Airbnb Insurance

What is Airbnb host insurance?

Airbnb host insurance is cover for people who let a room or their whole home to guests through Airbnb or other home-sharing companies. It generally covers your property and belongings against theft and damage, and your liability if a guest is injured or their property is damaged while staying with you.

Without it, you could have to pay the full cost of any damage or theft yourself, and you could be liable for legal fees and damages if a guest is hurt in your home. Whether you let your entire property or just one room, a policy is designed to pick up those costs so hosting does not leave you exposed.

Do I need insurance to host on Airbnb?

Yes, in practice you do, because the majority of standard home insurance policies do not cover renting or letting rooms or homes, even on a short-term basis. If you do not tell your current home insurer that you are letting your property out, you could invalidate your entire policy, even at times when you have no guests.

It is worth calling your current provider to ask whether they can add Airbnb cover to your existing policy rather than you buying a new one. It is also worth comparing Airbnb insurance separately, even if only to know what else is available before you speak to them.

If you own the property with a mortgage, or it is leasehold, check with your lender and freeholder too. Most mortgage lenders decide whether to allow spare-room letting case by case, so you may be in breach of your agreement if you do not ask.

Does Airbnb provide insurance for hosts?

Partly. Airbnb offers AirCover, which includes host liability and host damage protection, but it comes with exclusions and limitations, and Airbnb's own website states: 'Host damage protection isn't an insurance policy.' Pets, jewellery, artwork and common spaces are not included.

Because of the exclusions and the fact that it is not an insurance policy, many hosts choose a dedicated Airbnb insurance policy alongside it.

What does Airbnb insurance cover?

A dedicated Airbnb insurance policy generally covers much the same as a standard home insurance policy, with some extra details for hosting. Exactly what is included varies by provider and the options you choose.

• Buildings and contents: your property and possessions are covered against the usual risks such as fire, theft, burst pipes and flooding.
• Accidental damage: cover in case a guest breaks something of yours.
• Home emergency: as with home insurance, cover for emergencies such as a broken boiler or a burst pipe.
• Malicious damage: often an added extra, covering your property and items against deliberate damage by guests.
• High-risk items: high-value or high-risk items such as jewellery, artwork or expensive bikes need to be specified and added on.
• Liability: cover if a guest is injured or their belongings are damaged or stolen while in your home.

What is not covered by Airbnb insurance?

The main gaps are limits on how often you can let and on specific items. Some providers will only cover you to let your property on Airbnb or similar for up to 90 days a year, so check the limit matches how much you plan to host.

High-value items such as jewellery, artwork and expensive bikes are not automatically covered. They need to be specified and added on, and some add-ons such as high-risk items may come with a cover limit of £5,000. Malicious damage by guests is often an added extra rather than standard, so confirm it is included if you want it.

Airbnb insurance is also generally only for when you occupy the property as your main residence. If you are a landlord letting properties on Airbnb or similar, you need specific landlord insurance instead.

What affects the cost of Airbnb insurance?

The price depends on the provider and the details you select. Whether you let a single room or your whole property, the level of buildings and contents cover you need, and the optional extras you add will all shape the premium.

Add-ons such as accidental damage, malicious damage, home emergency and high-risk items each add to the cost, as does the value of any specified items such as jewellery, artwork or bikes. The number of days a year you plan to host matters too, since some providers cap cover at 90 days a year. Comparing quotes is the only way to see what hosts with your set-up are actually offered.

Do landlords need Airbnb insurance or landlord insurance?

Landlords need landlord insurance. Airbnb insurance is generally just for hosts who occupy the property as their main residence and let a room or the whole home while they live there.

If you let out properties you do not live in on Airbnb or similar sites, you will need to buy specific landlord insurance that reflects short-term letting. Buying the wrong type of policy risks a claim being refused, so be clear with the insurer about how the property is used.

How do I compare Airbnb insurance quotes?

Fill in one short form with details of your property and how you host. Specialist insurers on a panel then contact you with quotes tailored to your situation, so you can compare what each offers before you decide.

When you compare, check the annual letting limit, whether accidental and malicious damage are included, the limit on high-risk items, and the level of liability cover. Quote Goat provides access to a comparison service and is rated 4.8/5 on Reviews.io, with 97% of customers saying they would recommend us.