Halloween might be right around the corner (at least, when we’re writing this), but the scariest thing an Airbnb host faces is the specter of property damage and guest injury all year round.
Airbnb may suggest that its AirCover policy is the best insurance for Airbnb hosts, but its coverage is limited. It can leave hosts open to potentially business-ruining repair costs or guest lawsuits.
Sadly, some Airbnb hosts only discover this after damage has already happened. In contrast, others — like John Hildebrand* in Arizona — are extremely glad they have cover beyond Airbnb when their guests wreak havoc, break the house rules, and leave severe damage and excess mess*.
That’s why damage cover with Airbnb insurance companies that go beyond Airbnb’s own platform is so important. But with a wide variety of options out there, it’s confusing to know which to choose.
Do you need a policy, a damage waiver, or both? Does your business need accidental coverage or a damage deposit? What will work best for you?
In truth, the “best” insurance for Airbnb hosts will depend on factors including your property needs, portfolio size, and risk factors. Each provider has a different focus. To help you decide, let’s take a look at some top options.
*Airbnb host, Hilde Homes founder, vacation rental expert, and Superhog client, YouTube, 2023.
Why do Airbnb hosts need insurance?
Airbnb offers its very own AirCover for Hosts policy with each listing, so you could be forgiven for thinking that Airbnb hosts don’t need extra insurance. But for many hosts and property managers, AirCover just isn’t enough to provide real peace of mind.
Yes, it offers some damage protection up to US $3 million, basic guest screening, and liability insurance up to US $1 million. But some major drawbacks include the fact that it doesn’t cover intentional damage, damage caused by extreme weather, and is limited in the amount of cover.
You may find that AirCover isn’t the best Airbnb insurance for your hosting needs when or if:
- You want more protection than AirCover offers. You want to cover specific items or set up coverage for more than AirCover’s limits, get cover in case of a natural disaster, or intentional damage by rule-breakers rather than rare accidents (e.g. a disruptive party vs a wine spill).
- You want to screen guests more thoroughly. Airbnb’s verification and screening systems are basic at best. Companies like Superhog and Autohost.ai go much deeper and check many more records and criminal databases to prevent bad guests from arriving in the first place.
- You want to go beyond Airbnb. If you list on other OTAs, or even want to develop your direct booking strategy and expand, AirCover won’t apply, leaving you entirely unprotected.
Take a look at the Airbnb Damage Policy Overview and get a better idea of how the Airbnb security deposit works.
Even Airbnb itself states: “While AirCover for Hosts protects you while you’re hosting an Airbnb stay or Experience, it’s not a substitute for personal insurance.”
Here’s a quick summary of the differences between Airbnb AirCover, and the best Airbnb protection providers and screening platforms.
| Airbnb AirCover for Hosts | Airbnb Host protection platforms like Superhog | |
| 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 | ❌ | ✅ |
| Damage waiver system | ❌ | ✅ |
| Damage deposit system | ✅ Optional extra charge | ✅ |
| Works even outside of Airbnb (direct bookings or other OTAs) | ❌ | ✅ |
| Designed especially for property managers (not “hobby hosts”) | ❌ | ✅ |
When considering the best insurance for Airbnb properties, consider questions such as:
What should Airbnb hosts look for in an insurance provider?
- How much coverage do I need? Up to how much? This could directly impact the policy you choose, especially if you need considerably more than AirCover’s limits.
- Do I want malicious damage coverage as well as accidental? Consider the likely risks and previous situations you may have experienced before.
- How comfortable am I asking guests to pay for damage waivers, or selling them insurance? Do you want your property to be covered even when guests aren’t staying, do you want every stay to be covered automatically, or do you want to set up each policy on a guest-by-guest basis?
- Do I need an all-in-one policy, or are integrations with other tools more important? Consider your existing tech stack and automation needs.
- What damage do I anticipate to be most common? What is most likely to need coverage and what kinds of guests or situations do you anticipate at your rentals?
- What are my biggest security or damage problems currently? Are you looking for a particular kind of insurance or risk prevention solution for a specific issue?
