is airbnb travel insurance good

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Is Airbnb Travel Insurance Worth It?

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Travel insurance can protect you in the event of unforeseen delays or cancellations, but whether you should pay extra for it — or rely on what might already be included in the booking — is a perennial question.

We have some answers for you if you’re wondering, “Is Airbnb insurance worth it?”

Here’s the lowdown on what Airbnb insurance covers and what you’ll be on the hook for if you choose not pay extra for it.

What does travel insurance for an Airbnb rental cover?

This type of travel insurance protects the cost of your Airbnb rental if you encounter unexpected disruptions to your travel before or during your trip.

These policies are underwritten by Generali Global Assistance in the U.S. and Aon and Europ Assistance Group abroad. The insurance coverage is available in nine countries where Airbnb offers rentals and will cover up to 100% of your payment if you cancel for a covered reason.

Examples of covered reasons include a delayed flight that prevents you from arriving at your rental on time or having to cancel the trip because you got sick. Other obstacles might include your bags getting lost en route or a hurricane thwarting your plans. Travel insurance for an Airbnb rental would protect you in these situations.

These are some of the covered protections that come with Airbnb travel insurance:

Trip cancellation for a covered reason.

Flight cancellation due to weather.

Illness or injury.

Trip delay of more than 12 hours.

Loss of baggage. 

Natural disasters.

Theft during the stay.

Stolen travel documents.

In the above instances, Airbnb travel insurance would reimburse you the non-refundable cost of the rental. Without insurance, if you had to cancel, you would be subject to the host’s cancellation rules — which could include forfeiting the entire cost of the rental.

» Learn more: How to book an Airbnb

Is Airbnb travel insurance worth it?

Since you can’t see into the future, this type of travel insurance can help protect expensive Airbnb rentals if you can’t make your trip as originally planned.

Remember that Airbnb travel insurance only covers the cost of the rental, not any other related expenses like airline tickets, car rentals or transportation to the property.

To determine if Airbnb travel insurance is worth it, it’s important to know what other types of insurance you already have. Do you have any travel protection through your credit card ? If so, that may be more than enough to cover your Airbnb rental, and purchasing an Airbnb travel insurance policy wouldn’t be necessary.

If you want to rely on another form of travel insurance, a comprehensive plan may offer more protection — like covering additional costs associated with travel disruptions — but it can also be more expensive than what Airbnb offers. A good place to check for the best travel insurance for Airbnb is NerdWallet’s list of best travel insurance companies , where you can compare different options.

» Learn more: What to know before you book an Airbnb

Don’t I already have this with Airbnb AirCover?

No. AirCover protects renters from issues that are within the host’s control, whereas travel insurance protects the renter from things outside of the host’s control, like flight disruptions or personal illness.

AirCover protects the renter if the rental doesn’t meet the advertised standards or if the host cancels at the last minute. It also covers operational issues like a broken heater or if the number of bedrooms didn’t match the listing.

Essentially, AirCover assures travelers that their rental is what was advertised. If any issues arise, Airbnb will help you find a comparable alternate rental within the same price point. Alternatively, if you’d prefer not to be rebooked, Airbnb may issue a full or partial refund.

» Learn more: Are Airbnbs more cost-effective than hotels?

How do you get Airbnb travel insurance and how much does it cost?

If you want to add Airbnb travel insurance to your reservation, it’s easy to do during the reservation process through the Airbnb booking platform. The cost will vary and is based on a percentage of the overall trip cost.

Remember, if you use a credit card with ample travel insurance, you might already be protected.

Can you cancel Airbnb travel insurance?

If you need to cancel travel insurance purchased through Airbnb, it’s possible to do so within 10 days of purchase. For residents of Indiana, you can cancel within 30 days of purchase. However, once the trip begins, you can’t cancel it.

» Learn more: How to get an Airbnb discount

Should I get Airbnb travel insurance?

Is Airbnb insurance worth it for guests? Yes and no. It depends on how you purchase your travel.

If you use a credit card with ample protections already, then you may be fine. Otherwise, a travel insurance policy can help you recoup the cost of your rental in the event of a travel disruption.

Ultimately, it will come down to your own personal risk tolerance, but it’s nice to have the option when booking with Airbnb.

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Airbnb Travel Insurance: What Guests Should Know

Airbnb travel insurance can protect your finances if your trip goes awry..

5+ years writing insurance and personal finance topics

Auto, home, health, and life insurance expertise

Elizabeth has extensive insurance industry experience, having written for Insureon, Rate Retriever, and Insurify. She’s also finance and insurance editor for Car and Driver.

Read Editorial Guidelines

Featured in

Licensed auto and home insurance agent

4+ years in content creation and marketing

As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.

Updated September 26, 2023

Reading time: 4 minutes

Table of contents

• Airbnb insurance
• What’s covered
• What’s not covered
• Filing a claim

Staying in an Airbnb can be more convenient and affordable than renting a hotel room. And now, Airbnb offers travel insurance for guests in certain regions. Travel insurance can offer valuable financial protection if you need to cancel a prepaid trip for a covered reason.

Before you book a short-term rental through Airbnb, you should review and understand the available insurance options. Here’s what you need to know about Airbnb insurance, including what’s covered, what’s not covered, and how to file a claim.

Airbnb travel insurance explained

Airbnb travel insurance is an optional policy that you can purchase when booking a short-term rental. If you need to cancel your Airbnb booking for a covered reason, your insurer will reimburse you for up to 100% of your non-refundable reservation costs. It also provides coverage for things like travel delays and medical emergencies.

Airbnb travel insurance is currently available for customers in the United States, United Kingdom, and some European countries, including Austria, Germany, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. [1]

The cost of Airbnb travel insurance is a percentage of your total reservation cost. When you book your stay, you’ll have the option to add travel insurance to your reservation. The cost is added to the total reservation cost as a line item, and you pay for the policy when you check out online.

AirCover vs. Airbnb travel insurance

Every Airbnb booking includes AirCover, which covers things like last-minute booking cancellations by the host and problems during check-in. There’s also a 24/7 safety line that Airbnb guests can call if they feel unsafe. [2]

In addition, AirCover provides certain protections for hosts, like guest identity verification, $3 million in property damage protection, liability insurance, and loss of income insurance.

AirCover and Airbnb travel insurance are different products. AirCover is free with all bookings and covers significant issues that arise with a booking, like inaccurate listings or missing amenities.

On the other hand, Airbnb travel insurance is optional, and you can add it to your reservation for an additional cost. Unlike AirCover, Airbnb travel insurance will refund you for prepaid booking expenses if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason, like flight delays or illness.

What Airbnb travel insurance covers

Airbnb travel insurance provides coverage for many unforeseen situations that can arise during travel. Here are some of the things an optional Airbnb travel insurance policy covers. [3]

Trip cancellation

If you need to cancel your Airbnb reservation for a covered reason, you can file a claim and get refunded for up to 100% of your prepaid and non-refundable costs. Covered reasons include illness and injury, flight cancellations and delays, and government mandates for evacuations due to a natural disaster or other inclement weather events.

Travel delays

This part of the policy will reimburse you for additional expenses if your trip gets delayed by more than 12 hours for a covered reason. Some covered situations include delayed flights, bad weather, and stolen passports and travel documents.

Medical emergencies

If you get sick or injured during your trip, an Airbnb travel insurance plan will reimburse you for medical costs, including prescription medication, emergency transportation in an ambulance, and hospital bills.

Delayed baggage

Guest travel insurance from Airbnb will reimburse you for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage. In addition, this policy will cover damaged travel documents and unauthorized credit card transactions that occur while traveling.

24/7 emergency and travel assistance

Airbnb offers 24/7 assistance while you’re traveling. Whether you experience a medical emergency and need to go to the nearest hospital or have questions about booking restaurants on your trip, a representative from Airbnb can provide the appropriate assistance, day or night.

What Airbnb travel insurance doesn’t cover

Airbnb travel insurance doesn’t cover everything, so it’s important to read your policy’s fine print before purchasing coverage. You’ll have the option to review the terms of Airbnb’s travel insurance contract before you add it to your reservation.

For example, for bookings made on or after May 31, 2022, having COVID-19 is no longer considered an extenuating circumstance that would allow you to cancel your trip for a refund.

There are also some location-specific restrictions. For UK travelers, Airbnb travel insurance doesn’t cover the cost of travel to and from your Airbnb listing, such as trains and ferries. It also won’t cover treatment for pre-existing medical conditions. [3]

How do you file an Airbnb travel insurance claim?

The insurance company that underwrites the policy handles Airbnb’s travel insurance claims. For U.S. residents, the underwriter is Generali. For UK and EU residents, the underwriter is Europ Assistance. [3]

You can initiate the claim process by visiting the coverage overview page on the Airbnb website and selecting “Start a Claim.” You can also contact the insurance company that underwrites your policy directly to start a new claim. [3]

Airbnb travel insurance FAQs

Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Airbnb travel insurance.

How do you add Airbnb travel insurance to your booking?

When you reserve an Airbnb, you’ll have the option to add travel insurance to your reservation before you check out. The travel insurance premium will already be generated, so you can simply check the box to add the insurance policy to your total reservation cost.

Does Airbnb travel insurance cover COVID-19?

Airbnb travel insurance doesn’t cover COVID-19. If you test positive for COVID-19 and need to cancel your trip, the Airbnb host’s cancellation policy will apply. Additionally, Airbnb travel insurance doesn’t cover unexpected travel disruptions due to COVID-19, like quarantine mandates or border closures.

Are hosts covered by Airbnb travel insurance?

Airbnb travel insurance doesn’t provide any protection for hosts or their Airbnb property. However, AirCover, which is included for free in every booking, does provide protections for Airbnb hosts, such as damage to their rental property.

Should you get insurance for Airbnb?

Airbnb travel insurance can be beneficial if you’re spending a lot of money on non-refundable bookings or want to ensure coverage for unexpected issues, like travel delays and lost baggage. However, if you’re driving a short distance to stay in a vacation rental for the weekend, this policy may not be worth the added cost.

Related articles

• Does Travel Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
• What Is Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Travel Insurance?
• Airbnb . " Understanding Travel Insurance ."
• Airbnb . " Aircover for guests ."
• Airbnb . " Travel insurance through Generali ."

Elizabeth Rivelli is a freelance writer covering insurance and personal finance. She has extensive knowledge of various insurance lines, including property and casualty, health, and life insurance. Her byline has been featured in dozens of publications, including Investopedia, Forbes, Bankrate, NextAdvisor, and Insurance.com . 

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Is Airbnb Travel Insurance Worth It?

Airbnb is an online platform known for providing a way for individuals to list, discover, and book lodging accommodations along with travel experiences around the world.

You might probably have come across Airbnb’s travel insurance offerings and wondered if their travel insurance is worth trying. If you find yourself in this speculative situation, then this post is all you need to clear the doubt.

We will carefully explain everything you should know about Airbnb travel insurance, weighing its pros and cons to determine if it is a go-to option or not.

What is Airbnb Travel insurance?

Airbnb travel insurance is a type of insurance that is made for guests who book stays on the Airbnb platform. This policy covers risks such as trip cancellation or interruption, medical expenses, lost luggage, and trip delay. Sometimes, coverage for property damage or personal liability is also covered in the policy.

It is worth noting that Airbnb is not a standalone insurance company, but instead relies on a host of insurance companies to provide travel insurance coverage to guests. Due to this reason, its premiums and coverages might be different depending on the insurance company.

Why Airbnb travel Insurance is worth it

As per Airbnb, “Travel insurance offers to pay guests up to 100% of their Airbnb booking costs when they cancel for covered reasons”.

This means that after purchasing travel insurance from the company and you decide to cancel your booking for a covered reason (covered reasons typically include injury, illness, death, lost or stolen passport), the insurance company is promising to reimburse you up to 100% of the cost of your Airbnb booking.

What travel insurance cover

Airbnb offers two types of travel insurance: Aircover for guests, and Travel insurance through Generali and Europ Assistance. Let’s look at their meaning and what they cover.

Also read : How to Cancel AAA Insurance in 2023 (Quick Steps)

AirCover for guests

Airbnb recently introduced a program for guests known as AirCover – this plan helps protect guests from unexpected events like listing inaccuracies, missing key amenities, specific events like bad weather, stolen travel documents, and even serious illness all for free.

Let’s take a look at what these unexpected events are and the refund percentage Airbnb is ready to reimburse.

• Listing inaccuracies : This means that if you find out that the provided listings i.e. the specific property or accommodation that was listed on the Airbnb platform are not as described, you can get up to 100% of your Airbnb reservation cost reimbursed.
• Missing key amenities : This provides reimbursement of up to 50% of the guests’ Airbnb reservation cost if the property or accommodation is missing key amenities.
• In addition, if you are affected by certain external factors like bad weather, stolen travel documents, and even cases of serious illness, Airbnb through its insurance partners is offering to pay you 100% of your non-refunded Airbnb reservation costs.

Travel insurance through Generali and Europ Assistance

Travel insurance is a paid travel insurance program that is available to guests in the United States, United Kingdom, and some parts of Europe (Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Austria, and Portugal). This is done through Airbnb’s partnership with Europ Assistance Group and its U.S. subsidiary, Generali Global Assistance.

