Accidental damage in hotel - asked to pay

[Boots 1,930]

A friend has accidentally damaged a shower door in a German hotel. They've hit him with a 100+ euro bill.

 

Surely hotels have insurance for accidental damage caused by guests, along with wear & tear. Any advice for him? I don't know if he's paid up yet but I advised him to get a receipt in case of a dispute later.

[Conquistador 11,153]

Does he have his own liability insurance (as part of legal insurance)?

[Boots 1,930]

I'm guessing probably not, he might have holiday insurance of some kind.

[Conquistador 11,153]

Was he hit with the bill prior to/at checkout?

[Boots 1,930]

I suggested he makes it clear it was an accident (he pulled the door instead of sliding it).

 

EDIT: I've asked if he's already there, and what sort of hotel it is. If it's a small place and he's already coughed up they could probably say he's accepted liability.

[Small Town Boy 6,672]

There's no such thing as insurance for wear and tear. As in your own home, minor repairs are not covered by insurance because of the excess. So it is normal for the guest to pay for damage in a hotel.