Damage Waiver

Accidental Damage Waiver (ADW)

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How it Works

Instead of Luxury Coastal Escapes holding a refundable breakage deposit, you pay a small, one-off, non-refundable fee. This fee waives your liability for unintentional, accidental damage to the property during your stay.

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At Luxury Coastal Escapes, we believe a luxury holiday experience should feel seamless, effortless, and completely stress-free.

To enhance our guest experience and remove the inconvenience of large refundable breakage deposits, all reservations include our Accidental Damage Waiver (“ADW”) — a premium guest service designed to provide added peace of mind during your stay. We understand that genuine accidents can occasionally happen while enjoying a home, and this waiver has been introduced to ensure that minor incidental damages do not detract from your holiday experience.

 

The Accidental Damage Waiver is:

• charged once per booking,

• non-refundable,

• and provides limited protection for qualifying accidental damage as outlined below.

 

Important Note

If the cost of accidental damage exceeds the Protection Limit listed above, the guest remains responsible for the remaining balance. For any damages deemed malicious or negligent, the guest's credit card on file will be charged for the full replacement or repair cost.

 

Our Goal

We understand that accidents happen. This program is designed to ensure that a spilled glass of wine doesn't ruin your holiday memories.

By completing your booking, you agree to the terms of the Accidental Damage Waiver as outlined.

 

​The Accidental Damage Waiver has been designed to enhance the guest experience by offering a more convenient and seamless alternative to traditional refundable breakage deposits. While the waiver provides protection for qualifying accidental damage, guests remain responsible for negligence, misconduct, rule violations, theft, and damages exceeding the applicable protection limit. 

 

 

Accidental Damage Waiver Terms & Conditions

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1. ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE WAIVER

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1.1. The Accidental Damage Waiver forms part of the standard booking structure for all Luxury Coastal Escapes reservations. Rather than requiring guests to pay a large refundable security deposit prior to arrival, Luxury Coastal Escapes provides this waiver as a more convenient and guest-friendly alternative.

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1.2. The waiver offers limited protection against minor accidental damage that may occur during normal occupation of the property throughout your stay. The Accidental Damage Waiver fee is calculated at 8% + VAT of the nightly accommodation rate and is charged as a once-off, non-refundable fee per booking. The waiver provides cover up to the value of one night’s rental rate, alternatively the average nightly rental rate where discounted or promotional rates may apply.

 

1.3. Example:

• Accommodation Rate: R10,000 per night

• Waiver Fee: R800 + VAT

• Protection Limit: Up to R10,000

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1.3.1. The Accident Damage Waiver (ADW) will be charged at a minimum fee of R450.00 per booking, irrespective of the length of stay, booking value, or number of guests. Additional ADW charges may apply where the calculated waiver fee exceeds the minimum amount.

 

The applicable waiver amount will be reflected on your booking confirmation and invoice.

 

1.4. The Accidental Damage Waiver:

• applies exclusively to qualifying accidental damage,

• is not a refundable deposit,

• is not travel insurance,

• and does not remove guest responsibility for negligence, misconduct, theft, rule violations, or damages exceeding the applicable protection limit.

 

2. WHAT THE WAIVER COVERS

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The Accidental Damage Waiver is intended to provide reassurance for the small, unintentional incidents that can occasionally occur during a holiday stay.

 

2.2. Subject to approval, the waiver may cover:

• Minor accidental damage to furniture or fittings

• Minor scuffs or marks resulting from normal occupation

• Linen or towel damage beyond ordinary wear and tear (excluding misuse)

 

All claims are reviewed fairly and individually by Luxury Coastal Escapes.

 

3. WHAT IS NOT COVERED

 

To maintain the exceptional standard and condition of our homes, certain situations fall outside the scope of the waiver.

 

3.1. Negligence, Misuse & Rule Violations. The waiver does not cover damage arising from:

• Smoking inside the property

• Unauthorised pets

• Exceeding occupancy limits

• Unauthorised parties, functions, or gatherings

• Moving furniture without permission

• Failure to comply with house or estate rules

• Leaving candles, braais, fires, or cooking unattended

• Flooding caused by negligence

• Damage caused while intoxicated or under the influence

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3.2. Malicious or Intentional Damage. Any deliberate, reckless, wilful, or malicious acts, including vandalism or party-related damages, are strictly excluded.