Unlike Aircover with limited coverage, Travel Insurance includes better support to cover a wider range of unexpected issues, including trip cancellation for any reason, lost or stolen passports, and flight delays.

The specific coverage offered by each type of travel insurance varies depending on the country where the guest is traveling. Here’s an overview of what Airbnb Travel insurance covers for US, UK, and EU residents.

US residents through Generali, their travel insurance policy includes:

• Trip cancellation
• Travel delay
• Medical assistance
• It also includes 24/7 emergency and travel assistance services.

UK residents through Europe Assistance, their travel insurance policy includes:

• 24/7 emergency and travel assistance is also included.

EU residents through Europe Assistance, their travel insurance policy includes:

You can refer to Airbnb’s official documentation to learn more about what Airbnb travel insurance includes.

Also read : Why is AAA Insurance So Expensive? Here Are 8 Reasons

Limitations of Airbnb travel insurance

Despite the mouthwatering offers provided by Airbnb, there are still some lapses the company is unable to cover for guests. Below are some limitations.

• Coverage limits : Airbnb has a lower coverage scope as compared to traditional travel insurance companies which have higher coverage for trip cancellation. For example, Airbnb is willing to cover a minimum cancellation fee of $50 USD and a maximum cancellation fee of $1,000 USD, whereas traditional travel insurance tends to cover up to $6,000 or more.
• Claims process : The Airbnb travel insurance claims process can be a tiring experience, mostly due to the fact that Airbnb travel insurance is administered by a third-party company, and in that case if you want to file a claim , you may need to file a claim with both Airbnb and the insurance company responsible for your coverage.
• Cancellation policy: Canceling your Airbnb policy is a straightforward and cheap process. But sometimes, certain situations could make this policy expensive particularly if you need to cancel your booking at the last minute.
• Regulations:  Airbnb is regulated differently in different countries. In some countries, there are restrictions on how many days a year a property can be rented out on Airbnb.

Final Verdict

Whether or not Airbnb travel insurance is worth it depends on your individual circumstances and needs. If you’re seeking basic coverage at a very low cost, then Airbnb is worth it. However, if you are looking for a more robust travel cover, or if your travel could involve high potential risk and loss, then Airbnb might not be the most ideal option for you.

Overall, Airbnb is a candid option to offer you the peace of mind, financial protection, and convenience you need for your trip.

More on Airbnb

Insurance companies that offer policies for airbnb hosts and guests.

Below are top insurance companies that offer policies for Airbnb guests.

• World Nomads

Also read : Insurance for Wineries

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does airbnb travel insurance cost.

The cost of Airbnb travel insurance varies depending on the length of your trip, your destination, and the level of coverage you choose.

Airbnb’s travel insurance policies and refund policies can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the type of coverage you’re referring to.

For example, if you purchased a standalone travel insurance through Airbnb or another provider, the refundability of the insurance premium would depend on the terms of the insurance policy itself.

Can I still access Airbnb travel insurance coverage without being a resident in the US, UK, or EU?

No. Airbnb is only available for residents in the US, UK, and eight other selected EU countries.

How do I know if Airbnb travel insurance is right for me?

To know if Airbnb travel insurance is right for you, first consider the potential risks, your individual preferences, and your coverage.

Is Airbnb Travel Insurance Worth It? Exploring the Pros and Cons

Planning a vacation can be an exciting experience, but it’s essential to consider all aspects of your trip, including travel insurance. While Airbnb offers its own travel insurance policy, you might be wondering, “Is Airbnb travel insurance worth it?” In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Airbnb’s insurance coverage, exploring its benefits and drawbacks to help you make an informed decision about protecting your trip.

Understanding Airbnb Travel Insurance:

Airbnb offers a built-in Host Protection Insurance program that provides coverage for property damage and liability claims up to a certain limit. However, this insurance primarily protects the hosts rather than the guests. To address this, Airbnb introduced a separate Guest Refund Policy and Host Guarantee to protect travelers from unexpected circumstances.

Pros of Airbnb Travel Insurance:

• Convenient and Affordable: One of the biggest advantages of Airbnb travel insurance is its convenience. By opting for Airbnb’s insurance, you can easily add coverage to your booking with just a few clicks. Additionally, the cost is often included in the overall price, making it a hassle-free choice.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Airbnb’s insurance coverage offers protection against trip cancellations, interruptions, and delays caused by specific unforeseen circumstances, such as illness, accidents, or natural disasters. This can provide peace of mind, knowing that you have financial protection in case of unexpected events.
• Worldwide Coverage: Whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, Airbnb’s insurance coverage applies globally. This means you can feel secure no matter where your adventures take you.
• Host Protection Insurance: As a guest, you benefit indirectly from Airbnb’s Host Protection Insurance. This coverage protects you in case of accidental property damage or personal injury claims made by the host. Knowing that you have some form of protection can make your stay more relaxed and worry-free.

Cons of Airbnb Travel Insurance:

• Limited Coverage: While Airbnb’s insurance coverage is comprehensive in certain areas, it does come with limitations. It’s crucial to carefully read the policy to understand the specific circumstances under which you’re covered and the applicable deductibles or limits.
• Exclusions and Pre-Existing Conditions: Like any insurance policy, Airbnb’s coverage comes with certain exclusions and limitations. Pre-existing medical conditions, war-related incidents, and high-risk activities may not be covered. Make sure to review the policy details to understand what is and isn’t included.
• Overlapping Coverage: Before purchasing Airbnb’s insurance, consider any existing travel insurance policies you might already have. If you already have coverage through another provider, it’s important to compare the benefits and coverage limits to avoid unnecessary duplication.
• Claims Process: Some travelers have reported challenges when it comes to the claims process with Airbnb’s insurance. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the steps involved and the required documentation to ensure a smooth claims experience, should the need arise.

Making an Informed Decision:

Deciding whether Airbnb travel insurance is worth it ultimately depends on your personal circumstances, risk tolerance, and travel plans. If you value convenience, affordable coverage, and the peace of mind that comes with protection against unforeseen events, Airbnb’s insurance might be a suitable option. However, if you already have robust travel insurance or are traveling to high-risk destinations, you might want to explore other insurance options to ensure comprehensive coverage.

While Airbnb travel insurance offers convenient and affordable coverage for travelers, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Consider your specific travel needs, compare the coverage and limitations, and evaluate any existing insurance policies you may have. By taking these factors into account, you can make an informed decision that best suits your travel requirements and provides the necessary protection for a worry-free trip.

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Home » Travel Insurance » Airbnb Travel Insurance: Is It Worth It? Your Ultimate Guide to Protecting Your Stay

• Travel Insurance

Airbnb Travel Insurance: Is It Worth It? Your Ultimate Guide to Protecting Your Stay

• Author | Alexa Erickson
• April 15, 2024

The Daily Navigator strives to help you make the best decisions in travel. While we produce content according with strict editorial integrity this post may contain references to partner products. Here’s a full explanation for how our team makes money .

• Understanding travel insurance coverage
• Factors to consider
• When travel insurance may not be necessary
• What may be excluded from travel insurance
• How to get travel insurance

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a type of insurance coverage that provides financial protection against unexpected events or emergencies that may occur during your travels, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost baggage, or other unforeseen circumstances.

What are the main types of travel insurance?

• The main categories of travel insurance are typically based on the type of coverage they provide. Here are the main categories of travel insurance:
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance: This  covers expenses incurred if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to covered reasons such as illness, injury, death, natural disasters, or other unforeseen events. 
• Medical insurance: This provides coverage for medical expenses incurred while traveling. It can include emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, doctor’s visits, medications, and medical evacuations.
• Baggage and personal  belongings insurance: This type of travel insurance protects against loss, damage, or theft of your luggage, personal belongings, and valuables during your trip. 
• Travel delay insurance: This covers additional expenses incurred due to unexpected delays, such as flight cancellations, missed connections, or severe weather conditions. 
• Emergency evacuation insurance: This category assists with the cost of emergency evacuations, particularly in remote or medically inadequate areas. 
• Accidental death and dismemberment insurance: This provides financial compensation in the event of accidental death, loss of limbs, or permanent disabilities resulting from accidents that occur during your trip.

How much does travel insurance cost?

The cost of travel insurance varies depending on several factors, including your destination, the length of your trip, your age, the coverage options you choose, and any pre-existing medical conditions. It is advisable to compare quotes from different insurance providers to find the best coverage at a competitive price.

Where can you buy travel insurance?

Travel insurance can be purchased from various sources, providing flexibility and options for travelers. Here are some common places where you can buy travel insurance:

• Insurance companies: Many insurance companies offer travel insurance policies. You can directly contact insurance providers to inquire about their offerings, receive quotes, and purchase a policy. These companies may have online platforms or local offices where you can access their services.
• Travel agencies: Travel agencies often offer travel insurance as part of their services. When booking your trip through a travel agency, they can provide you with options for travel insurance coverage and facilitate the purchase on your behalf.
• Online travel booking platforms: Online travel booking platforms, such as Expedia , Travelocity, or Kayak, often provide the option to purchase travel insurance during the booking process. These platforms may partner with insurance providers to offer a range of policies that you can select from.
• Credit card companies: Some credit card companies offer travel insurance as a benefit to their cardholders. If you have a credit card with travel-related perks, review the terms and benefits associated with your card to see if travel insurance coverage is included and how to access it.
• Comparison websites: There are online comparison websites that allow you to compare different travel insurance policies from multiple providers. These platforms provide a convenient way to review coverage options, prices, and customer reviews, helping you make an informed decision.
• Specialized travel insurance providers: There are companies that specialize in travel insurance, offering a wide range of policies tailored to different types of travelers and trips. These specialized providers may have additional coverage options or unique features that cater to specific needs, such as adventure travel or long-term travel.

With the rise of vacation rental platforms like Airbnb, travelers are increasingly seeking ways to protect their trips from unforeseen events. This is where Airbnb travel insurance comes into play. 

Let’s take a detailed look at what Airbnb travel insurance is, its importance, who offers it, and whether you should consider purchasing it.

Read also: The Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024

What is Airbnb travel insurance?

Airbnb travel insurance is designed to cover unexpected events that may affect your travel plans when booking accommodations through Airbnb. This type of insurance can cover a range of incidents, including trip cancellations, interruptions, medical emergencies, and even lost luggage. Essentially, it acts as a safety net, ensuring that travelers can recover some of their costs if their travel plans are disrupted by covered events.

Should you get Airbnb travel insurance?

The decision to purchase Airbnb travel insurance largely depends on your personal risk tolerance and the nature of your trip. If you are planning a costly vacation, or traveling to a location with volatile weather or political climates, travel insurance can be particularly valuable. It offers peace of mind by mitigating financial losses due to last-minute cancellations or medical emergencies.

Here are some scenarios where Airbnb travel insurance can be beneficial:

• High investment trips : If you’re spending a significant amount on your Airbnb bookings, flights, and other travel arrangements, insurance can protect that investment.
• International travel : For trips abroad, where unexpected medical costs and trip delays are more problematic, travel insurance is highly advisable.
• Traveling in uncertain times : During periods of global uncertainty, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, having travel insurance means you’re more likely to recoup costs if plans change unexpectedly.

Navigator Tip

One crucial tip for travelers considering Airbnb travel insurance is to purchase the insurance policy shortly after booking your trip. Many travel insurance policies offer the most comprehensive coverage options, including a “Cancel For Any Reason” benefit, only if the insurance is purchased within a specific time frame after making the initial trip deposit—often within 10 to 21 days.

Buying your insurance early not only maximizes the coverage available but also ensures that you’re protected right from the start of your trip planning. This early purchase is particularly important for trips planned during peak travel seasons or to areas prone to natural disasters, as it secures your investment against a broader range of potential disruptions.

Who offers Airbnb travel insurance?

Airbnb guests residing in the US have the option to purchase travel insurance and assistance services either at the time of checkout or after their booking is confirmed. 

However, there are many third-party providers that offer policies for Airbnb customers as well. One reputable provider in this market is Squaremouth . Squaremouth is known for its transparent approach to selling travel insurance, providing a platform where travelers can compare policies from various insurers to find the best fit for their needs.

When choosing a policy, it’s important to read the fine print and understand what is and isn’t covered. Not all travel insurance policies are created equal, and coverage can vary significantly between providers.

Why consider Squaremouth for your Airbnb travel insurance?

Squaremouth stands out for several reasons:

• Comparison shopping : Squaremouth allows travelers to compare different travel insurance policies from top-rated insurers side by side.
• Customer reviews : The platform offers customer reviews and ratings for each policy, helping you make an informed decision based on other travelers’ experiences.
• Comprehensive coverage options : From trip cancellation to medical emergencies, Squaremouth offers a range of coverage options that cater to various travel needs.

Several insurance companies offer travel insurance policies that are suitable for Airbnb stays, including:

Tin Leg offers travel insurance that is suitable for Airbnb stays, featuring comprehensive coverage options. Their policies typically include benefits such as trip cancellation, interruption, emergency medical coverage, and baggage loss or delay.

Seven Corners

Seven Corners offers various travel insurance plans that can be tailored to include coverage for stays at rental properties like those booked through Airbnb. Their plans often cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, and interruptions.

Are there credit cards that offer travel insurance you can use for booking an Airbnb?

