I'd like to tell you about a recent incident in which a bedside lamp was damaged by one of my guests. Because the damage was primarily to the wiring, it would have cost more to repair than to replace the damaged lamp. I was first hesitant to file a claim against the guest after check-out because I was scared the guest would retaliate by leaving a negative review. In the end, I chose to file a claim, and the first stage is for Airbnb to mediate the claim between the host and the guest. The guest never provided any feedback, such as rejecting or accepting the claim.
In the end, Airbnb paid me through their insurance, which impressed me much. Please remember to save all receipts for everything you buy for your Airbnb unit, as you will be required to give them along with a picture of the damage. Also, keep in mind that Airbnb will not compensate you for the replacement value; instead, they will calculate reimbursement based on the cost as shown on your receipt, minus wear and tear. Although the process was straightforward, it took more than two weeks to complete due to the guest's failure to reply to the claim.
As a result, I opted to activate the host deposit to assist me with any future damages. According to the host security deposit, the guest is not charged; but, when they book your accommodation, they consent to the deposit. If there are any damages after they check out, the host can make a claim against the deposit by producing proof. As far as I understand it, there is no need to wait for the guest to approve these costs because they previously agreed to the deposit when they booked. So, if anyone has any experience with this, please correct me if I'm incorrect.