Upholding our principles of more for less. Introducing enhanced security for hosts & guests, reducing financial strain. A smarter alternative to deposits.
Proudly presenting HoufyProtect, our latest innovation designed to fortify the hosting and guest experience alike.
Powered by Superhog, this service redefines rental protection, prioritizing security without the financial burden associated with traditional deposits.
Dive into the array of benefits and groundbreaking features that establish HoufyProtect as a transformative force in direct booking vacation rentals.
HoufyProtect is a groundbreaking service powered by Superhog, designed to streamline the rental experience by eliminating the need for damage deposits. This initiative ensures both hosts and guests can avoid the traditional hassles associated with deposit management and refunds. Through HoufyProtect, approved bookings receive up to $20,000 in coverage, fostering a secure and trusting rental environment for all parties involved.
Superhog plays a pivotal role in administering HoufyProtect. Their responsibilities include conducting thorough booking screenings, resolving disputes, and, in instances of significant issues, directly engaging with guests to facilitate a smooth resolution process. Superhog's expertise and diligent oversight are crucial to the success and reliability of HoufyProtect.
Any Property is eligible for this guarantee unless it is located in a country that the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has determined is not suitable for travel on the day the Booking begins.
HoufyProtect is currently not available in: Mexico, Brasil, India, Malaysia, Singapore & Thailand
How to Activate - Available only for Stripe or Square connected Hosts
Activating HoufyProtect is a straightforward process. Once hosts choose HoufyProtect as their preferred deposit option, the service automatically applies to all future bookings, allowing hosts to enjoy a more relaxed and confident hosting experience. You can activate this at: Manage Listings > Edit Listing > Pricing > Section Damage Deposits
The implementation of HoufyProtect into the booking process is seamless. A nominal fee of $5 per night is added to the total booking cost, providing guests with up to $20,000 in coverage. This approach not only simplifies transactions but also enhances the appeal of listings under HoufyProtect. The fee per night is mandatory for guests once a host selects HoufyProtect.
Superhog evaluates each booking request, issuing a status based on their comprehensive screening process. These statuses—approved, flagged, or rejected—inform hosts of the expected reliability of a booking. Approved bookings are fully covered up to $20,000, while flagged bookings, which occur in a small fraction of cases, are limited to $1,000 in damage coverage. Rejected statuses advise hosts against proceeding with the booking, as no coverage will be provided. For more information please review this help article.
To facilitate a swift and favorable claim resolution, hosts are advised to submit their claims within 10 days following guest checkout. Documenting the property's condition before and after a booking is essential to substantiating a claim. Additionally, implementing risk prevention measures can further protect hosts against potential damages. Please review our incident submission guidelines here.
For more information please review the incident submission guide of Superhog.
Claims under HoufyProtect are processed efficiently, with guaranteed payments issued via electronic transfer within five working days post-agreement. This expedited process ensures minimal disruption to host operations.
Certain conditions and events are not covered under HoufyProtect, including unpaid bookings, acts of nature, unprovable damages, cosmetic damages, wear and tear, damages from consented parties, foreseeable damages, bodily injuries, losses, alternative accommodation costs, business interruptions, and damages caused by non-service animals permitted by the host.
Q: What exactly is checked in the screening checks?
The screening checks cover the following key aspects:
Name: Superhog check the name against our database for any red flags.
Mobile Number: Superhog ensure that the provided mobile number is not a burner phone and is deliverable.
Email: Superhog verify the email by checking its deliverability, creation date, and linking it to online profiles to establish a digital footprint.
Previous Damages: Superhog assess any history of damages reported. This information is sourced from Superhog's records, ensuring a thorough examination of a member's track record.
Q: What happens if something is damaged or stolen?
Although highly unlikely, we want to ensure your peace of mind in the rare event that it does happen. Initiating an incident report for theft or damage is a straightforward process.
Simply complete the incident report providing details of the issue, found here. This sets in motion a swift process with our trusted partner, Superhog. While the timeframe for resolution depends on the situation, rest assured that most individuals are compensated within 5 working days. In the case of theft, please provide a police report for verification.
Q: What evidence do I need to submit during the incident report?
Please provide time-stamped images clearly depicting the damage, if possible, including images from before the booking (a room image is sufficient). Additionally, include evidence of costs, either in the form of the original receipt or a link to the replacement product, and indicate the age of the item affected. This information will assist us in processing your incident efficiently.
Q. Is theft by guests covered?
Yes, theft incidents involving guests are covered, including situations where guests' actions, like leaving a window open or a door unlocked, lead to theft. However, it's important to note that for the incident process, a police report is required to substantiate the incident.
Q: Do I need valid home insurance in addition to Superhog coverage?
In cases where there is limited or no evidence attributing the Property Damage to the Guest, it becomes crucial to have the option of asking the Host to make a claim on their home insurance. For example, scenarios involving a broken window, burst pipes, or storm damage may require a comprehensive assessment. A home insurance claim allows the insurer to investigate the root cause of the damage, providing an additional avenue for us to assess the loss. If the insurer determines that the damage was caused by the Guest, they will not pay out, giving Superhog a reason to step in, and vice versa. While the necessity of this step is unlikely, keeping it as an available option ensures flexibility and comprehensive coverage if the Host is insured.
Q: If something goes wrong and I need to use the HoufyProtect, will this increase the premium on my home insurance?
No, it will not. Utilising the HoufyProtect does not impact the premium on your home insurance. These two services are entirely independent of each other.
Q: Is damage caused by pets covered?
Property Damage resulting from any pet (excluding service animals) that the Host allowed to stay at the Property is not included in our coverage.
Q: Can I claim for loss of earnings or chargeback?
Unfortunately, the guarantee does not cover losses such as unpaid bookings, business interruptions, market losses, or the loss of use of the property, including consequential income loss or alternative accommodation costs for both the Guest and Host. However, Superhog can offer invaluable support in your case by providing a comprehensive guest report to aid in addressing any chargeback issues related to the booking.
Q: How can I minimise the costs of property damage?
In the case of noise complaints or parties, we strongly advise hosts to promptly address and terminate the booking to prevent any additional damage or further incidents. For longer bookings, implementing regular cleaning measures is essential to uphold no-smoking policies and maintain the overall condition of the property.
Q: How do I prove a guest has smoked in my property?
Typically, visual evidence such as ash and related signs would be present in the property. To substantiate your incident report, providing a report from the cleaning team and an invoice for an ozone clean can be valuable supporting documentation. These pieces of evidence collectively strengthen your case and assist in the incident process.
Q: Am I covered in case a guest injures themselves while they’re in my home (public liability)?
While it's not covered by our guarantees, the likelihood is that your home insurance (assuming you have it) would cover such incidents. In the event a guest sustains an injury during their stay with (company name), your home insurance policy typically provides coverage.
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This is great news!