Guest hit two cars in my driveway

[Lisa1539]

I had a guest, his 2nd visit, we had a major ice storm and he insisted on leaving during the storm at 7 am.  Slide backwards and hit my car and a friend's car.  Damage to both, one $500 the other $3,200.  I completely trusted him and we all agreed not to use insurance, not realizing how bad the damage was.  Obviously, I had some form of contact via Airbnb.  I live in the states, he lives in Canada.  I am now trying to contact him with the estimates and have also filed a claim with the resolution center.  I'm hoping he will pay or choose to use his insurance, but if not, is this covered under Airbnb insurance?

[Jessica-and-Henry0]

@Lisa1539

What you are explaining is and should be covered thru auto insurance. What happened has nothing to do with ABB insurance.

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/938/what-s-the-difference-between-airbnb-s-host-guarantee-and-ho...

[Lisa1539]

I'm hoping that the guest follows through with his promise.  Definitely lesson learned as a host.  Worst case scenario for him is that I press charges and he will be barred from returning to the States.

[Helen3]

@Lisa1539 Why would you need to press charges just claim on the guests car insurance. That’s what it’s there for.

you can’t claim a car accident through Airbnb . 

[Lisa1539]

Because the guest left and so far has refused to give his car insurance information.  It's different in the States.

[Lisa1539]

I'm sorry, I wish there was a site for just United States Airbnb hosts.  I've noticed the difference with not only laws but customs.  My guests from other countries, totally assume they are welcome to use not only the kitchen whenever they want, but the laundry, without even asking.  Even though I have it listed in my rules.  Definitely different understandings.

[Sarah977]

@Lisa1539  This has nothing to do with differing expectations from people of different cultures. This is just someone who doesn't want to take responsibility for the damages he caused. There's little difference when being charged for an auto accident in Canada and the US. 

Most guests are virtual strangers to hosts. I would never take it on faith that a guest would pay up for damages like this, anymore than if someone in my own town who I didn't know or wasn't a good friend, hit my car would I simply let them drive off without calling the police and exchanging insurance information.

[Lisa1539]

See that's the difference with Mexico and the United States.  You do not call the police when the accident occurs on your personal property.  Laws are different in different countries.  In fact, in the United States, not all states require people to have auto insurance.

[Lisa1539]

In fact, if he does not pay, I can file Civil charges in my state, and he will not be allowed into the United States again.  

[Sarah977]

@Lisa1539 I wasn't referring to Mexico. I'm actually Canadian. And I would imagine that even if it's not normal procedure in the US to call the police for an auto accident on private property, if the guest refused to give you his insurance info when asked (I do realize you didn't ask for this at the time, you trusted him), then this could  be an instance where you could get the police involved. Seems like it could fall under the category of hit-and-run.

You can't get a car licensed in Canada without insurance. Basic liability insurance is a package deal with registration and plates. If someone wants to get further comprehensive insurance from a private insurance company, that's optional.

Barring him from entering the US would indeed be a hefty price for him to pay for his irresponsibility, but unfortunately won't pay for your car repairs 😞

[Lisa1539]

Hmm, so you state you are in Mexico on your Airbnb profile?  But you are from Canada?  No you cannot get the police involved on private property for auto accidents.  Yes it is a hefty price, so I'm hoping for the best.

[Sarah977]

@Lisa1539  I now live and host in Mexico for the majority of the year, but I'm a Canadian citizen and lived there for over 40 years. As do my daughters and their families, who I visit once a year. 

Are you unaware that there are expats all over the world living in countries that they don't originate from?

[John1080]

@Lisa1539, you stated that you agreed not to use insurance? In the future, in an accident, the first thing one must do is get the insurance information from the other person. I would never, ever trust someone who is a stranger with something like this.

Now that the true extent of the damages are, you're wishing you'd exchanged information? Have you been able to get back in touch with him? You should have his phone number, so perhaps give him a text and see what he says?

Considering this will be an international issue, I have no idea how it will play out. I would certainly learn to get these things settled before the guest leaves next time if possible.

[Mark116]

I did this once, many years ago, but we exchanged driver's license information/home addresses, everything that was on the driver's license and the vehicle registration, so in the event something went 'bad' there is all the details you need to make a claim.

And, unless I am missing something, I don't see any reason why can't make a claim now, as long as you have the guy's information, license plate/name, etc.  The insurance company may wonder why a delay of a few days or weeks, but I don't believe it would be denied on that basis.