Airbnb Vacation Rental Insurance: What Every Host Needs to Know
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- 22 hours ago
- 2 min read
Hosting on Airbnb can be a rewarding way to earn extra income, but it also comes with risks that many property owners overlook. From guest injuries to property damage and income loss, relying solely on Airbnb’s built-in protections may leave you exposed.
At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in short-term rental insurance for Airbnb hosts, offering comprehensive coverage that fills the gaps left by Airbnb’s AirCover program. Here’s what every host needs to know to protect their property and business.
What Is Airbnb’s AirCover?
Airbnb’s AirCover is a free protection program for hosts that includes:
$1 million in host liability insurance
$3 million in damage protection
Pet damage and deep cleaning reimbursement
Income loss protection for canceled bookings due to guest damage
Guest identity verification and reservation screening
While AirCover sounds generous, it’s not a substitute for traditional insurance. It only applies during active bookings and excludes wear and tear, intentional damage, and some liability claims.
Why Hosts Need Third-Party Insurance
Standard homeowners' insurance typically includes a business activity exclusion, meaning claims related to short-term rentals may be denied. That’s why Airbnb hosts need dedicated vacation rental insurance.
Wexford Insurance offers policies that include:
Property damage caused by guests
Liability protection for injuries or lawsuits
Loss of rental income due to covered events
Coverage during vacancy periods
Protection for amenities like pools, hot tubs, and decks
Common Risks Airbnb Hosts Face
Without proper insurance, Airbnb hosts may face:
Guest injuries: Slips, falls, or accidents can lead to lawsuits.
Property damage: From broken furniture to fire or flooding.
Theft: Airbnb’s coverage doesn’t protect against stolen valuables.
Legal issues: Local laws may require specific insurance or permits.
Income loss: If your property becomes uninhabitable, you may lose bookings and revenue.
Final Thoughts
Airbnb’s AirCover is a helpful starting point, but it’s not enough to fully protect your rental business. As a host, you need insurance that covers every scenario—from guest injuries to property damage and income loss.
Wexford Insurance provides tailored coverage for Airbnb hosts, ensuring peace of mind and financial protection. Whether you rent occasionally or operate full-time, we help you stay covered and confident. Connect today!
FAQs
Q1: Is Airbnb’s AirCover real insurance?
No. It’s a protection program, not a licensed insurance policy, and it has coverage limitations.
Q2: Does homeowners insurance cover Airbnb rentals?
Usually not. Most policies exclude short-term rental activity unless specifically endorsed.
Q3: What does Wexford Insurance cover that Airbnb doesn’t?
Wexford covers vacancy periods, amenities, and broader liability and property damage risks.
