damage

July is the peak month for vacation rentals stays— but it’s also the peak month for grill fires.

Outfitting your vacation rentals with an outdoor grill can be a great perk for guests, but also a potential hazard. A vacation rental damage protection plan, such as those offered by CSA Travel Protection, can provide coverage if a grill accident causes damage to your rental property. Similarly, a Guest Protect travel insurance plan from CSA can provide coverage if an insured renter is injured in a grill accident and needs medical attention. You can offer both plans to your guests when they book a reservation.

But, since filing an insurance claim is about the last thing anyone wants to do, here are some ways to encourage safe grilling at your rental.

Grilling Safety Tips

One of the best ways you can help avoid grill accidents is to keep the barbecue clean by removing grease buildup from the grills and trays below the grill. Make sure the cleaning crew checks the grill between stays.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests a safety check of the grill should be performed at least once a year:

“Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.”

Another way you can help prevent a grill accident is to print out this handy Grilling Safety Tip Sheet from the NFPA and post it near the barbecue; and it couldn’t hurt to keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

Grilling safety tips from NFPA for you and your guests:

Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
Never leave your grill unattended.
Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
If the flame goes out on a gas grill, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 15 minutes before re-lighting it.

Learn more about partnering with CSA

Travel insurance plans are administered by Customized Services Administrators, Inc., CA Lic. No. 821931, located in San Diego, CA and doing business as CSA Travel Protection and Insurance Services. Plans are available to residents of the U.S. but may not be available in all jurisdictions. Benefits and services are described on a general basis; certain conditions and exclusions apply. Travel Retailers may not be licensed to sell insurance, in all states, and are not authorized to answer technical questions about the benefits, exclusions, and conditions of this insurance and cannot evaluate the adequacy of your existing insurance. This plan provides insurance coverage for your trip that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. The purchase of this plan is not required in order to purchase any other travel product or service offered to you by your travel retailers. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker. This notice provides general information on CSA’s products and services only. The information contained herein is not part of an insurance policy and may not be used to modify any insurance policy that might be issued. In the event the actual policy forms are inconsistent with any information provided herein, the language of the policy forms shall govern.

Travel insurance plans are underwritten by: Generali U.S. Branch, New York, NY; NAIC # 11231. Generali US Branch operates under the following names: Generali Assicurazioni Generali S.P.A. (U.S. Branch) in California, Assicurazioni Generali – U.S. Branch in Colorado, Generali U.S. Branch DBA The General Insurance Company of Trieste & Venice in Oregon, and The General Insurance Company of Trieste and Venice – U.S. Branch in Virginia. Generali US Branch is admitted or licensed to do business in all states and the District of Columbia.

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