Property damage and guest injuries are real risks every Airbnb host faces. As a responsible host, you need to keep your property in good condition to protect both your guests and your business. That’s where insurance comes in.
Airbnb promotes its AirCover policy as complete protection for hosts, but the coverage has serious gaps. It can leave you exposed to expensive repair costs or guest lawsuits that could hurt your business.
Some hosts only learn this after damage occurs. Others, like John Hildebrand* in Arizona, are grateful they have protection beyond Airbnb when guests break house rules and cause severe damage*.
That’s why additional protection beyond Airbnb’s platform matters. But with so many options available, it’s tough to know which one fits your needs.
Do you need traditional insurance, or would damage protection work better? Should you focus on preventing problems or just covering costs after they happen? What makes sense for your business?
The best protection for your Airbnb depends on your property needs, portfolio size, and risk tolerance. Each provider takes a different approach. Let’s look at the top options to help you decide.
*Airbnb host, Hilde Homes founder, vacation rental expert, and Truvi client, YouTube, 2023.
For a more concise look at what Airbnb and Vrbo insurance cover, you can refer to the table below:
| Question | Airbnb (AirCover) | Vrbo |
|---|---|---|
| Does it protect hosts if they’re legally responsible for guest injury or guest property damage? | Yes – $1M liability insurance | Yes – $1M liability insurance |
| Does it protect against property damage caused by guests? | Yes – $3M damage protection | No protection offered |
| Can hosts request damage deposits or protection plans from guests? | No (except via third-party tools) | Yes – both deposits and waivers available |
| Are these protections free for hosts? | Yes – automatically included | Liability: free Deposits/waivers: paid by guests |
Why do Airbnb hosts need insurance?
Airbnb offers its very own AirCover for Hosts policy with each listing, so you could be forgiven for thinking that Airbnb hosts don’t need extra insurance. But for many hosts and property managers, AirCover just isn’t enough to provide real peace of mind.
Yes, it offers some damage protection up to US $3 million, basic guest screening, and liability insurance up to US $1 million. But some major drawbacks include the fact that it doesn’t cover intentional damage, damage caused by extreme weather, and is limited in the amount of coverage.
You may find that AirCover isn’t the best Airbnb insurance for your hosting needs when or if:
- You want more protection than AirCover offers. You want to cover specific items or set up coverage for more than AirCover’s limits, get coverage in case of a natural disaster, or intentional damage by rule-breakers rather than rare accidents (e.g., a disruptive party vs a wine spill).
- You want to screen guests more thoroughly. Airbnb’s ID verification and screening systems are basic at best. Companies like Truvi and Autohost.ai go much deeper and check many more records and criminal databases to prevent bad guests from arriving in the first place.
- You want to go beyond Airbnb. If you list on other OTAs, or even want to develop your direct booking strategy and expand, AirCover won’t apply, leaving you entirely unprotected.
Take a look at the Airbnb Damage Policy Overview and get a better idea of how the Airbnb security deposit works.
Even Airbnb itself states: “While AirCover for Hosts protects you while you’re hosting an Airbnb stay or Experience, it’s not a substitute for personal insurance.”
Here’s a quick summary of the differences between Airbnb AirCover, and the best Airbnb protection providers and screening platforms:
| Airbnb AirCover for Hosts | Airbnb Host protection platforms like Truvi | |
| Coverage up to $3m for damage | ✅ | ✅ |
| Customizable coverage limit allowed for damage and liability | ❌ | ✅ |
| Thorough background screening on multiple databases | ❌ | ✅ |
| Dedicated team for your claim | ❌ | ✅ |
| Works even outside of Airbnb (direct bookings or other OTAs) | ❌ | ✅ |
| Designed especially for property managers (not “hobby hosts”) | ❌ | ✅ |
What should Airbnb hosts look for in an insurance provider?
Before choosing protection beyond AirCover, consider these key questions:
- How much coverage do you need? If AirCover’s $3M limit isn’t enough for your property value, you’ll need higher coverage limits.
- Do you want to prevent problems or just cover costs? Guest screening can stop issues before they happen, while traditional insurance only pays after damage occurs.
- Do you need coverage beyond Airbnb? If you use direct bookings or other platforms, you’ll need protection that works everywhere.
- How important is speed? Some providers pay within days, others take weeks or months to process claims.
- What’s your biggest risk? Party damage, accidental spills, or malicious destruction? Different providers focus on different types of coverage.
You’ll also want to consider customer service quality, platform integration capabilities, and whether you need dedicated account management for claims processing.
Do homeowners’ insurance policies cover Airbnbs?
According to Alan Boswell Group, no, homeowners’ insurance polices do not typically cover Airbnbs or other STRs. This is because these types of rentals are often considered to be riskier than the long-term rentals or mortgages that homeowners’ insurance tends to protect.