Yes, several credit cards offer travel insurance benefits that can be useful when booking an Airbnb stay. These benefits typically include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, travel accident insurance, baggage delay insurance, and sometimes even emergency medical and evacuation coverage. Here are a few key points to consider if you’re thinking of using a credit card’s travel insurance for your Airbnb booking:

Key features of credit card travel insurance

• Trip cancellation and interruption Insurance : This coverage can reimburse you for non-refundable travel expenses, including Airbnb stays, if your trip is canceled or cut short due to covered reasons such as sickness, severe weather, or other qualifying unforeseen events.
• Baggage delay insurance : If your bags are delayed, this insurance may cover the cost of essential items until your luggage arrives.
• Travel accident insurance : Provides coverage for accidental death or dismemberment that occurs while traveling.
• Emergency medical and evacuation : Some premium credit cards offer this coverage, which can be crucial, especially for international travel. It covers emergency medical expenses and, if necessary, medical evacuation.

Considerations when using credit card travel insurance for Airbnb

Coverage limits : Credit card travel insurance often has lower coverage limits and more exclusions compared to standalone travel insurance policies. It’s essential to review the terms and benefits to ensure they meet your needs.

Eligibility requirements : To activate these insurance benefits, you typically need to pay for a significant portion of your travel expenses with the credit card that offers the coverage. Ensure that your Airbnb booking is eligible.

Specific coverage details : The specifics of what is covered can vary greatly from one credit card to another. For example, some cards may exclude certain types of travel disruptions or reasons for cancellations that standalone travel insurance might cover.

Popular credit cards offering travel insurance

Chase sapphire reserve®.

 Offers extensive travel insurance benefits, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and emergency medical coverage.

60,000 Bonus Points

after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Learn More  –> 

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel card that’s accessible to most travelers as it has a number of valuable and easy-to-use benefits. Its annual fee of $550, though still high, is quickly offset thanks to its $300 travel credit, large welcome bonus, strong spending categories, and premium perks like airport lounge access. It’s also great for those who don’t want to deal with transferring their points, as you’ll get big value when redeeming through Chase’s travel portal.

• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel—which is more than the annual fee.
• The $300 travel credit covers anything travel related, whether thats an Airbnb, a taxi, a flight, or hotel, making it almost impossible not to lessen the dent the fee made.
• The points are worth 1.5 cents a piece when used directly on Chase’s Ultimate Rewards Portal, offering a simple but high value use for your points.
• Plenty of excellent transfer partners allow points to be maximized
• Some excellent partnerships with Doordash and Lyft add to its value.
• Priority Pass membership allows access to over 1,300+ airport lounges and restaurants.
• No complimentary elite hotel status, like that offered by the Amex Platinum.
• You won’t earn points on travel purchases until the $300 credit is used.
• It’s subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule. So if you’ve opened five cards in the last two years, you’re most likely not going to be accepted.

Annual Fee: $550   |  Terms Apply   |   Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card® from American Express

This luxury travel credit card offers a hefty welcome bonus, and an annual fee that more than pays for itself thanks to its plentiful perks. The card includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance, as well as travel accident insurance, with generous coverage limits.

80,000 Membership Rewards® Points

after you spend $8,000 on purchases in your first 6 months of card membership

The Amex Platinum was once the sole dominating force in the luxury credit card space. While it now faces some stiff competition, it still offers unbeatable perks like unprecedented airport lounge access, elite status at Hilton and Marriott, and some outstanding statement credits making the mammoth $695 worth it for some.

  PROS

• The Amex Platinum’s typical intro bonus of 80,000 points is massive in itself. It’s worth $800 when spent directly through Amex’s travel portal on flights and hotels, which is already stellar. But when transferred to a partner, it’s very possible to squeeze over $1,600 or more in value. 
• The Platinum has a slew of top-tier benefits, like Priority Pass, which gives the cardholder access to thousands of airport lounges and restaurants around the world, as well as Amex’s own Centurion lounges which are known for the high-quality (and free) food and cocktails. Other perks include up to $200 in Uber credits (to receive this benefit, you must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible American Express card must be a method of payment in your Uber account, and this Amex Benefit may only be used in the United States), up to $200 in airline fee credits (given in statement credits), up to $240 in digital streaming credits, up to $200 towards hotel bookings (given in statement credits) with Amex’s Fine Hotels and Resorts (2 night minimum stay required), and more. Enrollment is required for select benefits.
• A number of statement credits spanning multiple industries can build even more value into the card, including free stays when applied strategically.
• The Amex concierge is an underutilized benefit that can transform a trip by helping book hard-to-find dinner reservations or show tickets.

  CONS

• The $695 annual fee is brutally high. Too high for many that can’t, or don’t want to take full advantage of its benefits.
• Points-earning rates are low unless spending directly on flights or with the Amex Portal.
• Some of the benefits, like travel credits, are more limited and are harder to use than competing cards’ offerings. 

Annual Fee: $695  |   Terms Apply  |   Rates & Fees

For just a $95 annual fee, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card gives you one of the loudest bangs for your buck. It also provides travel accident insurance and lost luggage reimbursement, among other benefits.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card​

Earn up to $1,000 in travel bonuses

Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening— that’s equal to $1,000 in travel

The Capital One Venture is an excellent go-to card for any traveler, thanks to its easy to navigate 2 miles per dollar on every purchase. With no bonus categories to consider, a reasonable $95 annual fee, and a strong intro offer worth at least $1,000 in travel rewards, Alec Baldwin might be onto something. 

• The Capital One Venture’s current intro bonus is worth $1,000 when spent on Capital One’s (recently revamped) travel portal or you can use your miles to cover your recent purchases. The bonus rises to well over $1,000 when transferred to an airline or hotel partner.
• A steady 2 miles per dollar on all purchases makes earning simple and lucrative. You’ll also grab 5 miles per dollar when booking through Capital One’s travel portal.
• Its $95 annual fee is almost negligible, especially if the intro bonus is achieved.
• Flexible miles allow for a wide array of redemption options.
• You can enjoy two free visits to a Capital One Lounge each year.
• You’ll get up to a $100 credit for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership, which can help make airport security a breeze.
• Capital One lacks US-based airline and hotel transfer partners.
• Not many major perks beyond its miles value.

Annual Fee: $95   |  Terms Apply  |   Rates & Fees

Airbnb travel insurance is a crucial consideration for travelers looking to protect their trips from unexpected disruptions. Whether facing trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or other unforeseen events, the right insurance policy can safeguard your travel investments and offer peace of mind. While third-party providers like Squaremouth provide a broad range of options to cover Airbnb stays, don’t overlook the benefits that may already be available through your credit card.

Many credit cards offer travel insurance benefits, including trip cancellation and interruption coverage, which can be applicable to Airbnb bookings. However, it’s important to understand the specifics of these benefits, as coverage limits, eligibility requirements, and covered reasons for cancellation can vary significantly.

Ultimately, whether you opt for a standalone travel insurance policy or utilize the benefits from your credit card, the key is to ensure that you have comprehensive coverage tailored to your specific travel needs. By carefully reviewing your options and understanding the coverage you choose, you can enjoy your Airbnb experience with greater confidence and security.

Read also: The Best Credit Cards for Travel Insurance Benefits

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. This post contains references to products from one or more of our partners and we may receive compensation when you click on links to those products.

Our Top Travel Card Picks​

Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

120,000 bonus points

after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months

LEARN MORE –>

after you spend $8,000 in the first 6 months

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

$1,000 in travel bonuses

Earn $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first year, plus 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months 

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

60,000 Bonus Miles

after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months

Explore Top Travel Cards

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Should you purchase travel insurance for your vacation rental?

Vacation rentals booked through Airbnb and its alternatives have become popular holiday destinations for all types of travelers, from extended families staying in large beachfront homes to couples vacationing in swanky city apartments.

But what happens if these rental properties, especially ones worth millions of dollars, get damaged before you arrive or if your plans unexpectedly change, causing you to need to cancel or shorten your stay?

While the exact outcome will depend on the situation, if you purchase travel insurance , you may find you're eligible for compensation.

So how do you know if it's worth the investment before your next trip? TPG dug into the details to determine what standard travel insurance policies may cover you for when staying at home rentals — and when you may want to purchase some additional coverage.

For more TPG news and tips delivered each morning to your inbox, subscribe to our daily newsletter .

What travel insurance covers for vacation rentals

Traditional travel insurance policies offer features that will cover you and your invested travel costs, whether you're staying at a hotel , friend's house or rental property. Although the exact benefits for vacation rentals may vary slightly depending on the policy you choose, there are a few situations that most will cover.

Your vacation is canceled due to sickness, injury or an emergency

Many hotels offer free cancellations until two or three days before arrival so long as you book your rooms with flexible rates. However, this is rarely the case for vacation rentals, which often have strict cancellation policies requiring 30 to 60 days of advance notice to cancel without penalty. Some even go so far as to have completely nonrefundable deposits, regardless of the cancellation circumstances.

Fortunately, there's a workaround to this conundrum if you find yourself in an unexpected situation involving your health or the health of someone close to you: trip cancellation coverage. If you have insurance with trip cancellation coverage and cannot complete your trip as planned due to select health-related issues, you'll be able to recoup up to 100% of your nonrefundable costs.

While the exact cases that are eligible for complete reimbursement vary by policy, know that many pertaining to health are covered. For example, World Nomads ' trip cancellation insurance policy will cover you in the event you need to cancel your vacation, including any stays at home rentals, due to illness, injury or a death in the family.

You have to cut your vacation short due to a medical reason or natural disaster

In addition to helping you out when you need to cancel your entire vacation, insurance can reimburse you for early departure fees when you find yourself needing to cut your vacation rental stay short. Know, though, that you'll need to have a policy offering trip interruption protection to be eligible for this perk.

Covered reasons for ending your stay early will vary from plan to plan, but typically, policyholders can expect reimbursement due to health-related issues and natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires and blizzards. For instance, IMG's travel insurance covers sickness, injury and natural disaster evacuations when cutting vacation rental stays short.

You cannot stay at the rental due to it being uninhabitable

If you book a vacation rental that is not fit for human habitation, then the booking company or owner should refund all your costs. However, there are rare occasions when this does not happen, so it's important to have travel insurance as a backup.

To qualify for reimbursement from your travel insurance provider due to uninhabitable conditions, you'll need to read the fine print of your chosen policy. Allianz , for example, defines uninhabitable as "a natural disaster, fire, flood, burglary or vandalism that has caused enough damage (including extended loss of power, gas or water) to make a reasonable person find their home or destination inaccessible or unfit for use."

Other situations, such as having an unpleasant or dirty vacation rental , would not be enough to trigger this coverage.

Should you have to find another property or cancel your trip completely due to uninhabitable conditions at your original rental, your travel insurance plan will cover the added costs you incur.

Related: 13 mistakes to avoid on your next vacation home rental

What travel insurance won't cover for vacation rentals

As you may expect, there are some situations when travel insurance won't cover extra expenses related to stays at rental properties. To have a solid understanding of what to expect, be sure to read the fine print of any insurance product you choose. Only circumstances listed in the policy will be covered. The following are two key reasons why you wouldn't be covered.

You accidentally damage the property during a typical stay

Most travel insurance policies will not cover the costs of damage you incur at a rental property, even if it was done by accident. As a result, you must pay for a replacement or repair to any item you accidentally break or damage, such as a work of art, a garage door or wine glasses. Depending on the item in question, this can quickly add up.

If you have a homeowners or renters insurance policy, know that it may include protection beyond regular limits called "umbrella" coverage, which can help cover damage caused at a rental property. Keep in mind, though, that you'll have to pay your deductible first. Additionally, your home insurance rate may rise if you submit a claim for vacation rental damage.

Should you wish to stick with travel insurance, you may be able to add extra vacation rental coverage to a traditional policy to assist with accidental damage. Faye's travel insurance , for example, has an add-on feature that offers "coverage if you unintentionally damage the vacation rental property you're staying in or its contents, while in-trip." It costs about 10% of what you'll spend on the main policy itself.

You damage the property while hosting a party

Across the board, travel insurance policies are much more strict about damage caused during parties. If you host an unapproved party or event at a rental property and damage any part of the rental, you will be responsible for covering costs associated with repairs and replacements.

Even approved events are not entirely off the hook for any damage caused to the property. Should you decide to use a vacation rental for an approved event like a wedding or family reunion, expect the booking company or owner to require you to purchase an event-specific insurance policy that covers guest liability, home damage and other items that may be specific to the location.

Related: 6 truths and myths about 'cancel for any reason' travel insurance

Bottom line

Home rentals can be a great lodging solution when you're on vacation, especially if you're traveling with family or friends. However, the high cost of some vacation properties and the cancellation policies often in place mean you should probably purchase some kind of travel insurance to protect your investment.

Typical travel insurance policies will offer coverage for your vacation rental costs should your trip be canceled or delayed for events covered under the policy, but you may be on the hook for other scenarios. As a result, it's vital you pay careful attention to your policy's terms. Doing so will ensure you know what to expect should you face an unexpected situation while enjoying your temporary home away from home.

