TL;DR: Airbnb’s built-in AirCover offers some host protection, but it has real gaps: slow claims, low limits, and no coverage outside Airbnb. For stronger protection, hosts can choose between traditional insurance (Proper, Pikl, Safely) or damage protection services (Truvi) that combine guest screening with faster payouts. The best approach pairs prevention — screening guests before they arrive — with reliable coverage that works across all booking platforms, not just Airbnb.
Sooner or later, every Airbnb host comes face to face with property damage. Just ask John Hildebrand, an Arizona-based host who arrived at his property after a guest check out — to find destroyed sheets, dog mess, and mountains of trash.*
When it comes damage or injury, Airbnb’s built-in AirCover offers some protection, but it has more gaps (and can be harder to claim) than most hosts realize. “I always take it one step further,” says John. “You want to protect your investment on so many different levels and not rely just on the OTAs.”
The good news is there are great insurance options out there, whether you host on Airbnb or beyond. When you choose the right one, you won’t ever need to cover thousands of dollars of guest damage out of your own pocket. This article will break down the seven best protection options, so you can get your investment protected before something goes wrong.
Does Airbnb have insurance for hosts?
Yes, Airbnb does have insurance for hosts. It covers liability insurance and host damage protection, all packaged up under the AirCover program. Check out our guide to Airbnb’s damage policy for more information on how it works, and how to make a claim.
Meanwhile, let’s take a closer look at what’s included in Airbnb’s insurance package. We’ll also compare Airbnb’s offering to Vrbo, another popular online travel agency (OTA).
What is Airbnb liability insurance and what does it cover?
Airbnb’s liability insurance protects you if you’re found legally responsible for a guest getting hurt, or their property being damaged or stolen during their stay. It covers up to $1 million USD and extends to co-hosts, cleaners, and anyone else who helps you host.
It’s included for free under AirCover for hosts and automatically applied to all bookings taken through the platform. It’ll cover you in cases where you’re found legally responsible for:
- Bodily injury to a guest (or others)
- Damage/theft of a guest’s (or other’s) property
- Damage caused by a guest (or others) to common areas (e.g. building foyers, nearby properties)
However, Airbnb’s liability insurance won’t cover you in cases where you’re found legally responsible for:
- Damage/injury resulting from something done intentionally
- Damage to your place or belongings caused by a guest (see below for host damage protection)
- Cases where other exclusions apply
What is the Airbnb Host Guarantee and what does it cover?
Airbnb’s Host Guarantee — also known as host damage protection — protects hosts when a guest or their invitees cause property damage and don’t pay for it. It’s not an insurance plan, but it offers up to $3 million in coverage. It can also reimburse extra cleaning costs, like removing carpet stains or smoke odor.
Like Airbnb’s liability insurance, it’s included in AirCover for Hosts and applied free on all listings.
Airbnb’s host damage protection will cover you for:
- Damage to your home, furnishings, valuables or belongings caused by guests or their invitees
- Damage to parked cars, boats or other vehicles caused by guests or their invitees
- Extra cleaning costs required to remove stains left by guests, their invitees, or pets, including smoke odor removal, or costs linked to unapproved guests
- Income lost if you need to cancel confirmed Airbnb bookings due to damage caused by a guest or their invitees (in cases where you offer an emergency place to stay through Airbnb, you’ll still be covered by the platform’s damage protection service)
However, Airbnb’s host damage protection does not cover:
- Damage from normal wear and tear
- Loss of currency
- Loss due to acts of nature, like earthquakes or hurricanes
- Injury or property damage to guests or others (see above for host liability insurance)
- Cleaning associated with normal checkout tasks, such as laundry, dishes or garbage removal.
- Cases where other limitations apply
Airbnb insurance vs Vrbo insurance: How do they compare?
Now you know how AirCover protects hosts against property damage and liability. But how does that stack up against the insurance options on Vrbo?
Unlike Airbnb, Vrbo doesn’t offer hosts direct protection against guest damage. Instead, hosts can require one of three things from guests at the time of booking: a card on file, an upfront refundable damage deposit, or a damage waiver. All three options are set up by the host and visible to guests during checkout.
It’s worth noting that Airbnb doesn’t generally allow hosts to charge security deposits or damage waivers — though some third-party property management tools make this possible.
Where Vrbo does match Airbnb is on liability. Vrbo offers $1M liability insurance, which covers hosts against guest injury and property damage claims. Like AirCover, Vrbo’s liability insurance is automatically included in all bookings processed through Vrbo’s checkout.
| 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: freeDeposits/waivers: paid by guests |
Why do Airbnb hosts need insurance?
Airbnb includes AirCover for Hosts with every listing, so you’d be forgiven for thinking you don’t need extra insurance. But for many hosts and property managers, AirCover just isn’t enough to provide real peace of mind.
Like John Hildebrand, founder of Hilde Homes, says: “I don’t like to rely 100% on Airbnb for that — or any platform. I like to take control in my own hands.” He knows exactly how important that additional cover is after discovering guests brought a dog to his property without permission and left things in a state.
“The trash was insane,” he recalls. “Every single pair of my sheets were destroyed… all the towels were damaged. It was just very disrespectful on all levels.”
Like John, you might need more than AirCover if:
- You want stronger protection. AirCover won’t cover intentional damage, natural disasters, or high-value items beyond its limits. If rule-breakers are your biggest concern — not the occasional wine spill — you’ll want something more robust.
