This is such a great question and I didn’t mean to not answer. I had an inquiry into our insurer (Farmers) and they JUST NOW got back to me.
Me: How does my STR insurance behave if/when there is a power outage? SCE (utility) is killing the power in the mountains proactively to protect the power lines/avert wildfires. It’s often. Just wanted to know what there is to know?
Insurer: Depends on what damages come from it and how long the power is out… How often and for how long at a time?
Me: Power can be out for 24+ hours easily. It was just out from Wed 6PM until Thursday 9PM this week (27 hours). It was a proactive outage. It might be turned off 4-6 times per year in this way. Usually early Winter or early Spring is the timeframe.
Insurer: I see what you’re getting at. These kinds of outages will cover loss of income and even things like loss of food, etc.
Me: What about general liability?
Insurer: Power had nothing to do with liability unless you intentionally did something to cause a claim.
Me: Much appreciated.
I hope I answered your question! They get back to me quickly if you want me to follow up with them on anything else.
@NordlingHouse I really appreciate this comprehensive list of suggestions. I will let you know if/when we decide to make these massive investments. A part that’s lost in all of this is the colossal investment we’ve already made to make the property what it already is. There’s capital in a deep savings account to take on these projects, but I’d really like to avoid it at least for now. I really appreciate this list!
In keeping with the interaction I had with CS where they told me that my existing Listing Details House Rules had me in a position to NOT REFUND anything based on the original circumstances that inspired this thread, I decided to tighten up my House Rules and Listing Details even further. I realize it’s strong/harsh. I’m sorry about that. However, I can’t put myself in a world where the host has to take all financial responsibility for weather issues. Guests can book at other places where the hosts are more likely to hand out refunds. We are not those hosts. (insert my wife still pee’d at me for giving back 2/3 of the income on the original booking).
Here it is:
You are making a STRICT | NON-REFUNDABLE booking. We strongly suggest all guests procure traveler’s insurance. We also graciously ask that guests not request refunds for reasons outside of the hosts’ control. You are choosing to book this listing and live like a local. As a result, you may be subject to POWER OUTAGES, SNOW EVENTS, RAIN EVENTS, WIND EVENTS, or PERSONAL ILLNESSES which are all outside of the hosts’ control. NO REFUNDS.