Introduction

The new Outdoorsy Cancellation Policy went into effect on February 2, 2026. This means that any booking created on or after this date will be subject to the updated policy terms.

This article provides a reference for our legacy cancellation policies, which remain in effect for all bookings created prior to the launch of the new policies.

NOTE: If your booking request was created before February 2, 2026, your booking will still honor the legacy cancellation policies, even if the request is approved or confirmed after the new policy rollout.

For bookings created before February 2, 2026

Planning a trip is an exciting time. But, you’re smart to pay attention to the finer details before making any commitments. That includes things like the cancellation policy and reservation deposit.

So, let’s take a look at Outdoorsy’s.

What if I need to cancel right after booking?

Once a host accepts a reservation request, a full refund (including the service fee) is available for 48 hours—only if the start date of the trip is more than 14 days away. Otherwise, the host’s cancellation policy applies.

What are the cancellation policies?

Outdoorsy has 3 different cancellation policies. Hosts choose the policy that’s best for them and their listing.

That means, as a guest, it’s important to check the cancellation policy of a listing before you book it. Just scroll down the listing page until you find it. Then, make sure you’re comfortable with the policy the host has in place before proceeding with a booking.

Once you’re booked, you can always review the cancellation policy on your trip page.

Flexible

If a reservation is canceled more than 5 days prior to the start date of the trip:

Refunded

• 100% of the booking total, including tax
• Anything paid toward the protection package, including tax

Not refunded

• The service fee, including tax

If a reservation is canceled less than 5 days prior to the start date of the trip:

Refunded

• 75% of the booking total, including tax
• Anything paid toward the protection package, including tax

Not refunded

• The service fee, including tax

Moderate

If a reservation is canceled more than 7 days prior to the start date of the trip:

Refunded

• 75% of the booking total, including tax
• Anything paid toward the protection package, including tax

Not refunded

• The service fee, including tax

If a reservation is canceled less than 7 days prior to the start date of the trip:

Refunded

• 50% of the booking total, including tax
• Anything paid toward the protection package, including tax

Not refunded

• The service fee, including tax

Strict

If a reservation is canceled more than 14 days prior to the start date of the trip:

Refunded

• 50% of the booking total, including tax
• Anything paid toward the protection package, including tax

Not refunded

• The service fee, including tax

If a reservation is canceled less than 14 days prior to the start date of the trip:

Refunded

• Anything paid toward the protection package, including tax

Not refunded

• The entire booking total, including tax
• The service fee, including tax

What do terms like ‘booking total’ and ‘service fee’ mean?

The total cost of a rental on Outdoorsy is broken down into three main components:

Booking total

The direct cost of the rental itself, inclusive of the nightly rate x number of nights, plus any add-ons or fees charged by the host for services like mileage, cleaning, or dumping tanks.

Service fee

Helps us keep the lights on and gives guests access to our 24 / 7 customer support team.

Protection package

The bundle selected by the guest that can include things like collision and comprehensive coverages, which are active only when the vehicle is with the guest.

Do I have to pay the full reservation amount when I book?

It depends on how far in advance you book your trip. During checkout, you will be able to select your payment options.

If, at the time of booking, the start date of your trip is less than 14 days away, the reservation is charged in full.

If a booking is more than 14 days away, you can choose to pay:

• The reservation total
• Only the reservation deposit

The amount of the reservation deposit depends on the listing's cancellation policy. 

• Listings with a flexible or moderate cancellation policy:
  • 25% of the full cost of the trip (nightly rental amount, add-ons, delivery, prep fee, Protection Package)
  • 100% Outdoorsy service fee

• Listings with a strict policy:
  • 50% of the full cost of the trip (nightly rental amount, add-ons, delivery, prep fee, Protection Package)
  • 100% Outdoorsy service fee

At 14 days from the start of your trip, the balance of the trip cost is due.

Additionally, the Security Deposit is processed 2 days before the start of your trip.

Note! If you're paying with PayPal, you'll have to pay the full amount of your booking upfront, regardless of when you make your reservation.

What if I have extenuating circumstances and need to cancel?

If there is a complaint from either party or if either party feels there are unique or extenuating circumstances in their booking, Outdoorsy must be notified within 24 hours of the issue / complaint.

U.S. military service members are eligible for a full refund if their cancellation is due to them, or a family member, entering active military duty.

Outdoorsy reserves the right to have sole and absolute discretion in all cancellation amounts and disputes.

How does COVID-19 affect the cancellation policy?

We’re currently unable to adapt our policies for COVID-19. Though we made exceptions in the past, our original cancellation policies are once again in place. This is for the protection of our valued guests and dedicated hosts.

Before booking a planned vacation or last-minute getaway, please examine the host’s cancellation policy thoroughly and research how COVID-19 may be affecting your travel destination. Purchasing Trip Protection on your booking is a great way to help protect against the risk of a covered illness or personal emergency derailing your plans. Please note that this coverage is only available for purchase by U.S. residents. Click here for more information about Trip Protection and what kinds of events it's designed to cover.