As the days grow shorter and the weather turns colder, many travelers are looking toward warmer climates for much-needed sunlight and escape.
However, there is nothing more disappointing than traveling a long distance for a seaside retreat only to be met with constant rain. To mitigate the financial frustration of weather-ruined vacations, Airbnb has announced a new optional insurance feature designed to provide payouts on rainy days.
“Rain can cast a shadow over a trip guests have been looking forward to, but it shouldn’t define it,” said Justin Brouse, Airbnb’s director for strategic partnerships, AirCover, and insurance. “We’re excited to work with Chubb to introduce weather protection, so guests can get value back when it rains, spending less time dealing with a disruption and more time enjoying their trip.”
How Airbnb’s weather protection works
The option to add weather protection during the booking process is currently available to Airbnb guests residing in Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, or Sweden. While the policy covers both domestic and international travel, availability remains limited to specific regions.
Underwritten by Chubb, the policy provides a daily payout ranging from €50 to €1,000 if rainfall reaches at least 1.5 mm within a single hour between 8 am and 8 pm at the rental location. The specific payout amounts and the minimum required duration of rainfall vary depending on the country.
The system utilizes automated rain monitoring through reputable sources such as NASA, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Because the data is tracked automatically, guests do not need to submit evidence to file a claim; instead, they will simply be notified of their eligibility.
Other weather-related insurance options
Airbnb is not the only provider in this niche. WeatherPromise, a company founded in 2022, offers similar coverage that compensates travelers if rain exceeds a predetermined threshold. Their process involves entering the hotel address, trip dates, and the total cost of the trip to secure coverage.
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