Imagine checking in on your property to find that your couch has been ripped, your walls vandalized with graffiti, and your prized antique vase shattered on the floor. While rare, this is not an impossible occurrence for Airbnb hosts. With millions of guests staying in short-term rental properties every year, it’s important for hosts to be aware of potential risks and how to protect themselves. This is where Airbnb’s AirCover comes in.
This guide explains what Airbnb AirCover is, how it works, and why it’s important for hosts like you to understand this coverage. We’ll also provide tips on how to make sure you’re fully protected and what to do in the event that something does happen.
What is Airbnb AirCover for Hosts?
Airbnb AirCover, formerly the Airbnb Host Guarantee program, is not just any protection plan; it’s a robust safeguard designed specifically for Airbnb hosts. It addresses the unique challenges of short-term rentals and offers extensive coverage.
Airbnb AirCover coverage includes:
- Property damage protection
- Liability insurance
Essentially, it’s Airbnb’s way of saying, “We’ve got your back.”.
Host damage protection
One of the cornerstones of Airbnb AirCover is its property damage protection. Airbnb AirCover provides hosts with up to $3 million in property damage coverage.
It’s a comprehensive safety net that covers unexpected costs related to a wide array of mishaps, from minor breakages to significant incidents. It will cover hosts with damages such as:
- Furniture
- Property belonging to you
- Valuables
- Some fine art pieces
- Extra cleaning services due to guest damage
- Some pet damage protection from a guest’s pet or service animal
- Income loss protection if you have to cancel confirmed bookings because of damage caused by guests
However, it’s important to be aware that not all damages qualify for coverage. A few examples of items that won’t be covered by AirCover are:
- Normal wear and tear
- Losses due to acts of nature (tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, etc)
- Standard deep cleaning services
Host liability insurance policy
Another great component of Airbnb Aiircover is host liability insurance. This perk is designed to protect hosts with up to $1 million in coverage in the unlikely event that a guest injures themselves during their stay. While some guests will invest in travel insurance, here are a few examples of situations that are covered by Airbnb AirCover host liability insurance:
- Bodily injury to a guest
- If the property of a guest is damaged or stolen
- Damage caused by a guest in common areas (such as a pool in an apartment building)
Note that coverage will not be granted if a guest intentionally causes damage or injury.
How Do You Enroll in Airbnb AirCover?
The beauty of Airbnb AirCover is its inclusivity: all hosts are automatically covered and enrolled with no extra steps or fees. This automatic enrollment ensures that every Airbnb listing is protected from the get-go, offering hosts immediate peace of mind.
Note that hosts are allowed to opt out of Airbnb AirCover. To do so, email [email protected] from the address connected to your vacation rental. You’ll need to include:
- The exact title of your short-term rental
- Your full name
- The phone number associated with your hosting account
If you are operating a short-term rental in the United Kingdom, you are not allowed to opt-out of Airbnb AirCover.
How can you file a property damage claim with Airbnb AirCover?
Airbnb has made the filing process simple. Follow these easy steps to get your reimbursement:
- Be sure to document the issue with photos and videos
- File a claim within 14 days of the guest’s checkout date in the Airbnb Resolution Center
- Provide any relevant documentation (estimates, receipts, etc.)
- The guest will have 24 hours to respond to your reimbursement request.
- If the guest does not respond, you’ll be allowed to file the claim under the Host Damage Protection tab. Once submitted, Airbnb AirCover will work with you to resolve the issue in a timely manner.
How can you file a host liability claim with Airbnb AirCover?
Filing a liability coverage claim with Airbnb AirCover is also straightforward and simple. First, fill out the liability insurance intake form. From there, you will be directed to Airbnb’s insurance representatives. They will guide you through the process of filing a claim and provide any necessary support.
Best Practices for Hosts
While AirCover provides a significant safety net, there are best practices that hosts can employ to make the most of this protection:
- Reduce Incidents: Take proactive measures to minimize risks within your property. This can include installing safety devices like outdoor security cameras, securing valuables, and ensuring that your home meets all local safety codes.
- Clear Communication: Establish open lines of communication with your guests. Clear instructions and house rules can go a long way in preventing misunderstandings and potential damage.
- Documentation: Record any incidents or damage that occur during a guest’s stay. This can include photos, receipts, and communication with the guest.
- Act Quickly: If an incident occurs, it’s important to act quickly and report it to Airbnb AirCover as soon as possible. Delays in reporting may impact the outcome of your claim.
- Consider Additional Insurance: While AirCover provides valuable protection, it may not cover all types of incidents or guest damages. Therefore, hosts should consider additional insurance options to supplement their coverage.
- Screen your guests: Airbnb implements basic reservation screening, but hosts should also take their own precautions. This can include verifying guests’ profiles and reviews from previous hosts and communicating with them before approving a reservation.
- Utilize the 24-hour safety line: The platform offers a 24-hour Airbnb support safety line for hosts to call in case of emergencies. This line can provide assistance and guidance from specially trained safety agents in handling any urgent situations.
Invest in Steadily for Supplemental Insurance
Mashvisor proudly collaborates with Steadily to offer landlords and Airbnb hosts an insurance solution. It covers both the rental property itself and any furnishings owned by the landlord or host.
What sets Steadily apart in the competitive Airbnb insurance market is its focus on shielding landlords from liability claims, thereby providing an added layer of security and peace of mind. In short, Steadily offers:
- Liability Protection: Safeguards landlords against liability claims, offering significant protection in today’s litigious environment.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Includes extensive coverage options such as fire and water damage, theft, guest medical bills, and even lawsuits in the event a guest is injured on the property.
For landlords looking for comprehensive insurance coverage that goes beyond what traditional policies offer, especially in terms of liability protection, Steadily presents an attractive option. While it comes with a higher price tag, the level of coverage and peace of mind from top-to-bottom protection is priceless.
Final Thoughts
Airbnb’s AirCover is undoubtedly a significant step towards providing hosts with much-needed protection. However, it’s always wise to invest in supplemental insurance like Steadily to ensure maximum protection.
With the vacation rental industry rapidly growing, hosts need to be proactive and stay ahead of any potential liabilities. Safeguard your investment and future earnings by understanding what Airbnb AirCover does and does not protect. Don’t wait until it’s too late!
