Best insurance for vacation rentals in Spain — practical guide for hosts 2026

The vacation rental market in Spain continues to be an interesting opportunity for owners and investors, but it also brings specific risks: damage caused by guests, civil liability, occupations, problems with neighborhood communities or sanctions for non-compliance with regulations. In 2026 — with a more demanding regulatory framework and platforms that offer partial protections — choosing the right policy is key to protecting the asset and reputation. In this article, I explain what to cover, which companies are suitable today in Spain and how to combine technology (such as Raixer's products) with insurance to reduce claims and costs.

1. What risks does (and does not) a vacation rental insurance cover?

Specific policies for tourist use homes or short-term rentals usually include, at a minimum:

• Property damage to the property and its contents due to accidents (fire, water, breakage).
• Civil liability for claims for injuries or damages to third parties during the stay.
• Theft and burglary (with deductibles and limits according to the policy).
• Legal defense and claims for non-payment of damages.
• Additional options: coverage for squatting (illegal occupation), loss of income due to claims, protection against damages caused by guests and assistance during travel or at home.

Note: many traditional insurers sell this as a home insurance add-on — but the key is declaring tourist use. If you don't, the company may deny coverage when a claim occurs during a tourist stay. That's why there are policies specifically designed for 'tourist use property' or 'host'.

2. What to look for when comparing companies in 2026?

Prioritize the following:

• Explicit coverage for tourist use: including damage caused by guests and civil liability for tourist activity.
• Clear limits and exclusions: maximum amount per claim (e.g., €30,000 for guest damage) and exclusions for negligence.
• Deductibles and total cost: a low premium can lead to high deductibles; calculate what you would assume.
• Speed in claims management and ability to relocate guests if necessary.
• Integration with platforms and partners: some management companies and software reserve integrations with insurance (e.g., Hiscox integration in some booking services).

3. The most recommended companies in Spain (2026)

Below we list insurance companies and solutions that, according to comparisons and current offers in Spain, are relevant for hosts. It is not an exhaustive list, but it is useful as a starting point.

MAPFRE — robust option with a service network

MAPFRE offers adaptable home insurance and has specific coverage for temporary or secondary homes. Its advantage is the extensive network of experts and 24-hour assistance, as well as the possibility of hiring legal and liability coverage. It is a safe option for those seeking support from a large national company.

Hiscox — specialized in second homes and high-value properties

Hiscox has products aimed at vacation homes and “holiday homes”, with coverage designed for second homes and non-continuous uses. Its approach is usually flexible, and it is entering the rental management ecosystem as a provider of insurance for guest damages, which makes it interesting for hosts with properties of certain value or managed professionally.

Caser — specific product “5-star Host”

Caser has launched specific solutions with a commercial name for vacation rental (civil liability coverage, guest relocation, assistance and protection against accidental damage). It stands out for its tourism-oriented packages and additional services designed to improve the guest experience.

AXA, Zurich, Catalana Occidente and other major companies

AXA and Zurich continue to be references for financial solidity and broad home coverage that can be extended to vacation use if declared correctly. Catalana Occidente and other medium-sized companies also offer specific coverage through specialized mediators or comparators. When comparing, look at the specific coverage for "hosts" and the clauses on guests and temporary occupation.

Platform protections: AirCover and limits

Platforms like Airbnb offer their own protections (AirCover) which include Host Damage Protection (with high dollar limits) and liability insurance. Note: these protections complement, but do not replace a policy with specific coverage for tourist rentals in Spain — they may also have conditions and exclusions. Use AirCover as an additional layer, not as your only defense.

4. How much does it cost and how to reduce the premium?

Premiums vary according to location (higher cost in coastal areas and tourist demand), content value, number of beds, and whether management is professional. To reduce costs and risk:

• Correctly inform the insurer of the tourist use.
• Install preventive measures: smart locks, cameras in common areas (with legal notice), smoke detectors, secure enclosures. These measures tend to reduce premiums or facilitate policy acceptance. (Here Raixer adds value: a lock and doorbell system with multiple access methods reduces the likelihood of damage from unauthorized entries and facilitates access traceability).
• Strict check-in/check-out policy and guest identity verification.
• Professional management or channel manager that filters risky bookings and manages communication.

5. Practical cases — which policy to choose according to your profile

• Owner who rents occasionally (weekends): look for a second home policy with a clause for temporary stays and civil liability. Hiscox and MAPFRE are options to consider.
• Professional manager or small hostels: multi-risk policy for tourist activity with broad coverage for guest damages and legal defense; consider Caser Anfitrión or specialized policies offered by brokers working in the sector.
• Platform-managed rental: maintain your own insurance and use AirCover as a complement: remember to read exclusions and limits.

6. Steps to hire the best policy (quick checklist)

1. Declare tourist use to the insurer.
2. Request compared quotes that include claims records and average response time.
3. Check claim limits for guest damages and civil liability.
4. Check clauses on squatters and loss of income.
5. Request discounts for preventive measures (smart locks, alarm).
6. Keep inventory documentation and photos before each guest arrival to facilitate claims.

7. Integration between insurance and technology — Raixer example

Installing smart locks and connected doorbells (such as Raixer's solution, which allows multiple access methods and remote control) not only improves the guest experience: it reduces risks (unauthorized entries, duplicate keys, vandalism) and facilitates evidence in case of a claim. Inform your insurer about these measures: many apply discounts or facilitate policy acceptance when the property has access control systems and event logs. (Raixer can help document access and alerts to attach in the event of a claim).

8. Final recommendation and next steps

• Don't rely solely on the platform's protection: hire a specific policy for vacation use.
• Request at least 3 quotes (large insurer, specialized company and broker/mediator who knows the tourist sector).
• Combine the policy with preventive technology and clear check-in/out protocols.

Conclusion: insurance and control, the winning combination in 2026

Vacation rental in Spain in 2026 is a profitable business, but it also requires increasingly professional management. Choosing the best insurance is not just about comparing prices, but about understanding the real risks of the business.

A specific policy for vacation rental, combined with access control technology like Raixer's, allows protecting the home, improving the guest experience and reducing conflicts and costs in the long term.

Investing in prevention, control and adequate coverage is the basis for growing safely in an increasingly demanding and competitive market.

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