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How to Report Damage for Direct Bookings

Submit a damage claim for Direct Premium bookings and understand requirements and deadlines

Written by Dawn Ginie Santoyo

If a guest causes damage during a Direct booking, you can submit a damage claim for eligible reservations.

Damage claims and protection are only available for Direct Premium bookings.

This article explains how to report damage and what to prepare for a successful claim.


When You Can Report Damage

Damage must be reported:

  • After the guest checks out

  • As soon as possible after the incident

  • Within 30 days of checkout

Claims submitted more than 30 days after checkout will not be accepted.


How to Report a Damage Claim

For Direct Premium bookings:

  1. Go to the reservation in your Inbox

  2. Click Submit damage claim

  3. Follow the prompts to submit your report

Reservation view in Inbox with Submit damage claim button visible

Damage claims can only be submitted for Direct Premium bookings.

When to Use a Damage Claim vs Security Deposit

  • Use a security deposit for:

    • Minor damages

    • Cleaning issues

    • Quick resolutions with the guest

  • Use a damage claim (Direct Premium only) for:

    • Significant damage

    • Theft or missing items

    • Situations requiring formal review

Also: Security Deposits for Direct Bookings


Damage Protection Coverage

Damage protection is included with Direct Premium bookings only.

This coverage:

  • Applies to bookings made through your Direct site or custom quotes

  • Covers guest-caused damage during the stay

  • Is handled through Truvi

Direct Basic, Direct Lite, and OTA bookings (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.) are not covered.


What to Prepare for a Claim

To ensure a faster review, prepare the following:

Booking details

  • Reservation ID

  • Number of guests

  • Description of the incident

Damage details

  • Type of damage (accidental, malicious, theft, etc.)

  • What was damaged, lost, or stolen

  • Estimated cost of repair or replacement

Supporting evidence

  • Photos of the damage (before and after, if available)

  • Receipts or repair estimates

  • Guest communication related to the incident


Evidence Requirements

Your claim should clearly show:

  • That the damage occurred during the stay

  • The condition before and after the booking

  • The value of the damaged items

As outlined in the reporting guidelines:

  • Photos should clearly show the damage

  • Receipts or proof of cost should be included

  • Police reports are required for theft claims

Incomplete or unclear evidence may affect the outcome of your claim.


What You’ll Need to Submit

To ensure your claim is reviewed quickly, include:

  • Before and after photos (timestamps recommended)

  • Clear evidence of the damage

  • Receipts or proof of repair or replacement

  • Age of damaged items (receipts recommended)

  • Police report (required for theft claims)

  • Guest communication related to the incident

Missing information won’t block submission, but may affect the final decision.


What’s Covered by Damage Protection

Direct Premium damage protection may cover:

  • Accidental or intentional guest damage

  • Damage to property contents

  • Smoke damage in non-smoking properties

  • Unauthorized parties

  • Damage caused by service animals

  • Excessive cleaning costs

  • Replacement of damaged home items

  • Replacement of heavily soiled linens and towels


What’s Not Covered

Not all damage or loss is eligible for compensation.

Damage protection does not cover:

  • Loss of income

  • Pet damage (excluding service animals)

  • Authorized parties

  • General wear and tear

  • Acts of nature

  • Cosmetic damage that does not affect functionality

  • Credit card chargebacks

  • Routine maintenance issues not caused by guests

  • Liability claims


How Claims Are Evaluated

Claims are reviewed based on:

  • The evidence submitted

  • Protection terms and eligibility

  • The condition and age of damaged items

Additional considerations:

  • Depreciation may affect payout amounts

  • Incomplete evidence may reduce or invalidate claims

Strong documentation improves the likelihood of approval and full compensation.


What Happens After You Submit a Claim

After submitting your claim:

  • The report is reviewed

  • Truvi may handle the claim process

  • You may be asked for additional information

If approved:

  • Compensation may be recovered from the guest or covered by protection


Important Limitations

Damage protection does not replace your own insurance.

  • Only Direct Premium bookings are eligible

  • Claims must be submitted within 30 days

  • OTA bookings are not covered

  • General wear and tear is not eligible


Important Things to Know

  • Damage claims are only available for Direct Premium bookings

  • Claims are submitted through the Inbox

  • Evidence is required for all claims

  • Claims must be submitted within 30 days of checkout

  • Coverage is provided through Truvi


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