For this reason, we recommend that property managers who are solely interested in STRs don’t waste much of their time exploring this option (but if you are willing to explore the world of long- or mid-term rentals, it might be worthwhile!)
With that being said, let’s explore some real solutions to your Airbnb insurance woes!
Insurance vs damage protection: what’s the difference?
When it comes to protecting your Airbnb, you have two main approaches: traditional insurance and damage protection services. Understanding the difference can help you choose the right solution.
Traditional insurance works reactively. You pay premiums upfront, then file claims after damage occurs. The insurance company investigates, determines coverage, and eventually reimburses you — often weeks or months later. You’re responsible for chasing guests for payment, documenting everything, and navigating the claims process. Most policies focus on covering costs after problems happen rather than preventing them.
Damage protection services work proactively. They screen guests before arrival to catch potential problems, then handle damage incidents directly without lengthy claims processes. Instead of waiting months for reimbursement, you get paid quickly while the service handles guest communication. The focus is on preventing problems upfront and resolving issues fast when they do occur.
For short-term rentals, protection services often work better than traditional insurance because:
- Guest turnover is frequent – You need screening for each new booking, not just annual coverage
- Time matters – Fast resolution keeps your calendar open for new bookings
- Unknown guests are the norm – Prevention matters more than just covering costs after problems
Traditional insurance still has its place, especially for major structural damage or liability issues. But for day-to-day guest-related risks, protection services designed specifically for vacation rentals often provide better value and peace of mind.
7 Top Airbnb insurance providers and risk management tools
Now you know why you need extra insurance for Airbnb rentals, and what to look for when choosing a platform. Let’s take a look at the leading options available now. Keep in mind, there are many alternatives to Airbnb insurance on the STR market. Some of them offer more flexible insurance plans, while others offer more flexible, customizable protection services like Truvi.
1. Truvi
Truvi isn’t an insurance company but offers comprehensive Damage Protection Services. We’re specialists in risk management for vacation rentals, combining our damage protection with advanced Guest Screening to go far beyond traditional insurance.
Unlike insurance companies that only pay after damage occurs, Truvi prevents problems before they start. Our guest screening catches fake bookings, suspicious profiles, and known troublemakers before check-in. When damage does happen, you get paid fast without chasing guests or fighting claims.
Why choose protection over insurance?
- Prevention first: Screen out problem guests before they arrive
- No guest friction: No deposits or waivers required
- Faster payouts: Direct payment within days, not months
- Works everywhere: Covers direct bookings and all OTA platforms
- Built for STRs: Designed specifically for vacation rental risks
Key features:
- Guest screening across multiple databases and watchlists
- Real-time ID verification with biometric matching
- Damage protection up to $1M for all verified bookings
- Dedicated resolution team handles all claims
- Seamless integration with major PMSs and OTAs
Pricing: Damage Protection starts from $16/booking (includes Guest Screening)
Host testimonial: “Truvi gives us an early look at someone who might not be fully honest and allows us to keep the calendars open for real guests. The seriousness of how we present ourselves from the start tells guests we aren’t here to play games.” — Benjamin, CEO of HOLT
Best for: Any host serious about preventing problem guests and protecting their investment, from single properties to large portfolios.
2. Safely
Safely is a dedicated short-term Airbnb property insurance platform that aims to help operators with a portfolio of 10 or more properties to maximize revenue while minimizing risk. Its Airbnb homeowners insurance includes features designed to make management of owner properties simple, and cover property damage as well as guest injury.
Key features:
- Personal property damage cover up to €25,000
- Structural damage and repair cover up to €1,000,000
- Homeowner and manager liability cover for injury up to €1,000,000
- Guest screening via international databases to identify risky or ‘bad’ guests
Pricing: Available on request.
Review: “The claims process is simple to go through…It’s also a really powerful thing when you can claim something that isn’t necessarily accidental.” — Safely testimonial
Best for: Property managers with a portfolio of 10 or more properties, who are scaling, and who want a package designed to appeal to homeowners.
3. Autohost
Autohost was one of the first guest screening tools to emphasize its use of artificial intelligence (AI) in its ID verification and guest background checks. It also focuses on credit checks and fraud protection, and helps managers and hosts to comply with local regulations by collecting all necessary guest info easily.
Key features:
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Online check-in process for guests.
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AI-based guest screening and ID verification.
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Background checks and criminal database searches, including sex offender registers.
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Credit checks and chargeback protection.
Pricing:
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Flat Fee: A flat monthly fee based on the number of property listings. 12, 24, or 36-month contract. Quote and free demo on request.
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Pay-As-You-Go Commit: Discounted rates are based on several reservations per month. 12, 24, or 36-month contract. Quote and free demo on request.