You will also want to consider factors such as:
- Integration with Airbnb. Make sure that the solution you choose actually works for the platform.
- Speed of claim payouts. How quickly and often does the company tend to pay a claim?
- Customer service. Do you need a company that has easy-to-access help if needed?
- Team support. Is there a dedicated account manager for incidents (like at Superhog?)
- OTA and channel options. Will this system work for all channels, including direct bookings?
7 Top Airbnb insurance providers and risk management tools
Now you know why you need extra insurance for Airbnb rentals, and what to look for when choosing a platform, let’s take a look at the leading options available now. Mind that there are many new alternatives to Airbnb insurance on the STR market. Some of them offer more flexible insurance plans while others offer more flexible, customizable protection services like Superhog.
1. Superhog
Disclaimer! Superhog is NOT an insurance company.
Superhog specializes in vacation rental damage protection and risk management, and making sure that you know exactly who is staying in your properties.
The easy-to-use platform helps you check guests’ backgrounds, verify ID, and has several seamless options for damage protection, enabling you to collect payments quickly from guests, without adding friction or frustration to their stay.
It connects seamlessly to Airbnb via API integration, and also integrates with property management systems (PMSs), other online travel agencies (OTAs), direct booking websites, channel managers, and other guest experience tools for complete short-term rental (STR) control.
Key features
- Guest Screening across multiple databases.
- ID Verification and biometric screening.
- Damage Waiver to cover small damages.
- Damage Deposit for extra property security.
- Damage Protection up to €5 million for verified bookings.
Pricing
- Free demo and pricing on request.
Most helpful review
“Superhog offers us the reassurance that a damage waiver policy is in place in the event of an accident or a claim. I have to say the team at Superhog are extremely helpful and accommodating. I would highly recommend this company to other operators who require a personal touch.”
Best for
Short-term rental operators who want a straightforward-yet-comprehensive risk management tool that connects seamlessly with their existing tech stack for reliable damage protection.
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
- Pricing available on request.
Most helpful review
“The claims process is simple to go through…It’s also a really powerful thing when you can make a claim on something that isn’t necessarily accidental.” — Safely testimonial
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 a number of reservations per month. 12, 24, or 36-month contract. Quote and free demo on request.
Most helpful review
“Autohost makes vetting guests so quick and easy. They are super responsive to any questions and concerns their clients might have.” — Trustpilot
Best for
Airbnb hosts who are particularly focused on preventing fraud, chargebacks, and criminal activity.
4. Proper Insurance
Proper.insure
Proper Insurance is a company with Airbnb insurance policies designed specifically for STR 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.
Most helpful review
“I have been using Proper Insurance from all of the short-term-rental properties that I own…Each time I’ve submitted a claim, their customer service has been outstanding. They are extremely responsive and helpful.” — 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.
Most helpful review
“Very easy to use service that gives extra peace of mind when adding on host insurance top up to cover any incidents for our Airbnb rental.” — 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
Rental Guardian’s Home Guardian policy primarily provides property managers and guests 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 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.
Most helpful 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.” — Rental Guardian testimonial
Best for
Property managers, homeowners and hosts who want a more traditional insurance policy (but 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.
Most helpful 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.
Insurance for Airbnb Hosts: Find the best one for you
Finding the best insurance for your Airbnb starts with understanding that Airbnb’s AirCover for Hosts offers limited protection, and leaves hosts vulnerable to significant damage or guest injury.
That’s why many hosts opt for additional insurance. The “best” option for you will depend on your needs, but platforms like Superhog, Safely, and Proper Insurance are among those that provide extensive protection, including different systems for in-depth guest screening, liability protection, and coverage for multiple platforms, not just Airbnb.
For hosts with larger portfolios or direct bookings, platforms like Superhog could be your best option, as they integrate seamlessly with existing systems, offer features like damage waivers, deposits, and background checks — so you (and your guests) can sleep easy, knowing your risk coverage goes far beyond the basics.
Because being a host can be tough any time of year, without the fear of extra risk (Halloween or not!).😱
Best Insurance for Airbnb Hosts: FAQs
