Arson against guest's vehichle

[Miikka2]

Hi, I have an Airbnb apartment in Vantaa, Finland.

Lately, there have been many arsons against vehicles in the area.  Finland is getting more global which is in many ways a good thing.

Let' say my guest's car will be burned during his/her stay. And he/she does not have a full car insurance. 

I offer always free-parking for my guests as a part of the rental.

Can I be responsible for covering damages of arson to my guest, in case she/he does not have a full car insurance?

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Miikka2 

Good question and appropriate concern. This seems to be a question for your business insurance agent. If the guest parks on a public street it may be different than if they park on your private property. Laws in Helsinki may be quite different from any where else, so definitely get professional advice. I love your concern for public safety, we share it. 

Happy hosting and best wishes!

[Miikka2]

Sure I have only AirBnb cover and my own apartment insurance. But sure my own does not cover this kind of happenings.

[Miikka2]

I am not pro renter etc..

[Jen-and-Garrett0]

"Lately, there have been many arsons against vehicles in the area. Finland is getting more global which is in many ways a good thing"

Really? That sounds crazy... If going "global" means enjoying having your car set on fire.... Is that really a good thing?

Sounds like someone held hostage... Yikes..

[Miikka2]

Just check what is happening in Sweden now...

[Trude0]

I’m in Sweden - Stockholm - and offer parking in my driveway. Calm area - but not too far from more troublesome areas (as is the case for most calm areas in Stockholm).

It hasn’t even occurred to me that I might be held responsible for any costs if a guest’s car would be vandalised in my driveway. I assume that for me (or you) to be held responsible for damage to a guest’s car, it would have to be proven that we had either

1) caused the damage (e.g bumped into the guest’s car with the lawnmower), or

2) that we had been reckless/not taking appropriate actions to prevent a known risk (e.g not cleared a roof of snow, leading to the snow falling on the car). 

But I assume, I don’t know - so maybe try to find some online free legal advice site in Finland where you can ask? 

[Miikka2]

We just have to accept the cultural differences of our behavior.

[Trude0]

I guess the irony was lost on you…😉

[Elisa]

Hi @Miikka2 😊, 

Thank you so much for bringing this discussion here!

What did you figure out in the meantime?
Have you spoken with your insurance agent, as suggested by our hosts @Kitty-and-Creek0?

Don't hesitate to keep us posted!

Warm regards 🌻,

[Patricia2526 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Miikka2 

In general, you are unlikely to be held legally responsible for a guest’s car being damaged by arson if you did not directly cause or contribute to the act.

Since you’re aware of recent incidents, it might be a good idea to mention in your listing or house rules that parking is free but unsecured and you’re not liable for damage caused by third parties.

Add a disclaimer 

“Free parking is available for our guests. Please note that this is an open/unsecured parking area. We cannot be held liable for any damage, theft, or loss resulting from third-party actions such as vandalism or arson. We recommend that guests have full car insurance for added protection during their stay.”

[Helen3]

I believe the guest should claim on their car insurance if their car gets damaged in an arson attack. 

But check your home insurance for short term rentals and airbnb cover and air liability insurance term and conditions to see whether this would be covered - my guess is not. 

i live in a lively city that has car vandalism and haven't had a problem  in ten years of hosting. Sometimes as hosts we can overthink things.