What is a damage waiver for vacation rentals?

A damage waiver is a non-refundable fee collected from guests at pre check-in that covers accidental property damage up to a set amount — as an alternative to a refundable security deposit. Unlike a deposit, the waiver fee is not returned, but guests are protected against unintentional damage claims.

What is the difference between a security deposit and a damage waiver?

A security deposit is a refundable hold placed on a guest's card — returned after check-out if no damage occurred. A damage waiver is a non-refundable fee that covers accidental damage without the need to charge or dispute. ChargeAutomation lets you offer both options automatically at pre check-in.

How does ChargeAutomation automate security deposit and damage waiver collection?

ChargeAutomation sends guests a secure pre check-in link where they can choose a refundable security deposit (via pre-authorization hold) or a non-refundable damage waiver. Deposits are automatically released 3 days after check-out. No staff action required.

Security Deposit or Damage Waiver at Pre Check-in automation

Trusted by the top vacation rentals & hotels

Why You Need Automated Damage Protection

Let guests choose how they want to protect their stay.

Enable guests to pick either a refundable security deposit or a non-refundable damage waiver fee during check-in, automatically presented based on your rules.

Remove friction and boost booking confidence.

Offering options gives guests peace of mind and reduces hesitation, especially for longer stays or group bookings. Transparency builds trust and better reviews.

No manual work. No payment delays.

Pre-authorize security deposits on guest cards with zero manual steps. Funds are held securely and automatically released post-checkout (based on card type).

Turn minor damage into major potential.

Damage waivers are non-refundable and can generate additional revenue or fund minor repairs—without affecting the guest experience.

Compliant, secure, and Stripe-backed.

All deposits and waivers are processed via PCI-compliant gateways (Stripe, etc.) with optional chargeback protection enabled by default.

Add Damage Protection Without the Hassle

Give your guests peace of mind while protecting your property automatically. Whether it’s a refundable deposit or a non-refundable damage waiver, you stay covered without lifting a finger.
Start automating your damage protection process today.

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Take Your Guest Protection to the Next Level

Deliver seamless protection, reduce disputes, and increase revenue with automated damage waiver and deposit handling, built for modern hospitality.

Simplify Protection with Automation

Eliminate manual deposit collection or waiver forms with fully automated workflows.

Boost Guest Confidence & Conversion

Give guests flexibility to choose how they protect their stay, either with a deposit or a waiver, enhancing trust.

Speed Up Check-In & Reduce Friction

Let guests handle protection and payments right from their phones before arrival.

Minimize Operational Overhead

No staff follow-ups, no manual refunds, no disputes, just peace of mind.

Why hosts like you trust ChargeAutomation

$40

Upsell revenue

Offer personalized upsells during check-in
50%

Guest queues

Reduce guest queues by using online check-in
30min

Time savings

Speed up check-in & booking processes
75%

Guest satisfaction

Saving guest time & money will make them happy
100%

Document handling

Collect guest documents & signatures online
100%

Eliminate cash-handling

Collect payments & security deposit during check-in

Why your vacation rental needs ChargeAutomation

Custom check-in experience

Pre check-in links

Collect ID/Passport

Guest e-Signatures

Boost revenue with upsells

Auto collect payments

Digital guest guidebook

Check-in reminders

Client testimonial

“What ChargeAutomation customers are saying about our check-in software”

ChargeAutomation is easy to use and user friendly, you can surely use the system even if you are a beginner. and the support team are prompt at responding to queries and very informative.

We've been using contactless check-in for quite some time already and are really satisfied with how they combined id check, payment collection, terms & conditions and upsells into a single flow. It was easy to implement and guests love the experience.

Contactless check-in from ChargeAutomation saves so much time for our administrators and we noticed how guest satisfaction improved. 100% recommendation.

Protect Your Property Without Slowing Down Check-In

Offer guests flexible options for damage coverage while keeping your operations fully automated. Whether it’s a refundable deposit or a quick waiver fee, you stay protected with zero hassle.

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Need help?

Check useful resources below or contact our support team on chat

Blog

Learn from our guest experience experts on the ChargeAutomation blog

Case Studies

Get real insights on how we have transformed the short-term rental industry

Help & Support

Find answers & user guides about everything ChargeAutomation from our team

FAQ’s

Check answers to the most common questions about ChargeAutomation

What is contactless check-in software?

Contactless check-in software allows hotel guests to self check-in online & enter their room without visiting the front-desk or human interaction.

How does contactless check-in work?

Contactless check-in software works by capturing a guest reservation from a hotel PMS and sending a pre check-in link to a guest enabling them to submit their information, documents & making payments.

What is the best time to send a pre-check-in email to a guests?

The best time to send a pre check-in email to guests is a day before check-in or after the booking.

Which hotels use contactless check-in?

Hotels that use contactless check-in software from ChargeAutomation include CozySuites, Wyndham hotels, UpStay & Carzi Contactless

How do you send a pre-check-in link from your PMS?

Find instructions on how to generate a pre-check-in link through your PMS using template URL’s defined here.

What features of contactless check-in are the most popular?

Hotels and short-term rentals often use contactless check-in by ChargeAutomation for ID-check, payment collection, security deposit authorization, selfie verification, gaining guest intelligence, upselling and more.

Can contactless check-in be used for multiple properties?

ChargeAutomation’s contactless check-in solution is built to facilitate the scaling up of your hospitality business with less effort. You may apply the check-in flow for multiple short-term rentals or hotels at once.

Do guests need to download an app to complete the check-in?

Requiring users to download an app dramatically decreases the conversion rate. ChargeAutomation is a completely web-based solution; however, its user-friendly interface creates an app-like experience.

Is data collected via contactless check-in protected?

ChargeAutomation is GDPR and PCI-compliant solution. Personal data security is the cornerstone of our operations.

Can contactless check-in experience be customized?

Yes, you may define what steps contactless check-in should include such as ID-verification, payment collection, security deposit authorization, selfie verification, upselling and more.

Starting at just $4/month

100% free to try with no monthly contract

Automatically Offer a Damage Waiver
or Security Deposit at Pre-Check-In

Trusted by the top vacation rentals & hotels

Why You Need Automated Damage Protection

Let guests choose how they want to protect their stay.