fees
Months of stress and distraction from managing the property
Damaged reputation with neighbors and booking platforms
How Wister Coverage Helps
With Wister’s specialized policy, liability coverage for amenities like hot tubs is built in. If a guest is injured, defense costs and payouts are handled by the policy — so managers and co-hosts can focus on running their business instead of fighting lawsuits.
Takeaway
Hot tubs are a great amenity, but they come with serious risks. Without the right policy, a single slip-and-fall can wipe out years of rental income. With Wister, you don’t have to gamble with your financial security.
Learn more about liability coverage for managers and co-hosts. Get a quote today. For more insights and tips for vacation rental managers and co-hosts, visit our Blog →
*While Wister cannot disclose details of actual lawsuits or settlements, the examples shared here reflect real claim scenarios and hypotheticals designed to illustrate the protection our policies provide.