Related: 7 things to look out for when buying travel insurance, according to an expert

Airbnb Travel Insurance for Guests | What it is and How it Works

Traveling opens doors to new experiences and cultures, but unexpected events can disrupt even the best-laid plans. Trip cancellations, flight delays or medical emergencies can leave you scrambling for solutions and facing financial losses. This is where travel insurance steps in, offering a safety net for unforeseen circumstances.

Airbnb, recognizing this need, offers travel insurance as an add-on purchase for guests during the booking process. But how does it differ from the existing Airbnb Host Guarantee programs like AirCover for guests? Let's delve into the world of Airbnb travel insurance and understand how it can protect your next Airbnb adventure.

AirCover vs. Travel Insurance

It's important to distinguish between Airbnb travel insurance and AirCover for guests . AirCover is a free program offered by Airbnb. It acts as a safety net for situations directly related to the host or the listing itself.

Let's dissect what AirCover covers:

• Listing inaccuracy: Did the pool in the pictures turn out to be a kiddie inflatable? AirCover comes to the rescue if the listing significantly differs from reality and the host can't rectify it. Guests will be assisted in finding similar accommodation or offered a full or partial refund.
• Host cancellation within 30 days: Imagine booking your dream getaway only to have the host cancel last minute. AirCover ensures guests aren't left scrambling. It will help them find alternative accommodation or provide a full refund.
• Unable to check-In (host's fault): You arrived at your stay, but the host is nowhere to be found, or there's a problem with access? AirCover steps in, helping guests find a similar place or offering a full refund depending on the circumstances.

In these scenarios, Airbnb will help you find a similar place to stay or offer a full or partial refund.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance acts as a broader umbrella, shielding guests from a wider range of potential disruptions beyond the scope of AirCover.

Unlike AirCover, travel insurance is an optional add-on purchased during the booking process. It's provided by a third-party insurance company, currently Generali Global Assistance in the US and Europ Assistance Group in other parts of the world) and offers broader coverage for unforeseen circumstances outside the control of you and your host.

What does Airbnb travel insurance cover?

Airbnb travel insurance offers a safety net for various situations that could derail your trip. Here's a breakdown of some key coverages:

• Trip cancellation: If you need to cancel your trip entirely for a covered reason, you can be reimbursed for up to 100% of your non-refundable Airbnb booking cost. Covered reasons typically include illness, injury (to yourself or a travel companion), natural disasters at your destination or unexpected work obligations.
• Trip interruption: Imagine having to cut your Airbnb stay short (due to a covered reason). You can get reimbursed for the unused portion of your accommodation cost, potentially up to 150% (including the initial cancellation reimbursement). This additional 50% might cover some additional expenses incurred due to the disruption.
• Travel delay: Flight delays can wreak havoc on your itinerary. If your trip is delayed by 24 hours or more due to a covered reason (like bad weather or a mechanical issue), you might be reimbursed for expenses like meals, accommodation and local transportation incurred during the delay, up to a certain limit per person (typically $750).
• Emergency medical and evacuation: Accidents or sudden illness can occur anywhere. You get coverage for medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation (including repatriation) if needed during your trip.
• Baggage delay or loss: Misplaced luggage can throw a wrench in your travel plans. If your checked baggage is delayed or lost for 24 hours or more, you might be reimbursed for essential items like toiletries and clothing to tide you over until your luggage arrives.

What does Airbnb travel insurance NOT cover?

This depends on how the coverage is defined and the country of residence of the Airbnb traveler. For example, UK residents are not covered for travel costs such as flights, trains and ferries as well as pre-existing medical conditions.

Policy details relevant to each country including areas of coverage and key exclusions can be found here .

How Does Airbnb AirCover Work with Airbnb Travel Insurance?

Airbnb’s AirCover for guests and travel insurance are two different but complementary products that work well together. For example, if a guest arrives at their destination only to find the host has canceled the reservation at the last minute. Meanwhile, they are informed at the airport that their baggage is missing. While AirCover will help the guest find a new place to stay at no extra cost, they can file an insurance claim to get reimbursed for their missing baggage.

Key Considerations for Guests When Choosing Travel Insurance

While AirCover offers valuable protections related to Airbnb itself, Airbnb travel insurance provides a broader safety net for various trip disruptions.

By understanding the coverage details and comparing it to your specific needs and risk tolerance, you can decide if Airbnb travel insurance is a worthwhile addition to your Airbnb booking. Here are some additional tips:

• Compare costs: Don't just rely on the travel insurance offered during booking. Consider comparing it with independent travel insurance providers to see if you can find a better deal with similar coverage.
• Read reviews: Researching online reviews of Generali's travel insurance can give you insights into their claim settlement process and customer service.
• Consider trip protection on credit cards: Some credit cards offer trip cancellation or interruption insurance as a benefit. Check your credit card's benefits to see if it might already offer some coverage.
• Always review the full terms and conditions of any travel insurance policy before purchasing.
• File claims promptly according to the insurer's guidelines.
• Keep all documentation related to your trip cancellation or disruption, including receipts and communication with the host or airline.

By being prepared with Airbnb travel insurance, you can embark on your Airbnb adventure with greater confidence, knowing you have some financial protection if the unexpected arises. Now you can focus on creating lasting memories during your stay!

Who should consider Airbnb travel insurance?

Travel insurance can be a wise investment for:

• Those with non-refundable bookings: If you've booked an Airbnb with a strict cancellation policy , travel insurance can provide peace of mind in case unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel.
• Those booking expensive trips: For trips with a significant financial investment, travel insurance can help mitigate potential losses due to cancellations or interruptions.

Ready, Set, Go!

Airbnb travel insurance is more than just a step in creating new revenue streams. It’s also a means of providing added convenience to users inclined to purchase travel insurance while keeping them inside the Airbnb platform.

By incorporating this optional safety net, you can approach your Airbnb adventure with a sense of security, ready to embrace the possibilities and forge unforgettable memories. Remember, travel insurance provides a financial buffer, but prioritizing safety and well-being throughout your travels should always be your top priority. Now, bon voyage!

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Home » Booking » Is Airbnb Travel Insurance Worth It?

Is Airbnb Travel Insurance Worth It?

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What is Airbnb Travel Insurance?

Guest refund policy, host return policy, comparison with other travel insurance options, airbnb host protection insurance, how to purchase airbnb travel insurance, tips for choosing the right coverage, frequently asked questions.

Airbnb has become a popular accommodation option for many travelers. The platform offers a unique opportunity to stay in local homes, apartments, or other types of properties.

One of the many features that Airbnb offers is travel insurance . The insurance policy provided by Airbnb covers trip cancellations, interruptions, and damages that might occur during your stay.

But is it worth it? In this article, we will explore all that you need to know about Airbnb travel insurance to help you determine whether it is worth the investment.

It is a type of insurance policy that provides coverage for unexpected events that might occur before, during, or after your trip.

This policy is designed to help protect travelers against financial loss due to unforeseen events such as trip cancellations, delays, or interruptions.

Different insurance companies provide Airbnb travel insurance, and the coverage and terms vary depending on the provider.

Two types of insurance policies are available to guests: the Guest Refund Policy and the Host Protection Insurance policy.

The Guest Refund Policy protects guests against certain unforeseen circumstances, such as the property being significantly different from what was advertised, last-minute cancellations by the host, and the property is unavailable.

If any of these circumstances occur, the guest can receive a refund of their reservation fees.

Host Protection Insurance is a policy that Airbnb offers to hosts . This policy provides protection against property damage and liability claims that might occur during a guest’s stay.

This insurance policy is free for all Airbnb hosts and covers up to $1 million in damages or liability claims.

Pros and Cons of Airbnb Insurance

Like any insurance policy, Airbnb insurance has its pros and cons. Before purchasing the policy, it’s essential to weigh these factors in determining whether it’s worth the investment.

• One of the primary advantages is that it provides peace of mind. Traveling can be stressful; unexpected events such as flight cancellations, illnesses, or natural disasters can disrupt your travel plans. With the insurance provided by Airbnb , you can be confident that you’re covered in case of any unforeseen events.
• Airbnb travel insurance covers trip cancellations and interruptions due to unforeseen circumstances such as sudden illness, injury, or natural disasters. This coverage can help you recoup any non-refundable fees and expenses associated with your trip.
• It also covers damages and losses that might occur during your stay. This includes damages to the property, theft of personal belongings, and injuries that might occur during your stay.
• One of the main disadvantages of Airbnb travel insurance is that the coverage is limited. The policy only covers specific events, and the coverage limits might not be enough to cover all your expenses in case of a significant event.
• Insurance by Airbnb is an additional cost that you’ll have to factor into your travel budget. The cost of the policy can vary depending on the provider and the coverage you select.
• Airbnb only covers up to a certain number of damages, losses, and cancellations. If the expenses exceed the coverage limit, you’ll have to cover the remaining costs out of pocket.

When considering Airbnb insurance for traveling, it’s essential to compare it with other options to determine which policy best suits your needs.

Traditional insurance policies provide broader coverage than Airbnb.

These policies cover a wide range of events, including trip cancellations and interruptions, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen baggage.

However, traditional insurance policies can be more expensive than Airbnb travel insurance.

Some credit cards also offer travel insurance benefits as a perk.

However, these policies might not provide the same level of coverage as traditional policies, and the coverage limits might be lower than what Airbnb has to offer.

In addition to the guest refund policy, Airbnb also provides Host Protection Insurance for hosts.

This policy provides protection against property damage and liability claims that might occur during a guest’s stay. The policy covers up to $1 million in damages or liability claims.

Host Protection Insurance is free for all Airbnb hosts and protects against a wide range of events, including theft, vandalism, and accidents.

This policy can provide hosts with peace of mind knowing they’re protected in case of any unforeseen events that might occur during a guest’s stay.

To purchase Airbnb travel insurance, follow these steps:

• Log in to your Airbnb account and search for the property you’d like to book .
• You’ll see an option to add travel insurance on the booking page. Click on the “Add” button to view the available policies.
• Choose the policy best suits your needs and review the coverage and terms.
• Complete the booking process, and the travel insurance policy will be added to your reservation.

When choosing Airbnb travel insurance, it’s essential to consider the following factors:

• Coverage limits: Ensure that the coverage limits are sufficient to cover your expenses in case of a significant event.
• Types of coverage: Review the available coverage types and ensure they align with your needs.
• Provider: Choose a reputable insurance provider with excellent customer service and a reliable claims process.
• Cost: Consider the cost of the policy and ensure that it fits within your travel budget.

1. Is Airbnb travel insurance mandatory?

It is not mandatory, but protecting yourself against unforeseen events is recommended.

2. Does Airbnb insurance cover flight cancellations?

No, it only covers trip cancellations and interruptions due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, injury, or natural disasters.

3. How much does Airbnb travel insurance cost?

Its cost varies depending on the provider and the coverage you select. The cost can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars.

4. Can I cancel my Airbnb insurance policy?

Yes, you can cancel your insurance policy, but you must do so before your trip starts.

Airbnb insurance can provide peace of mind for travelers and hosts alike. The policy covers unexpected events such as trip cancellations, interruptions, and damages that might occur during your stay.

While the coverage limits and costs might be a concern, it can be a valuable investment for those who want to protect themselves against unforeseen events.

When considering insurance by Airbnb, it’s essential to review the available coverage types, the coverage limits, and the cost to determine whether it’s worth the investment for your specific travel needs.

Related Posts:

Airbnb Travel Insurance for Guests: Cost, details, limitations, differences with Aircover

Thibault Masson

Updated on: July 21, 2022

Airbnb is rolling out its guest travel insurance in the US, the UK, and 8 countries of the European Union . The company had been working on it for at least two years. Unlike its Aircover for guests program, which is free, this travel insurance is a paid product . Travelers can purchase it while completing their booking. Big insurance company names are behind the insurance program (e.g. Europ Assistance, Generali, AON). Let’s discover what Airbnb’s travel insurance exactly covers, when it can be used, and wha t impact it can have on existing host cancelation policies . We’ll also see why it is difficult to roll out a travel insurance offering globally.  

Airbnb is not the first vacation rental listing platform to be offering travel insurance to its guests. Vrbo has been selling travel insurance products in the US created by Generali (formerly CSA Travel Protection) for years. At a time when online travel agents like Hopper are promising incremental revenues from FinTech products to their investors, it is also good for Airbnb to announce a way to make money on insurance products, after giving away host insurance liability for free, for instance.

Where is Airbnb’s travel insurance available?

Airbnb is launching its guest travel insurance in the following countries:

• the Netherlands,
• Austria, 

Airbnb is planning on making its travel insurance available to guests in other countries in the future. Our guess is that Airbnb will then go after other markets in the European Union, such as France, as it already has set some insurance operations within the EU. Then, other countries with similar insurance industry setups such as Australia come could.

Rolling out insurance is really a matter of going at it country by country and even state by state in the US. Insurance regulations are very strong and differ from one country to another in the EU and one state to another in the US.  

For countries in South America, parts of Asia, and Africa, things will probably take more time.

What does the Airbnb travel insurance cover and when can a guest make a claim? Disover this trip cancellation insurance which does not infringe existing host cancellation policies.

What the airbnb travel covers, for instance, in the us:.