 

3.3. Theft or Missing Items. The waiver does not cover:

• stolen items,

• missing household contents,

• lost remotes,

• appliances,

• towels,

• décor items,

• or any missing inventory.

 

3.4.. Fines & Penalties. Guests remain fully responsible for:

• estate fines,

• HOA penalties,

• noise complaints,

• illegal parking fines,

• security call-outs,

• or breaches of estate regulations.

 

3.5. High-Risk Amenities & Misuse. Damage caused through misuse or negligence relating to:

• swimming pools,

• jacuzzis,

• hot tubs,

• saunas,

• braais,

• fire pits,

• entertainment systems,

• plumbing blockages,

• or specialised luxury amenities is not covered.

 

3.6. Natural Events & External Causes. The waiver does not apply to damage arising from:

• storms,

• flooding,

• power surges,

• load shedding,

• lightning,

• natural disasters,

• or circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the guest or Luxury Coastal Escapes.

 

3.7. Guest Personal Property & Liability. The waiver applies exclusively to the homeowner’s property, furnishings, and contents. Luxury Coastal Escapes and the homeowner shall not be liable for:

• loss, theft, or damage to guest belongings,

• jewellery,

• cash,

• electronics,

• vehicles,

• medical expenses,

• accidents,

• injuries,

• or personal liability claims.

 

Guests are strongly encouraged to maintain comprehensive travel insurance for personal belongings and medical cover.

 

4. REPORTING DAMAGE

 

Should an incident occur during your stay, we kindly ask that guests notify Luxury Coastal Escapes as soon as reasonably possible and prior to departure.

Prompt reporting allows our team to resolve matters quickly and efficiently while ensuring minimal disruption for both guests and homeowners.

Failure to report damage may result in the incident being classified as negligence or non-disclosure, which may void waiver protection.

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4.1. Luxury Coastal Escapes reserves the right to request:

• photographs,

• incident explanations,

• invoices,

• quotations,

• or supporting documentation where necessary.

 

5. CLAIMS PROCESS

 

All claims are assessed by Luxury Coastal Escapes in consultation with the homeowner to ensure a fair and transparent outcome for all parties.

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5.1. Where applicable:

• repairs or replacements will be arranged directly by Luxury Coastal Escapes,

• reasonable replacement values will apply,

• and approved claims will be processed up to the applicable protection limit.

 

5.2. Luxury Coastal Escapes reserves the sole discretion to determine:

• whether damage is accidental,

• whether negligence is involved,

• and whether waiver protection applies.

 

6. DAMAGES EXCEEDING THE COVERAGE LIMIT

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6.1. Should the total cost of damages exceed the applicable protection limit:

• the waiver will apply only up to the stated maximum cover amount,

• and the guest remains responsible for any remaining balance.

 

6.2. Guests authorise Luxury Coastal Escapes to recover outstanding amounts using:

• the payment method on file,

• EFT recovery,

• or legal collection procedures where necessary.

 

7. RIGHT OF REFUSAL

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7.1. Luxury Coastal Escapes reserves the right to:

• decline waiver coverage for specific bookings,

• reject claims that do not qualify as accidental damage,

• or cancel waiver protection where fraud, non-disclosure, or misconduct is suspected.

 

8. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

 

8.1. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Luxury Coastal Escapes shall not be liable for:

• indirect losses,

• consequential damages,

• loss of enjoyment,

• travel disruptions,

• personal injury,

• or financial loss arising from use of the property or participation in the waiver program.

 

9. RELATIONSHIP TO BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

 

This Accidental Damage Waiver Policy must be read together with the Luxury Coastal Escapes Guest Booking Terms & Conditions.

 

9.1. All standard booking terms relating to:

• guest conduct,

• liability,

• damages,

• property use,

• and recovery of costs remain fully enforceable.

 

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