Protection Plan — Frequently Asked Questions

About the Protection Plan

What is the OutdoorShare Protection Plan? OutdoorShare is not an insurance company. Protection is provided through licensed third-party insurance partners. The Protection Plan helps protect eligible rentals from covered losses during the rental period, subject to the plan's terms, conditions, exclusions, and deductible — making rentals safer and more predictable for both your business and your renters.

It is offered as an optional add-on at checkout and is priced per booking based on the rental value and duration.

Is OutdoorShare an insurance company? No. OutdoorShare is not an insurance company. Protection is provided through licensed third-party insurance partners. The Protection Plan does not replace your business's commercial liability insurance, and renters remain financially responsible for the deductible and any excluded situations.

Is this personal insurance for the renter? No. It is not personal insurance and does not extend to the renter's personal injury, health, or property beyond the rented equipment. Renters should maintain their own personal insurance where relevant.

Does this replace commercial rental insurance for my business? No. The Protection Plan is designed to complement — not replace — your existing commercial rental or liability insurance. Consult your insurance provider about appropriate coverage for your operation.

Is coverage available outside the U.S.? Currently, the OutdoorShare Protection Plan applies to rentals that originate and take place within the United States only.

What's Covered

What does the Protection Plan cover? When a renter purchases the Protection Plan, coverage generally includes: Accidental damage to the rented equipment during the rental period. Liability protection for certain incidents that occur while using the equipment.

Coverage is subject to the applicable terms, conditions, exclusions, and deductible. Full coverage terms are presented to the renter at checkout and must be accepted before purchase.

What is NOT covered? The Protection Plan does not cover: Intentional damage or gross negligence. Theft (unless forcible entry can be documented). Damage caused by operating equipment outside its intended use (e.g. off-road use for a street vehicle). Normal wear and tear. Damage to third-party property beyond the rented item. Incidents outside the U.S. Any damage not reported within the required timeframe.

Does the Protection Plan cover everything? No. The plan is designed to cover the most common accidental damage scenarios, but deductibles apply and certain exclusions exist (see above). Renters remain responsible for their deductible and anything excluded from coverage.

Renter Responsibility

What is the renter financially responsible for? Even with the Protection Plan, renters are responsible for: Their deductible — a fixed amount agreed to at plan purchase. Any excluded damage (intentional, negligence, unapproved use). Damage that was not reported within the required window.

Does this mean renters are fully protected? No. The plan reduces financial exposure significantly but does not eliminate it. The renter acknowledges this when they accept the plan terms at checkout.

What's the best way for renters to avoid issues? Use equipment only for its intended purpose. Take photos at pickup and return. Report any incident immediately — do not wait until return. Read and understand the rental terms and Protection Plan exclusions before booking.

Severe Damage & Charges

What happens in the case of severe damage? If severe damage occurs during a rental, a claim is opened. The OutdoorShare team reviews the evidence (photos, incident report, rental record) and determines the charge. The renter is notified and their card on file is charged for any amount owed above the plan's coverage — including their deductible or any excluded portion.

How is severe damage determined? Severe damage is assessed based on: Repair cost relative to the item's value. Whether the damage was foreseeable or preventable. The renter's account history and the circumstances reported.

The OutdoorShare claims team makes the final determination after reviewing all submitted evidence.

Claims & Reporting

How soon does a damage incident need to be reported? Report any damage or incident within 24 hours of the return. Late reports significantly weaken coverage eligibility. As a company admin, open the claim from the booking page as soon as the issue is discovered.

How do I (as a company admin) file a claim? Open the relevant booking in your admin dashboard. Scroll to the Claims section and click Open Claim. Select the damage type, describe what happened, and upload photos. Submit. The OutdoorShare team takes it from there.

You do not need to contact the renter directly about payment — OutdoorShare manages the charge process.

Who makes the final decision on a claim? OutdoorShare's claims team makes all final decisions. Neither the company admin nor the renter can unilaterally determine the outcome. This protects both parties.

How long does it take to resolve a claim? Most claims are reviewed within 2–5 business days. Complex cases (severe damage, disputes) may take longer. You will be notified by email when the claim status changes.

Documentation

Are photos required to file a claim? Photos are strongly recommended and significantly improve the outcome of a claim. Claims submitted without photographic evidence are harder to approve.

Should I take my own photos at pickup and return? Yes — always. As a company admin, you should photograph the equipment before the renter takes possession and again when it is returned. Use the Pickup Photo Link feature in the booking to create a timestamped, documented record.

Can the equipment's pre-existing condition affect coverage? Yes. If the claimed damage was already present before the rental and was not documented, it may not be covered. This is why before-and-after photos are essential.