In the US, the Airbnb travel insurance is powered by the Generali insurance company. The plan includes:

• Trip cancellation:  Get reimbursed for up to 100% of your non-refunded Airbnb reservation cost if you cancel for a covered reason, such as: iIllness or injury, flight cancellations and delays due to weather, or mandatory evacuations due to weather.
• Travel delay:  Get reimbursed for certain additional expenses you incur because your trip is delayed for 12 hours or more for a covered reason, such as: flight delays, passport theft, or adverse weather.
• Medical:  Get reimbursed for doctor-ordered medical services during your trip, such as: hospital services, ambulance services, and prescription medicines.
• Baggage:  Get reimbursed for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage, lost, stolen, or damaged travel documents, and unauthorized use of credit cards during your trip.

The plan also comes with other coverages and perks, like 24/7 emergency and travel assistance services. With just a phone call, you can get help with anything from a medical referral to a restaurant recommendation.

What does the Airbnb travel insurance mean for a host?

Airbnb’s travel insurance for guests promises a payment for up to 100% of their non-refunded Airbnb reservation costs if their trip is impacted by specific events, such as

• bad weather,
• stolen travel documents,
• or serious illness.

Airbnb’s travel insurance is more like a trip cancellation insurance that works under certain conditions than a cancel-for-any reason insurance product.

Basically, if a traveler has to cancel their trip:

• The existing host cancellation policy will apply.
• Let’s take the example of a booking made under the Airbnb Strict cancellation policy . It allows guests to receive a full refund if they cancel within 48 hours of booking and at least 14 days before a listing’s check-in time. In the event of a cancellation within 48 hours, the guest is only entitled to a 50% refund, regardless of how far out the check-in date is. S o, the host only pays back 50% of the Airbnb reservation cost.
• Now, if specific events listed and covered by the Airbnb travel insurance occur, then travel insurance can refund up to the remaining 50% .
• Note that, unlike with Aircover, the insurance provider will not seek to recover any money from the Host if a guest files a travel insurance claim

What exactly is the “Airbnb booking cost” that is covered?

To our understanding, the Airbnb booking cost is what the guest pays to the host. It may or may not include Airbnb’s service fee. Depending on the existing host cancellation policy, the travel insurance will pay the guest the part of the booking cost that the host got to keep as per the cancellation policy.

For example, if the Host refunds 50% of the Airbnb reservation cost based on their cancellation policy, travel insurance can refund up to the remaining 50% if the guest cancels for a covered reason.

How about COVID-19?

At Airbnb, for any booking made on or after May 31, 2022, being sick with COVID-19 will no longer be considered an extenuating circumstance. This is also the case on most online travel platforms such as Booking.com and Vrbo?

According to Airbnb, its guest travel insurance “could” cover costs related to COVID as it can cover “serious illness”: “If a guest purchases travel insurance, they could be covered should they become sick with COVID-19 (as diagnosed by a licensed doctor) and other policy terms are met. So, it may depend on where the guest booking is from, among other things.

If they are worried about having to cancel a trip due to COVID-related reasons,  Airbnb recommends travelers buy travel insurance. So, it would make sense that Airbnb started selling such an insurance product to its guests.

How can you buy guest travel insurance on Airbnb?

Guests get the option to purchase travel insurance during the booking process. The Airbnb guest travel insurance cannot be bought separately or after the booking has been made.

• During booking, guests are given the option to add travel insurance.
• Dedicated screens provide details about what the policy covers and key exclusions.
• If they’re interested, guests simply add travel insurance to their booking and check out.
• The guest’s travel insurance premium is a percentage of their total trip cost and will appear as a line item at checkout. 
• After completing their reservation, guests who added travel insurance will receive an email confirmation with their policy’s details and information about how to file a claim

Is it free or paid?

The Airbnb travel insurance is not free, can be purchased at booking time and covers up to 100% of Airbnb booking cost 

How much does the Airbnb guest travel insurance cost?

The cost of Airbnb’s travel insurance is not a fixed cost. It varies according to the total trip cost (as well as the location of the guest making the booking). The guest’s travel insurance premium is a percentage of their total trip cost and will appear as a line item at checkout. 

What are the differences between Aircover for guests (free) vs Airbnb travel insurance (paid)?

So here are the main differences with Aircover for guests:

• Aircover for guests is free, while Airbnb’s travel insurance is a paid product.
• Aircover relies on a set of processes that force hosts to pay back guests in case of major issues (e.g. impossible to check-in, a major listing feature missing such as air conditioning)
• Airbnb’s travel insurance is underwritten by large insurance companies such as Generali.
• Aircover for guests is triggered when things do not go well due to issues on the host side, while the guest travel insurance covers trip cancellations due to bad weather or the guest falling sick.
• While Aircover for guests often gets down to hosts refunding money to guests, Airbnb’s travel insurance is money paid by the insurance company to the guests (no money is retrieved from the host on top of the existing host cancellation policy).

Aircover for guests is a set of protections that rely on hosts refunding money. It is no insurance, unlike the guest travel insurance product being introduced 

Du ring its Summer 2022 Release event , Airbnb announced a program called “Aircover” which offers new booking protections for guests, for free. These are protections, not insurance. Basically, they rely on Airbnb’s ability to get money back from the host to the guest in case of a substantial breach in what the guest was expecting (e.g. Air conditioning or a swimming pool were listed by the host but they are not actually available at the property).

The protections offered to guests through Airbnb’s Aircover are presented as unique and ground-breaking. Yet, they look like a nice repackaging of existing services that companies such as Booking.com have been offering for years (e.g., helping find a place for the guest should the host cancel). Now, better packaging protections, giving them a name (Aircover), and merchandising them well on the website (Aircover is mentioned high on every listing page) make up good product marketing work. If competitors have been doing the same but have done a bad job at saying so, travelers will indeed have the impression that what Airbnb is offering for free is new and superior in terms of booking protections.

On the guest side, Aircover is no insurance product. It is more the sum of a series of policies and procedures imposed on the host, especially the recently updated and much-contested rebooking and refunding policy.

Aircover is about guaranteeing that Airbnb will either find a new place or refund the guest (e.g., Check-In Guarantee: If a guest can’t check in to a place and the host isn’t able to resolve the issue, Airbnb will find the guest a similar or better home for the length of their original stay at Airbnb’s expense, or we’ll refund them.

To deliver on its promises to guests, Airbnb needed to set the equivalent expectations upon hosts . This is why the company had previously informed its hosts that it was updating its Rebooking and Refund Policy . For instance, it has made it plain and clear to hosts that they may have to refund guests should the host cancel a booking or the guest find that something crucial promised in the listing was actually missing from the property. You will notice that this is the exact mirror of the protections offered to guests, and it makes sense: The money refunded to guests through Aircover actually comes from hosts having to refund them according to the updated rebooking and refund policy. 

Why did Airbnb make its travel insurance a paid product, while Aircover for guests and Aircover for hosts are free?

If Airbnb were to offer free travel insurance, it would also have to pay an insurance premium to a professional insurer . Given the volume of Airbnb bookings, it would represent a lot of money and would dent Airbnb’s profitability.

First, Airbnb would not need to cover all its guests, as some already have their travel insurance. Also, unless a reservation is non-refundable, a guest may have a chance to get their money back by canceling their booking or asking their host for some flexibility. Hosts may not like to hear it, but, in a way, flexible cancellation policies are a form of travel insurance for guests.

Second, Airbnb seems to see travel insurance as a money-maker. After all, Vrbo has been flogging insurance products to guests and owners for years, probably making a lot of money from its insurance provider Generali.

• In August 2021, during a quarterly earnings call, a financial analyst asked Airbnb leaders whether the take rate, currently at 15% on average, would increase in the future. The answers were quite interesting.
• First, Airbnb mentioned, “opportunities (such as) guest travel insurance”. So, the take rate could increase from commissions on travel insurance that Airbnb would sell to guests.

Another reason why it could be a paid product for guests is Hopper’s success at selling its “cancel any time” and “price freeze” guarantees. It shows that consumers are ok to pay for an added service. Airbnb’s shareholders may be happy to hear that the company is trying to increase its margins, as Hopper is doing. With the launch of Hopper Homes, the competition between the two companies is increasing.

What’s the impact of Airbnb’s travel insurance on existing host cancellation policies?

There is no impact on a host’s cancellation polic y. If a guest cancels, they forfeit whatever money was due under the cancellation policy they had signed up for. The host gets to keep the deposit.

What the travel insurance brings about is that the guest can ask the insurance company to refund the money that the host has kept for themselves (as per the existing cancellation policy).

So, Airbnb has found a way to enforce host policies, while allowing guests to lower their risk through travel insurance. According to the company, if travelers who buy a policy cancel their booking for a covered reason, they’ll be able to file a claim to seek reimbursement for up to 100% of their non-refunded Airbnb booking cost. This may reduce the possibility of guests asking Hosts for a refund outside the terms of their Hosts’ cancellation policies.

The challenges of offering an insurance product on a global basis

When Airbnb first revealed that its $1,000,000 Host Guarantee had gone global ten years ago, the industry wondered how Airbnb had pulled it off. How can they have created and launched such an insurance product globally? The answer was that the company could, as this was no insurance. This was a guarantee, built on processes and tools such as the Resolution Center . In some iffy cases, Airbnb was probably also ready to spend some money of its own the solve the issue. So, no need to care about local insurance regulations across 130+ countries. No insurance, just a guarantee.

It is somewhat easier to roll out a liability insurance program for hosts ( as Booking.com just did ), as the risk is a bit more standard and as insurance companies have some existing products that can be used. This is why Aircover for Hosts has a real liability insurance product, while, on the damage protection side, Airbnb is still relying on the Resolution Center.

The Airbnb Guest Travel Insurance has been in the works for almost two years!

• On March 30, 2020, during an emergency live stream held with Airbnb hosts in the thick of the COVID crisis, B rian Chesky announced that the company was working on travel insurance ,
• In 2021, Airbnb discreetly launched its Travel Insurance page and started recommending guests purchased a travel insurance product at the end of its booking process. Airbnb here was merely redirecting travelers to third-party websites, such as the travel insurance aggregator InsureMyTrip in the US and insurance company Europ Assistance (part of the Generali Group) in Europe,
• In August 2021, during a quarterly earnings call, Airbnb mentioned working on opportunities such as  “guest travel insurance”,
• On January 2, Brian Chesky confirmed in a tweet that the company was working on guest travel insurance

Who are the insurance companies behind Airbnb’s travel insurance?

It is always hard to pull off global coverage, as insurance is really more like a series of national businesses due to local regulations . Airbnb had to create subsidiaries that deal with insurance on local or regional levels, such as Airbnb Insurance Agency LLC in the US and Airbnb UK Services Limited in the UK.

Two partners with Aon + Europ Assistance Group (and its U.S. subsidiary, Generali Global Assistance), to introduce travel insurance for guests. Both AO

• For guests in the U.S., the travel insurance plan is offered by Airbnb Insurance Agency LLC , which is licensed as an insurance agency in all states of the U.S. and the District of Columbia, and underwritten by Generali US Branch of New York, N.Y.
• For guests in the U.K., travel insurance is underwritten by Europ Assistanc e SA. Travel insurance is arranged by Airbnb UK Services Limited . Airbnb UK Services Limited is an appointed representative of Aon UK Limited
• For guests in the EU, travel insurance is underwritten by Europ Assistance S.A., acting through its Irish Branch

Airbnb has been working on its guest travel insurance product for over two years and announced that it will be launching the product in Spring 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced Airbnb to expedite the launch of this product. The company is launching its travel insurance as a paid product in 10 countries. More countries, at least within the European Union, should soon be covered.

Airbnb stacks this paid product on top of its free Aircover booking guarantees. This way, it wants to show that it is already offering a great level of protection but that money can buy guests something extra. It certainly does not hurt that insurance products have comfortable margins and that it is also a good move for Airbnb’s bottom line.

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Does Travel Insurance Cover AirBnb? Everything You Need to Know

Last Updated: July 17, 2023 July 29, 2024

Since it launched in 2008, Airbnb has become a household name among avid and casual travelers. By offering unique vacation accommodations and experiences, Airbnb is able to provide a service that many hotel chains simply can’t compete with. 

However, these stays often come with a steep price tag, with NerdWallet reporting that Airbnb stays can be more expensive than hotels for many solo travelers and couples. With high costs involved, it’s no surprise that Airbnb guests are looking to protect their trip investment in case they can no longer travel. 

Does Travel Insurance Cover Airbnb?

Yes, travel insurance policies can offer coverage for Airbnbs, or similar vacation rentals like VRBO . In the vast majority of cases, travel insurance providers will treat your Airbnb stay as it would a hotel, resort, or other type of lodging arrangement. This means your booking must be prepaid and nonrefundable in order to be covered by insurance. 

Some examples of coverage you may receive through a travel insurance policy for your upcoming Airbnb stay include:  

• Last-minute cancellations by your Airbnb host
• Airbnb booking cancellations due to you or someone in your group falling ill
• Your personal belongings being stolen from the rental property
• If you need to return home early for a covered reason
• If the Airbnb is or becomes uninhabitable

Having a travel insurance plan heading into an Airbnb stay offers plenty of benefits and protection as a guest. At a fraction of the cost of your stay, a policy can offer financial protection for you and your group.  

Does Airbnb Offer Travel Insurance?

