str market mapVacation rental managers handling damage via refundable security deposits face guest friction, slow dispute resolution, and review risk when pursuing guests for reimbursement, while alternative plans that involve the guest in claims add operational complexity.
Waivo is a US-based vacation rental damage protection company founded in December 2020 and headquartered in Bozeman, Montana. Created by the founders of Proper Insurance, it offers a host-controlled per-booking damage waiver that replaces the security deposit and handles claims without guest contact.
Hosts or property managers purchase a per-booking damage waiver, with coverage limits from $1,500 to $20,000, either passing the cost to guests or absorbing it through the PayByHost product. When damage occurs, the host submits a notice through the Waivo portal with photo evidence; Waivo's in-house damage team reviews and responds within two business days, with reimbursement typically processed the next business day. Protection is open-perils: accidental and intentional guest damage, theft, pet damage, and linens are covered with no deductible. Smaller operators (1-3 properties, under 10 bookings per month) use WaivoNow, a self-serve portal for on-demand protection, while larger managers have a dedicated account representative. Property managers can mark up the waiver to a market rate and retain the margin as added revenue. The service is available worldwide.
Independent vacation rental hosts, short-term rental property managers, and large management companies globally seeking to eliminate security deposits, protect against guest damage, and preserve guest relationships through a no-contact claims process.
Listed on STR Market Map, the short-term-rental software marketplace.