Review: “Autohost makes vetting guests so quick and easy. They are super responsive to any questions and concerns their clients might have.” — Trustpilot
Best for: Airbnb hosts who are particularly focused on preventing fraud, vacation rental chargebacks, and criminal activity.
4. Proper Insurance
Proper Insurance is a company with Airbnb insurance policies designed specifically for STR hosts, with both commercial and personal use coverage. It covers buildings and contents, as well as business revenue loss in the case of damage, plus pet liability, and the risk of everything from bed bugs to squatters.
Key features:
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Business liability of €1 million or €2 million
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Buildings and contents coverage with replacement cost valuations
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Business revenue protection in the event of loss due to damage
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Cover for damage to properties being managed by someone else
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Pet and animal damage and injury coverage
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Bed bug and flea protection, and anti-squatter protection
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Off-premises coverage for guest activities
Pricing: Quote available on request.
Review: “I have been using Proper Insurance from all of the short-term-rental properties that I own…Each time I’ve submitted a claim, their customer service has been outstanding. They are extremely responsive and helpful.” — Trustpilot
Best for: Short-term rental property managers and hosts who want a complete insurance policy for active guests.
5. Pikl
Pikl specializes in offering flexible Airbnb home insurance for both hosts and owners, whether you rent your property out occasionally or for long-term rentals. Its specialist insurance for Airbnb and Vrbo operators offers up to €5 million in public liability coverage and covers both accidental and malicious guest damage.
Key features:
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Up to €5 million in liability per guest-related claim
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Coverage for theft, and guest damage, both accidental or malicious
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Buildings insurance for natural disasters and external issues
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Emergency coverage and loss of income coverage
Pricing: Quote available on request.
Review: “Very easy to use service that gives extra peace of mind when adding on host insurance top up to cover any incidents for our Airbnb rental.” — Trustpilot
Best for: Airbnb hosts who need a flexible and modern plan, which covers both accidental and malicious damage, and who need the extra reassurance of good customer support.
6. RentalGuardian
RentalGuardian’s Home Guardian policy primarily provides property managers and guests with home insurance for Airbnbs in case of accidental damage during a stay. With coverage available up to US $5,000 for US-based properties, and optional guest identity protection features.
Key features:
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Designed for homeowners and property managers
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Covers all accidental damage by the manager or guests
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Coverage lasts for stays of up to 30 days
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Coverage of up to US $3,000 for US and international rentals
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Coverage of up to US $5,000 for US rentals
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Optional guest identity protection
Pricing: Pricing on request.
Review: “We switched to RentalGuardian from another insurance provider and have been very pleased since day one! Their support offers timely responses, guest travel insurance claims have been seamless, and processing damage claims is a breeze through the dashboard.” — Rental Guardian testimonial
Best for: Property managers, homeowners, and hosts who want a more traditional insurance policy (but still with online claims processing) and are particularly looking to gain coverage for accidental damage.
7. Generali
Generali’s vacation rental insurance and damage protection works by enabling you to sell its programs directly to guests. This enables them to purchase home insurance that covers Airbnb stays, for accidental damage during their visit, plus other classic travel insurance features such as cancellation coverage and sports equipment damage.
Key features:
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Accidental damage cover for Airbnb and short-term rental properties
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Compensation for closed attractions such as beaches, snow slopes, and road access
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Natural disaster and weather damage protection
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Baggage loss coverage
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Medical coverage and 24-hour assistance line
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Cancellation coverage due to injury or sickness
Pricing: Quote available on request.
Review: “The plan fit all the needs and requirements of our host…It provides a true peace of mind if something had broken because of our fault during our stay.” — Insure My Trip
Best for: Property managers who want to make extra commission on insurance and are happy to sell a third-party policy to each guest for each booking.
Find the right protection for your Airbnb
Airbnb’s AirCover offers basic protection, but it has significant gaps that leave hosts vulnerable to expensive damage claims and problem guests. The coverage limits are low, the claims process is slow, and it doesn’t work outside of Airbnb bookings.
The best approach combines prevention and protection. Platforms like Truvi prevent problems by screening guests upfront, then provide fast damage payouts when issues occur. Traditional insurance companies like Proper and Safely offer comprehensive policies, but focus on paying claims after damage happens rather than preventing problems.
For most hosts, especially those with multiple properties or direct bookings, comprehensive risk management platforms offer better value than traditional insurance. They prevent more problems, pay faster, and work across all booking channels.
Ready to go beyond basic Airbnb coverage?
Get advanced Guest Screening and comprehensive Damage Protection that prevents problems before they start. Screen guests across multiple databases and get up to $1M protection for any damage that happens.
Check out pricing and get started today.