According to Airbnb’s website , guests in the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, and other European Union nations buy travel insurance when booking a trip on Airbnb. This insurance is offered through Generali , and guests can add the policy to their booking when making a reservation. The premium will be shown as a line item at checkout. 

What Does it Cover?

The policy offered through Airbnb provides coverage for a wide-range of travel concerns and a competitive price. Coverage includes the following: 

• Trip Cancellation: Get reimbursed up to 100% of your Airbnb cost if you need to cancel due to serious illness or flight cancellations and mandatory evacuations relating to weather. The cancellation policy covers guests’ unused Airbnb reservation costs should they have to return home for a covered reason.
• Flight Delay : Receive up to $750 per person for covered delays more than 12 hours. 
• Medical Emergencies: Get reimbursed up to $50,000 for doctor ordered medical services including hospital bills, ambulance rides, and prescription medicines. This policy will not cover medical emergencies relating to a pre-existing medical condition unless stated otherwise.
• Baggage Loss & Delay: Guests can get reimbursed up to $1,000 per person for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage and travel documents, as well as unauthorized use of credit cards. If baggage is delayed, policyholders are covered for up to $250 in expenses to purchase necessary items such as toiletries and clothes. 

The above insurance coverage was accurate at the time of publishing this article, but is subject to change.You can see the full policy details  here .

How Much Does Airbnb Travel Insurance Cost? 

Much like most comprehensive  single-trip travel insurance policies , AirBnb’s travel insurance premium is a percentage of the total reservation cost. Generally, the cost of Airbnb travel insurance is similar to the cost of a policy purchased through a travel insurance provider or comparison site like  Squaremouth . Your premium will depend on the length of your stay, your trip costs, your age, and other risk factors. 

Should You Get Your Travel Insurance Through AirBnb ?

While Airbnb offers their own policy, it’s always smart to compare policies that offer similar benefits to find the best coverage for the best price. Cost and coverage can vary dramatically from one travel insurance company to the next, so we recommend comparing policies from multiple sources before making an insurance decision.

Some places to get quotes may include Airbnb, comparison sites, and airlines. 

Squaremouth’s Travel Insurance Recommendations:

For most trips that involve a vacation rental , we recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes the following benefits:

• Trip Cancellation : Provides reimbursement for your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if you need to cancel for a covered reason, such as unforeseen injuries, illness, and natural disasters .
• Trip Interruption : Offers reimbursement for any unused, non-refundable trip costs if you need to end your trip early for a covered reason.
• Travel Delay : Covers the cost of food and accommodation if your flight is significantly delayed on route to your destination.
• Emergency Medical : Covers the cost of emergency medical services, including hospital bills and ambulance rides, if you experience an unforeseen illness or injury during your trip. Exclusions apply.
• Medical Evacuation : Will reimburse the cost of emergency medical evacuation transportation services if deemed necessary for adequate treatment.
• Baggage Delay : Provides reimbursement for clothes, toiletries, and other necessities if your baggage is delayed in transit by at least 24 hours.
• 24-Hour Travel Assistance : Every travel insurance provider on Squaremouth offers 24-hour support before and during your trip, as well as insurance claim assistance.

Is It Worth It to Get Travel Insurance For An Airbnb?

The financial cost of traveling can be significant, especially when considering the cost of Airbnb’s, airfare, and pre planned activities. Getting travel insurance can mitigate the risk of financial loss by providing comprehensive coverage for common travel disruptions, including medical emergencies, delays, and canceled flights. 

Be sure to read through all policies and their fine prints before choosing a plan. While Airbnb does offer generous coverage, it may not cover everything you plan to do on your trip. In this case, we suggest reviewing comprehensive policies from other reputable providers.

What to know about Airbnb insurance

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Key takeaways

• Renting your home on Airbnb may not be covered by your homeowners insurance if it is considered a business activity.
• Airbnb offers a free insurance plan called AirCover, but it may not cover all potential damages or liabilities.
• It is important to consult with a licensed insurance agent before listing your home on Airbnb to ensure you have proper coverage.
• Other home-sharing platforms, such as VRBO and Flipkey, may have different insurance coverage considerations.

Hosts that choose to rent out all or part of their homes on Airbnb are automatically enrolled in Airbnb’s free AirCover insurance plan. AirCover provides damage and liability protection, plus loss of income coverage if you need to cancel a listing due to guest-related damage. However, Airbnb’s AirCover plan may not be enough on its own to fully financially protect your home. Bankrate’s team of insurance experts explains what you need to know about home and Airbnb insurance before you list your property for rent.

Does homeowners insurance cover Airbnbs?

If you rent your property on Airbnb often enough for your home insurance provider to consider it a business, you likely won’t be covered. If you only rent on the occasional weekend, your home insurance policy may help to cover Airbnb losses like if a guest breaks your television set or a storm blows some shingles off your roof while the home is guest-occupied. But, it is ultimately up to your home insurance company to decide whether you renting out your home counts as a commercial activity, meaning you treat the home you own more as a business than a place you live. Home insurance is designed to financially protect a homeowner (and their financial lender) from unexpected losses — it is not designed to cover businesses.

Your home insurance policy might, however, extend coverage to Airbnb rentals if you rent the home infrequently, like once every few months. In that case, your carrier may view your home as your residence (not your business venture), and your insurance coverage would apply. But, depending on your home insurance company, you might need additional coverage like a standalone policy or home-sharing endorsement . For instance, Allstate offers a HostAdvantage endorsement on their home policy to cover home-sharing rentals. This protects you against things like theft and damage to items within the home.

With Airbnb, home insurance can get complicated. Before you list your home, set aside some time to speak with a licensed insurance agent. They can walk you through what’s covered — and what’s not — under your home insurance policy and help you identify any coverage gaps.  

What does Airbnb’s insurance cover?

Airbnb’s insurance coverage, called AirCover , provides liability insurance and financial protection to hosts for some guest-related damage. It also includes liability insurance for hosts that sell “Experiences” through Airbnb. This free coverage is designed to financially protect hosts and others involved in your rental, like co-hosts and cleaners.

AirCover Host damage protection

Host damage protection provides up to $3 million in coverage to financially protect hosts if a guest damages the inside or outside of their property , including the host’s personal belongings, appliances and vehicles. Some things it covers include:

• Damage to your home, property or belongings from a guest.
• Damage to your parked vehicles or boats caused by guests.
• Lost income if other bookings must be canceled due to unexpected guest damages.
• Extra cleaning required due to damage caused by guests.

AirCover Host liability coverage

The other component of AirCover is Host liability insurance . It offers up to $1 million in bodily injury liability coverage if a guest is injured on your property during their stay. It also includes coverage for a guest’s property that is damaged or stolen during their stay. Host liability insurance does not cover intentional damage, injury or situations covered under Host damage protection. Here’s what this policy type may cover:

• Bodily injury liability for guests and other people, like cleaners and Co-Hosts.
• Property damage coverage for guests’, cleaners’ and Co-Hosts’ personal belongings.
• Property damage in common areas, like building lobbies, caused by a guest.

What does AirCover not cover?

AirCover has some notable exclusions:

• Intentional damage or injuries
• Regular wear and tear 
• Cleaning and trash removal fees 
• Damage related to acts of nature like earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and severe weather
• Mold damage

Most of these things are already common home insurance exclusions , except for severe weather. Remember, if your home insurance company determines that you’re using your home as a business, your claim could be denied even if the damage results from a covered home insurance policy peril.

How to file a claim with AirCover

If you need to file a claim with Airbnb’s AirCover for Hosts, you can start a reimbursement request online for a damage protection claim. You must log into your account, select which reservation you are requesting reimbursement for, and follow the steps. For a Host liability insurance claim, you can fill out the liability claim form to submit, which will start the claims process.

Where to find insurance for Airbnbs

Airbnb insurance by itself may not be enough. To help fill in coverage gaps, some major insurers offer special insurance for Airbnb hosts, typically called short-term rental insurance . Depending on where you buy it from, short-term rental insurance may be available as an add-on to your home insurance or as a separate policy. These insurers include:

• Proper Insurance
• Liberty Mutual

Landlord insurance may also act as insurance for Airbnb hosts, but this will also depend on where you buy your policy. Some landlord insurance providers will not cover a property that is left vacant for long periods of time, which is something an Airbnb host could run into. Speaking with a licensed insurance agent can ensure that the Airbnb insurance coverage you’re purchasing will cover what you need it to.

Insurance for other rental sites

If you rent your home through a site other than Airbnb, you’ll likely still need to have some type of short-term rental insurance in place to protect your investment. Here are some of the insurance coverage considerations from other popular home-sharing platforms:

• VRBO: VRBO provides $1 million in liability coverage for stays that are processed through the HomeAway checkout platform. The policy does not include coverage for damage that tenants cause to your property.
• FlipKey: While FlipKey doesn’t offer its own insurance policy for hosts, it does suggest that hosts talk with their insurance agents about their needs so that hosts have adequate financial protection.
• Onefinestay: Onefinestay has an insurance policy for hosts, which covers theft and damage . However, the company recommends that hosts check their existing policies for coverage and notes that hosts can purchase their own coverage.
• Booking.com: Booking.com provides homeowners and property managers with $1 million in liability coverage at no additional charge. Unlike Airbnb, homeowners must opt-in for Booking.com coverage.

Frequently asked questions

Is airbnb insurance enough, is aircover free, does airbnb offer travel insurance, do i need to tell home insurance about airbnb, related articles.

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Is Airbnb Travel Insurance Worth the Investment? Exploring the Pros and Cons

When planning a trip, whether for business or leisure, travel insurance is often a consideration. It provides a sense of security and peace of mind in case any unforeseen circumstances arise during your journey. One popular travel platform that offers its own insurance policy is Airbnb. In this article, we will explore whether Airbnb travel insurance is worth it and how it compares to other options.

What is Airbnb Travel Insurance?

Airbnb offers a program called “Host Protection Insurance” that covers hosts for liability claims up to $1 million USD. This insurance is designed to protect hosts against third-party claims for property damage or bodily injury that may occur during a stay. However, this coverage is specific to hosts and does not extend to guests.

Is Airbnb Travel Insurance Sufficient for Guests?

If you are a guest staying at an Airbnb property, the Host Protection Insurance may not provide sufficient coverage for your needs. While it protects hosts, guests may need their own insurance to safeguard against cancellation fees, lost baggage, medical emergencies, or trip interruptions. Therefore, it is important for guests to consider purchasing additional travel insurance.

What are the Benefits of Airbnb Travel Insurance?

Airbnb does offer a separate travel insurance policy called “Airbnb’s Guest Refund Policy.” This policy provides coverage for certain situations such as property misrepresentation, host cancellations, and travel disruptions caused by extenuating circumstances. Guests can file claims through this policy to receive refunds for their bookings.

However, it is important to note that Airbnb’s Guest Refund Policy is not a comprehensive travel insurance policy and may have limitations and exclusions.

Comparing Airbnb Travel Insurance to Other Options

When evaluating the worthiness of Airbnb travel insurance, it is essential to consider its coverage limitations and compare it to other available options. Traditional travel insurance providers offer more comprehensive coverage that includes benefits such as trip cancellation, emergency medical expenses, baggage loss, and personal liability. These policies can be tailored to meet individual needs and provide a higher level of protection.

For guests seeking extensive coverage, especially for expensive trips or longer stays, opting for a standalone travel insurance policy might be a more prudent choice.

While Airbnb’s Host Protection Insurance offers liability coverage for hosts, it does not provide the same level of protection for guests. Airbnb’s Guest Refund Policy can offer some reimbursement in specific situations, but it is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance. Guests should carefully evaluate their needs and consider purchasing additional travel insurance to ensure they are adequately covered.

In conclusion, when considering whether Airbnb travel insurance is worth it, guests should weigh the limitations of the coverage provided by Airbnb against their individual requirements, considering factors such as trip length, destination, and value of possessions. Exploring standalone travel insurance policies from reputable providers may offer more comprehensive protection and give peace of mind during your journey.

Is Airbnb Travel Insurance Worth the Investment? Expert Insights from a Financial Blog.

Airbnb Travel Insurance is worth considering as an investment for travelers seeking financial protection. As a financial blog , we provide expert insights on various topics, including insurance. Travel finance is an important aspect when planning trips, and having the right insurance coverage can save individuals from unexpected expenses.

Airbnb offers two types of insurance options for guests and hosts: Host Protection Insurance and Host Guarantee. Host Protection Insurance provides primary liability coverage for hosts in case of third-party claims for bodily injury or property damage. On the other hand, Host Guarantee provides coverage for damages to the host’s property caused by guests.

While Airbnb’s insurance options provide some level of protection, it’s essential to carefully review the terms and conditions. Additional coverage may be necessary depending on individual circumstances. Travelers should consider factors such as trip cancellation, emergency medical expenses, baggage loss, and trip interruption coverage.

By investing in additional travel insurance, travelers can gain peace of mind knowing they are protected against unforeseen events. Financially, insurance coverage can help minimize the financial burden of cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost belongings.

In summary, Airbnb Travel Insurance is worth considering as an investment for travelers. However, understanding the limitations and reviewing additional coverage options is crucial to ensure comprehensive protection.

Related questions

Is purchasing travel insurance from airbnb a cost-effective option for travelers in terms of coverage and premiums.