- You want to screen guests more thoroughly. Airbnb’s ID verification is basic. Guesting screening services like Truvi go much deeper, checking criminal databases and watchlists to catch problem guests before they arrive.
- You list beyond Airbnb. If you take direct bookings or use Airbnb alternatives to reach guests, AirCover doesn’t apply. You’re on your own when damage occurs.
Even Airbnb acknowledges that most hosts will need additional protection. Their own guidance states that AirCover “is not a substitute for personal insurance.”
Considering Truvi? Here’s a quick summary of the difference in protection:
| Airbnb AirCover for Hosts | Truvi’s damage protection services | |
|---|---|---|
| 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? You might have very high value properties or amenities. If AirCover’s $3 million limit isn’t enough, you’ll need a policy with a higher limit.
- Do you want to prevent problems or just cover costs? A protection plan that includes guest screening can stop issues before they happen, while traditional insurance only pays after damage occurs.
- What platforms do you list on? If you use direct bookings or use other booking 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. Think about your ideal guest as you choose the one that applies to you.
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?
No, homeowners’ insurance polices don’t typically cover Airbnbs or other short-term rental properties. That’s because these rentals are often considered to be riskier than the long-term rentals or mortgages that homeowners’ insurance tends to protect.
If you’re only interested in short-term rentals, don’t waste your time with this kind of insurance. You need protection via a dedicated policy that covers your business model. If you’re interested in diversifying, check out our guide to mid-term rental insurance.
Now, let’s get into solutions that do apply to short-term rentals.
Insurance vs damage protection: what’s the difference?
When it comes to protecting your Airbnb, you have two main approaches: traditional insurance or 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 Airbnbs, let’s look at some of the most popular protection options on the market. We’ve chosen a selection of insurance providers as well as other, more flexible risk management service providers. That way, you’re sure to find something that suits your needs.
1. Truvi
Truvi isn’t an insurance company, but you can get up to $1 million of damage protection services included in your package. We’re specialists in risk management for vacation rentals, combining damage protection with guest screening to protect your property in multiple ways.
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.
And those guests? “They’re going to be flagged in the system,” explains John Hildebrand, Airbnb host and Truvi client. “If anybody tries to host these guests ever again and they use [Truvi], it’s going to boom — red flag: do not host these guests.”
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 $1 million for all verified bookings
- Dedicated resolution team handles all claims
- Seamless integration with major PMSs and OTAs
Pricing: Guest screening starts at $17.50 per month (damage protection included)
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: Hosts who are serious about preventing problem guests and protecting their investment, and who take booking via multiple channels; from a single property 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: “If you can afford to wait more than 3-5 days for screening results then this company’s offerings are suitable.” — Andrew Wilkins, Trustpilot
“So far, I am extremely satisfied. The only thing I wish they would allow is to have access to their services without a PMS, other than that everything is perfect.” — Kat, Trustpilot
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:
- Online check-in process for guests.
- AI-based guest screening and ID verification.
- Background checks and criminal database searches, including sex offender registers.
- Credit checks and chargeback protection.
Pricing:
- 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.
- 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.” — Jonathan Pfeifer, 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 short-term rental 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:
- Business liability of $1 million or $2 million
- Buildings and contents coverage with replacement cost valuations
- Business revenue protection in the event of loss due to damage
- Cover for damage to properties being managed by someone else
- Pet and animal damage and injury coverage
- Bed bug and flea protection, and anti-squatter protection
- Off-premises coverage for guest activities
Pricing: Quote available on request.
Review: “Working with Proper insurance has always been very straightforward. Communication is always 100%, reasonably priced insurance, could be higher than comps but what you pay for is what you get so I am comfortable here.” — Tosin O, Trustpilot
“I have so far had great experiences with Proper Insurance and their representatives… The only downside is that this IS more expensive than other insurance, but it seems very much worth it to me. — Pheonix, 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:
- Up to £5 million in liability per guest-related claim
- Coverage for theft, and guest damage, both accidental or malicious
- Buildings insurance for natural disasters and external issues
- Emergency coverage and loss of income coverage
Pricing: Quote available on request.
Review: “PIKL are excellent. I needed to inform them of a temporary change in circumstances relating to our property insurance. The help I received was clear, friendly and professional.” — Scott, Trustpilot
“Pikl were able to broker a policy for my specific requirements where others failed to do so. Yes, it’s relatively expensive but gives me peace of mind.” — Mr Brooker, 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:
- Designed for homeowners and property managers
- Covers all accidental damage by the manager or guests
- Coverage lasts for stays of up to 30 days
- Coverage of up to US $3,000 for US and international rentals
- Coverage of up to US $5,000 for US rentals
- 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.” — Jenny, testimonial on RentalGuardian
Best for: Property managers, homeowners, and hosts who want a more traditional insurance policy (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:
- Accidental damage cover for Airbnb and short-term rental properties
- Compensation for closed attractions such as beaches, snow slopes, and road access
- Natural disaster and weather damage protection
- Baggage loss coverage
- Medical coverage and 24-hour assistance line
- 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.
Go beyond basic Airbnb cover
Get advanced guest screening that prevents problems before they start. Screen guests across multiple databases and get up to $1M protection for any damage that happens.
