Vacation rental insurance: What it is and what options are available

Today we are talking about what it is and what options you have to hire a vacation rental insurance. The truth is that Airbnb, the majority platform for tourist housing reservations, has included host protection insurance for some time now. In this post, we tell you what Airbnb insurance consists of and what coverage it offers. Finally, we will discuss vacation rental insurance and the cases for which it is recommended.

Airbnb insurance for hosts

The host protection insurance offered by Airbnb is a public liability insurance

What does Airbnb insurance cover?

The vacation rental insurance offered by the company provides main coverage of up to $1 million in case of claims by third parties for injuries or property damage. It also covers certain property damage in common areas outside the accommodation - for example, the landing. Owners and hosts are also covered if the guest sues them for injuries during their stay. For Airbnb's insurance to cover the claim, it must occur in locations that have these characteristics:

• To be owned or controlled by the host
• Listed in the Airbnb ad
• Booked and occupied by guests through the platform - where they have accepted the terms of service.

What is not covered by Airbnb insurance?

Some types of property and some damages are excluded from vacation rental insurance:

• Damage related to aircraft, automobiles and mobile equipment that are not classified as accommodation on the platform
• Injuries or abuse to guests
• Injuries caused by Pladur manufactured, in whole or in part, in China
• Communicable diseases
• Contractual liability for injuries or damages that are covered by other insurance
• Computer crimes
• Employment-related practices
• Self-inflicted injuries
• Damage to insulation systems
• Contamination by fungi or bacteria

You also have to keep in mind that Airbnb insurance does not cover claims not caused by guests. Discover more details about what is and is not covered by Airbnb's vacation rental insurance on its website.

For example, if your home floods and affects one of your neighbors, it would not be covered by Airbnb insurance

Vacation rental insurance

First, you have to bear in mind that traditional home insurance policies –even if they include civil liability–, only cover material and/or personal damages of tenants. For example, it wouldn't cover damages caused by your guests.For instance, if there's a burglary in your vacation rental during your guests' stay, this situation wouldn't be covered in the slightest.Doubtless, opting for a vacation rental insurance is the option that reduces the risk the most. Typically, these insurance policies cover damage caused by fires, floods, and third-party claims, in addition to including coverage in case of theft against guests, electrical damage, or any situation caused by atmospheric phenomena.If you hire maintenance or cleaning staff, you may want to consider taking out employee liability insurance –remember that it's not covered by Airbnb–.Do you have a vacation rental property and live far away to manage it yourself? Discover how smart lock Intercom can help you hand over the keys to your guests remotely.