Purchasing travel insurance from Airbnb can be a convenient option for travelers, but it may not always be the most cost-effective choice in terms of coverage and premiums.

While Airbnb offers travel protection plans, it’s important for travelers to carefully evaluate their needs and compare them to other available options. Airbnb’s coverage typically includes trip cancellation or interruption, emergency medical expenses, and accidental property damage. However, the coverage limits and exclusions may vary, and it might not offer comprehensive protection.

When comparing premiums, travelers may find that standalone travel insurance providers offer more competitive rates. It is advisable to research and obtain quotes from multiple insurance companies to ensure they are getting the best coverage at a reasonable price. Additionally, travelers should review the policy details to ensure it aligns with their specific needs, such as coverage for pre-existing medical conditions or high-value belongings.

Another factor to consider is the level of customer support and claims process offered by Airbnb’s insurance compared to standalone providers. Travelers may find that specialized insurance companies provide more responsive customer service and smoother claims handling.

Ultimately, travelers should carefully evaluate their individual needs and preferences before deciding on travel insurance . While Airbnb’s offering could be suitable for some, exploring other insurance options might lead to better coverage and potentially more cost-effective premiums.

What are the key factors to consider when evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of Airbnb’s travel insurance compared to traditional travel insurance providers?

When evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of Airbnb’s travel insurance compared to traditional travel insurance providers, there are several key factors to consider.

Coverage: One of the most important aspects to evaluate is the coverage provided by each option. Traditional travel insurance providers typically offer comprehensive coverage for a wide range of travel-related risks, including trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost baggage, and more. On the other hand, Airbnb’s travel insurance may have limited coverage and might not provide the same level of protection.

Cost: Another factor to consider is the cost of the insurance. Traditional travel insurance providers may have higher premiums compared to Airbnb’s insurance, which is often offered at a lower price. However, it is essential to assess whether the lower cost justifies the potential limitations in coverage.

Flexibility: Traditional travel insurance providers generally offer flexible options, allowing travelers to customize their coverage based on their specific needs. In contrast, Airbnb’s travel insurance may have fixed terms and conditions, limiting the flexibility in tailoring the policy to individual requirements.

Claim Process: Evaluating the claim process is crucial to ensure a smooth experience during unexpected events. Traditional travel insurance providers often have well-established procedures and customer support that can assist travelers throughout the claims process. Airbnb’s travel insurance may have a different claim process, which could potentially be less streamlined or require additional steps.

Provider Reputation: Lastly, considering the reputation and reliability of the insurance provider is paramount. Traditional travel insurance providers often have established track records and are regulated by relevant authorities. Comparatively, Airbnb’s travel insurance is relatively new, and its reputation may still be developing.

In conclusion, when assessing the benefits and drawbacks of Airbnb’s travel insurance compared to traditional travel insurance providers, it is essential to consider factors such as coverage, cost, flexibility, claim process, and provider reputation. Each individual should carefully evaluate their specific travel needs and preferences to make an informed decision.

How does Airbnb’s travel insurance policy protect against financial risks and unforeseen circumstances, such as trip cancellations or medical emergencies, and is it comprehensive enough to provide peace of mind for travelers?

Airbnb’s travel insurance policy aims to provide protection for travelers against financial risks and unforeseen circumstances. It offers coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, and delays caused by specific reasons listed in the policy, such as illness, injury, or severe weather conditions. The insurance also includes coverage for medical emergencies that occur during the trip.

To ensure peace of mind for travelers, Airbnb’s insurance policy is designed to be comprehensive enough to cover various situations that may disrupt or impact travel plans. However, it’s important for travelers to review the policy details and understand its coverage limitations and exclusions.

Travelers should note that Airbnb’s insurance policy is not a substitute for traditional travel insurance and may not provide the same level of coverage as a standalone travel insurance policy. Depending on specific needs and preferences, travelers may consider purchasing additional travel insurance to supplement Airbnb’s coverage and further protect themselves against potential financial risks and unforeseen circumstances.

Overall, while Airbnb’s travel insurance policy offers some protection against financial risks and unforeseen circumstances, it’s essential for travelers to evaluate their individual needs and consider obtaining additional coverage, if necessary, to ensure comprehensive protection and peace of mind during their travels.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional financial advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified expert or conduct thorough research with official sources before making any financial decisions.

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Banned in nyc: Airbnb One Year Later

Local Law 18 hasn’t yet led to a significant amount of additional long-term housing in NYC and hotels are thriving. But small-time hosts have lost a key source of income. Modifications, and a more balanced approach, are needed.

Published September 1, 2024

Malaika nearly wiped out her retirement savings a decade ago to make a downpayment on a two-family home in Brooklyn’s Ocean Hill neighborhood.

To make the math work, Malaika planned to rent out the downstairs apartment while living upstairs with her two sisters, one of whom purchased the home with her. But skittish about taking on long-term renters who might turn into hard-to-evict squatters, Malaika (not her real name) put the apartment on Airbnb.

She prided herself on giving her guests, many from foreign countries, an affordable stay in a place filled out with African pillows, masks and mud cloths, and the opportunity to experience an authentic piece of the city. “I say in my listing this is the real Brooklyn. If you don’t want to stay in the real Brooklyn, this is not the place for you,” Malaika says. “New York City is a place of grit and culture, and guests had a real appreciation for that.”

Everything was going well for her — and many other short-term rental hosts. She quit her job in 2022 as a healthcare administrator to focus on real estate investing. “I did that with the idea that my two-family home would support me in doing so,” Malaika says. “Little did I know that on the horizon, New York City, the Office of Special Enforcement, and the mayor had a very different plan for me.”

Everything changed one year ago – on September 5, 2023 – when New York City began enforcing Local Law 18.

This host registration law limits stays of fewer than 30 days to two guests, requires that there be no locks on internal doors, and that hosts be physically present during the reservation. Owners of one- and two-family homes can register as hosts only if they want to stay together in the same unit as their guests. They otherwise are restricted to listing their homes for stays of 30 days or longer, which doesn’t require registrations.

When the law went into effect, Malaika turned the apartment downstairs into a mid-term rental, but it often sits empty. And when her sisters moved out, Malaika converted one of the upstairs units into a short-term rental, which is permissible because she’s living there during guest reservations.

Malaika says she has lost about $2,400 in monthly income, nearly a 30% drop.

Gia Sharp, a homeowner and co-founder of RHOAR , which seeks a pause in enforcement and an exemption from the registration law for one- and two-family homeowners, says some members of the group are doing even worse. Sharp says one homeowner, with nowhere else to turn, lived in his car over the summer because he had to rent out his place so he wouldn’t lose it. Other members have moved in with family.

Regarding her own 110-year-old two-family home in Brooklyn, Sharp, who is a consultant, says since Local Law 18 kicked in, she’s had a few month-long stays in her upstairs unit, and one reservation was for a few months. “There’s definitely a few mortgage payments for income that I’m doing without, which is insane. I definitely can’t afford to replace my windows, which is thousands of dollars.”

Skift has been following efforts to crackdown on short-term rentals for more than 10 years. Those efforts have been intensifying, but New York’s experiment is among the most extreme and its impact shows what other cities can expect as they consider new regulations.

The goal of the law was to put illegal hotels out of business, to increase the supply of affordable housing and to improve the safety and quality of life for city residents who found themselves living alongside strangers and house parties.

The impact? Airbnb’s NYC business has nosedived, individual hosts have had to hustle to make mortgage payments or pay rent, while some condo owners keep earning money from short-term rentals without disruption because of a loophole in the law. Also, a black market for short-term rentals emerged that provides few, if any, protections for guests.

At the same time, the city’s hotel industry is booming, the local tourism board projects an increase in visitors this year, and the median asking rents in the five boroughs have risen less than 1%. However, rent for a one-bedroom apartment has soared to a record $4,500 per month. It’s impossible to measure how much of those outcomes is attributable to the new law because there are other factors at play. 

New York’s Long Battle Against Short-Term Rentals

New York has been battling short-term rentals for at least a decade-and-a half.

In 2011, New York State passed the Multiple Dwelling Law, which banned stays in apartment buildings for fewer than 30 days unless the permanent resident was present. Airbnb, which had fought the law, didn’t change its listings policies after the law went into effect. Hosts were subject to fines, but they weren’t required to register with authorities.

In 2013, a Skift story pointed out that thousands of Airbnb listings were illegal under the law.

In 2021, the New York City Council adopted Local Law 18, which wouldn’t become effective for two more years. A Prohibited Buildings List now enables landlords in big apartment buildings to block short-term rentals.

The law also required platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com to ensure that all listings have valid registration numbers and to provide host data to the city. They face significant fines for non-compliance. An Airbnb spokesperson said last week that it has not been penalized to date.

In the interim, Airbnb, which was the largest short-term rental platform in the Big Apple, has seen its business in the city decimated, although the company won’t detail the financials.

Analytics firm AirDNA found that the number of Airbnb listings in the five boroughs for stays of fewer than 30 nights — which is the primary way people travel — fell 83% from July 2023 through July 2024. That’s a drop from 21,900 listings in the run-up to the host registration law versus just 3,700 a year later.

However, Airbnb’s overall listings – including those for 30 or more nights – are down only 24%. “Many of those listings [for stays of 1-29 nights] immediately switched to allowing longer stays, 30 nights or longer, which have subsequently seen a 29% increase over the past year,” says Jamie Lane, AirDNA’s chief economist.

So if the city’s goal was to convert short-term rental listings into long-term leases, that hasn’t happened in a very significant way.

The outer boroughs, where the hotel footprint is relatively light, were particularly hard hit. “The impact on the city hasn’t been even, with a range of impacts on short-term rental listings for stays of less than 30 nights down the most in submarkets throughout the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens with many submarkets down more than 90% year-over-year,” Lane says.

Author of Local Law 18 Speaks Out

Former City Council member Ben Kallos told Skift that he’s proud of Local Law 18, which he wrote in 2021.

“It’s good to see evidence that the number of short-term rentals in NYC has been decreased by the law I authored,” says Kallos. “This morning 33,255 children woke up in a homeless shelter and it makes me angry to learn that bad actors would rather leave their homes vacant in hopes of commanding hotel prices for 30-day stays than just renting their homes at market rates to families and children in desperate need of housing.”

Still, Kallos says the language of Local Law 18 was purposely silent on whether a host needed to be present during a stay, how many guests would be allowed, or the number of units that would be permissible. Those details were left up to the city to regulate, he says.

“I think what I was hoping to target were the Airbnb hosts who had — not one or two units — but hundreds of units,” Kallos says. “There was one person who had 400 units, and that person was in a place to have more units than some Marriott hotels or Hilton hotels.”

Kallos added that he’s “puzzled” by how few hosts have been able to register, and he hopes the city would close a loophole that enables condo owners in Class B buildings to keep offering their units as short-term rentals without the host having to be present or any limitation on the number of guests.

For example, while small-time hosts in many cases have had to shutter their short-term rental businesses, Sonder, which operates short-term rentals in Class B buildings, cited New York City as one of its five top markets last year.

Office of Special Enforcement Points to ‘Massive Reduction’ in Illegal Listings

As of August 26, the city’s Office of Special Enforcement, which processes registration applications and imposes penalties for violations, granted 2,498 registration applications and denied 2542. So it has denied more applications than approved. Another 1,612 were returned to applicants for additional information or corrections.

Criticized for being very slow to process applications in the run-up to and the early days of the law’s implementation, the OSE has made a determination on 99.7% of applications. That includes those returned to hosts for corrections or additional data.

“The Short-Term Rental Registration program has been pivotal in protecting the city’s housing stock from illicit activity and keeping New Yorkers safe,” Christian Klossner, the OSE’s executive director, told Skift in June. “The implementation of the registration law led to a massive reduction in illegal short-term rental listings. It has also supported local short-term rental operators in understanding legal hosting practices. Lastly, LL18 has effectively prevented the misuse of thousands of permanent housing units for illegal short-term rentals.”

So why are so few hosts registered to offer short-term stays in the city?

As this OSE video details, hosts must not only provide identification documents, portions of their lease, and listing information, but they must also certify that they comply with zoning rules, the Multiple Dwelling law, as well as housing maintenance, construction, and building codes, for example. The nonrefundable application fee is $145.

Stanley McIntosh, a retired FEMA employee who’s in his 70s, and his wife Rosalinda Cooper, had been offering a garden-level apartment as a short-term rental in Harlem since around 2017, mostly on Vrbo. It’s part of the brownstone where they live and it has been in the family since 1938.

But for them, the registration process and new rules were too complicated.

“I was going to put in an application but the changes and the stuff you had to do would not have worked at all,” McIntosh says. “It’s crazy. The goal is just to discourage. Even if your two-family has a separate apartment, you have to be there all the time that they’re renting. It’s not like you can leave, go away and come back.”

After the law went into effect, McIntosh initially changed the listing to stays for 30 days or more, and now the couple is trying to figure out what to do next. He says the income hit means he can still pay his mortgage, but the couple can’t save like they used to.

Airbnb’s Take on Local Law 18

Theo Yedinsky, Airbnb’s vice president of public policy, says Local Law 18 hasn’t achieved its aims.

“What we said, based on experience in dealing with thousands of other cities around the world, and the data started to show this, is that it would not reduce rent prices, it would not reduce home prices, it would not increase vacancy rates, and that it would move the activity underground,” Yedinsky says.

He said it’s a misconception to think if you remove a listing off Airbnb, that it automatically turns into long-term housing. “It assumes every Airbnb that is listed on the platform is not lived in, is not a primary residence, isn’t a room, and is listed all the time, which is fundamentally not true.”

NYC Hotels the Top-Performing Major Market in the U.S.

For a variety of factors, including Local Law 18 and the fact that 16,000 hotel rooms have been taken off the market and have been used to house migrants and the homeless, the New York City hotel industry has had a banner year so far in 2024.

Comparing the first six months of 2024 to the same period a year earlier, New York City hotels achieved the highest revenue per available room (RevPar) increase among the top 25 hotel markets in the country, according to hotel analytics firm CoStar. It was up 10.1% in NYC, versus just 2.5% in the other 24 top markets and 1.4% in the U.S.

“New York has certainly outperformed,” says Jan Freitag, national director of Costar Group’s hospitality analytics. “The other top 25 markets are recovering as well. They are not seeing a jump of that magnitude.”

Demand is up in New York City and hotel supply was down 0.8% because of the rooms taken out for migrants and the homeless, Freitag says. As the chart shows, average daily rates and occupancy also spiked in the city.

Freitag says many of the 16,000 rooms taken off the market weren’t previously targeted toward tourists. They are located near airports, not prime tourism locations, and many had long-term residents.

“I think on the short-term rental side there’s definitely overlap between somebody who could stay in a hotel and somebody who could stay in an alternative accommodation – so I think both things matter,” Freitag says, referring to the 16,000 hotel rooms off the market and Local Law 18. “In Manhattan, maybe the alternative accommodation restriction matters a little bit more than in the outer boroughs.”

While Freitag characterized New York City as outperforming every major hotel market in the country, the CEO of the Hotel Association of New York City isn’t popping champagne or characterizing Local Law 18 as a game-changer.

“The impact has been on the margin,” says Vijay Dandapani, CEO of the hotel association, referring to the host registration law, “as NYC ’s hotel market is the only one in New York State that lags 2019 numbers …”

Regarding the administration’s response to illegal short-term rental operators, Dandapani added: “The response last year was slow due to initial teething troubles but has been robust since then.”

Dandapani claimed that CoStar’s numbers showing healthy increases in occupancy, ADRs and RevPar don’t adequately take into account 6,000 rooms that remain closed and what he estimated are 18,000-19,000 rooms housing migrants.

Although CoStar cited a 10.1% year-over-year increase in RevPar in the first half of 2024, Dandapani said, “when adjusted for inflation, RevPar is still behind 2019.”

He said Local Law 18 is necessary to “work toward closing the enormous regulatory and financial arbitrage enjoyed by STRs,” but it is still premature to assess its impact.

Visitor Numbers Are Expected to Rise in 2024

There were fears that Local Law 18 would price out bargain-seeking visitors and hurt New York City tourism overall.

In June, a Trinidadian business owner in Brooklyn who helped organize the Celebrate Canarsie event, lashed out at Local Law 18, charging that local businesses saw a “significant drop in revenue since Local Law 18 limited accommodation options for visitors.”

And the CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce last month criticized some of the law’s “ridiculous restrictions.”

“The unintended consequences of this legislation, especially the steep decline in places for tourists to stay, are hindering Brooklyn’s potential to attract visitors and is hurting its residents, small businesses, and local economy,” chamber CEO Randy Peers wrote in an op-ed for the Brooklyn Paper.

But tourism has remained strong.

A spokesperson for New York City Tourism + Conventions said the city forecasts that the city’s visitor numbers will increase 4.2% to 64.8 million in 2024.

Tiffany Townsend, a spokesperson for the agency, claims that a lack of short-term rentals doesn’t stop people from visiting the city.

“In terms of visitor behavior, traveling is not an all-in, all-out choice,” says spokesperson Townsend. “When people travel, they generally operate within an expected budget, but then adjust what they spend. Rather than forgo a trip, they look for ways to maximize their budget and they spend differently.”

But others might argue that some budget-conscious travelers would either stay in the suburbs and commute into the city, or skip the Big Apple entirely.

Townsend says travelers may scale down their trips in several ways to still visit the city. “They may travel economy instead of premium; they may down-scale their hotel, reduce the number of nights, or go back to sharing a double-double with their children rather than booking two rooms; they generally downscale their food expenses; and finally, they often reduce their retail spending,” she says.

However, one thing the projected visitor increase can’t prove is whether — and how much — tourism arrivals might have increased even more had the city not lost roughly 18,000 short-term rental listings for stays of fewer than 30 days, according to AirDNA’s estimates.

Rents Are Up But Increases Are Slowing

With some short-term rentals coming off the market and becoming available in theory as long-term rentals, you’d think that more long-term housing supply might contribute to a dip in rents. Rents were still increasing throughout the summer.

The median asking rent in July 2024 showed just a 0.9% increase compared with July 2023. Kenny Lee, senior economist at StreetEasy and Zillow, thinks the number of short-term rental listings involved is too small to impact the “1 million unit market-rate rental housing stock in NYC.”

However, when just considering rents for one-bedroom apartments, the median rent in September rose 12.8% year-over-year to a record $4,500 per month, according to Zumper’s National Rent Report.

The short-term rental crackdown in New York City, including the deletion of several thousand Airbnb listings, does not appear to be a needle-mover when it comes to the city’s long-term rental trends.

“The resurgence of urban living over the past two years, coupled with employers implementing return-to-office policies, have prompted many former suburbanites to return to the city,” the Zumper report says. “Additionally, the peak summer moving season is further intensifying upward pressure on rent prices here.”

Lee said that while many rent metrics in the city are approaching or at record highs, “what’s telling is the recent slowdown in the growth of various rental measures,” he said.

And there are a number of factors at play.

“I do not think the slowdown in rent growth since 2023 is related to Airbnb listings turning into long-term rentals. This is about supply and demand rebalancing rather than just short-term rentals joining the market,” Lee says. “Since 2023, the demand has been slowing in NYC as the local labor market continues to cool. Supply has been increasing as more homeowners consider renting out their homes rather than selling amid high mortgage rates and new developments entering the rental market.”

Staying In and Hosting Illegal Short-Term Rentals

With so many short-term rentals hosts unable or unwilling to register with the city, there’s been a growing black market of listings on sites such as Craigslist, various Facebook and Whatsapp groups, as well as on Discord and Telegram, for example. The short-term rental listings can sometimes take digging to find because they are mixed in with long-term rentals and sublets.

With a lack of short-term rentals where individuals or groups don’t have to stay with hosts, travelers are posting on Facebook and other platforms seeking places to stay. 

Hosts often ask prospective guests to send money up-front, and there are few consumer protections if the listing turns out to be a scam, or there are other issues.

For example, a seller on Facebook Marketplace listed a one-bedroom condo in June for $130 per day (plus $10 per person if extra guests). I messaged asking whether it would be available as a short-term rental in mid-September for two guests.

Unlike the process on an established short-term rental platform, he detailed how the booking process would work. “I will require a video call where we show each other’s ID before moving forward,” the seller said. “Half the payment to take the listing off and I will authorize you access for the agreed dates. Full payment required on the first day.”

The OSE advises guests to immediately call 911 if they are fraud victims, and otherwise to use “the major sites that have insurance, customer service support, and are complying with the registration law.”

Klossner of the OSE said his office has “not seen evidence of an extensive ‘black market’ or underground illicit activity.”

Marcus Räder, the founder and CEO of short-term rental software provider Hostaway, appeared on the Alex & Annie Vacation Rental Podcast in June, and talked about how he was staying for a week at an illegal short-term rental in the city. “Originally I booked it on Airbnb, then the listing got shut down and it got canceled. The host reached out to me and said, ‘Yo, just send the money. I’m still doing it.’”

Räder said there’s long been a gray market in New York City where people have booked condos through connections. “If you’re leaving your home for a week that you can’t afford, you have to rent it out,” he says. “Under the new regulations, they’re essentially saying, if you want to keep doing a black market, your gray market stuff, that’s OK. But Airbnb and Vrbo, you’re the bad guys. You make it visible. We need more Craigslist, we need nondescript, or no photos. That’s OK.”

Malaika, the host in Ocean Hill, Brooklyn, says she participates in a group chat with hosts and at times some of them will accept reservations that break the rules.

“We go on there and individuals take risks in times of need if it’s a personal referral to the group,” she says. “So it definitely does happen.”

As for herself, Malaika says she did an illegal rental, but just one time.

“A neighbor referred someone and they stayed here in the apartment for that one week,” Malaika says. “They paid cash for it. But that was the only time. I was so desperate that I wouldn’t be able to pay my mortgage. But I was crapping the entire time because the OSE sends people around and they could have been knocking on my door on that one day while these guests were here. So it’s almost not really worth the anxiety.”

Dennis Schaal is Skift’s Executive Editor. Contact him at d [email protected] Graphics by Vonn Keynes

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Travel insurance through Europ Assistance

As of September 2022, guests who live in the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Austria, and Portugal can purchase travel insurance on the checkout page.

The travel insurance policies are offered by Generali's Europ Assistance Group, trading under the Europ Assistance name in the EU and UK.

Don’t live in the UK or the EU countries listed? Travel Insurance is also available to residents of the United States and residents of certain Canadian provinces . Reservation insurance is available to residents of France. And guests everywhere can purchase travel insurance outside of Airbnb, directly through a travel insurance company’s website or by shopping around on a comparison site.

For UK residents

Adding insurance while booking.

You’ll be given the option to add travel insurance on the checkout page when making your Airbnb booking. Before you do, be sure to review the details of the insurance policy being offered and what’s covered to make sure it’s right for you.

Shortly after your reservation is confirmed, you’ll get an email confirming your insurance purchase and providing a copy of your insurance policy. That email will also include a link to your policy details page, which is where you can cancel your policy, start a claim, and more.

Making changes to your reservation

Your travel insurance policy will be automatically updated if the dates of your reservation or guest count change and there is no claim on the existing policy. If the change impacts the total price of your reservation, you’ll be charged or refunded an adjusted amount for your travel insurance.

What the policy covers

The Europ Assistance travel insurance policy includes:

• Travel cancellation : Get reimbursed for up to 100% of your non-refunded Airbnb reservation cost if you cancel for a covered reason, such as: serious illness or injury, a flight delay due to mechanical breakdown, or a natural disaster at your home or destination.
• Delayed departure : Get reimbursed for certain additional expenses you incur because your trip is delayed for 12 hours or more for a covered reason. Covered reasons include a storm, fire, or flood at the departure point; mechanical breakdown of your vehicle; and loss of travel documents or money.
• Medical assistanc e: Get reimbursed for medical expenses you incur while traveling abroad, such as: hospitalisation costs, medication prescribed by a doctor, or ambulance journeys ordered by a doctor.
• Luggage : Get reimbursed if your luggage is lost definitively or damaged by your carrier.

What’s not covered

• Pre-existing medical conditions : If you’re traveling with medical conditions, you may need additional or alternative coverage. For information, contact the Money and Pensions Service by calling +44 (0) 80 0138 7777 or searching their medical cover firm directory .
• Certain travel costs : You can’t get reimbursed for the cost of planned transport (including flights, trains, and ferries) to and from your Airbnb listing if you need to cancel your reservation before you depart on your trip.

Is COVID-19 covered?

Although pandemics aren’t covered by travel insurance, COVID-19 is covered in some situations because it’s considered to be a serious illness. Unexpected illness is a covered reason under the travel cancellation, medical assistance, and travel curtailment benefits. You’re not covered for travel disruptions caused by COVID-19, like border closures and quarantine mandates.

Please note that if you file a claim due to COVID-19, you’ll be asked to provide documentation showing that you, a family member (for example, your child), or someone staying with you at the Airbnb accommodation tested positive while under the virtual or in-person supervision of a qualified medical professional.

Who’s covered

Every policy covers the guest who purchased it and the people who are staying with them at the Airbnb accommodation. These people don’t have to be added to the Airbnb reservation or named on the policy in order to be covered, and there are no age restrictions.

Canceling your policy

UK residents can cancel their policy within 14 days of purchase for a full premium refund. Please note that you can’t cancel your policy after you’ve departed on your trip or started a claim, even if you’re within the 14-day cooling-off period.

To cancel your policy, just go to your coverage overview page and select Cancel policy .

Starting a claim

Claims are handled by Europ Assistance from start to finish. You can start a claim by going to your coverage overview page and selecting Start a claim or by contacting Europ Assistance directly.

How to get help

If you have questions about your policy, need help with a claim, or want travel assistance contact Europ Assistance by calling +44 (0) 203 7888 656 or emailing [email protected] .

For UK residents, travel insurance is underwritten by Europ Assistance S.A. UK Branch.

Europ Assistance S.A. is supervised by the French Supervisory authority (ACPR), 4, place de Budapest, CS92459 - 75436 Paris Cedex 09, France. Europ Assistance S.A. UK Branch is authorized by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and limited regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Details about the extent of our regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority are available on request.

For UK residents, this travel insurance is arranged by Airbnb UK Services Limited. Airbnb UK Services Limited is an appointed representative of Aon UK Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Aon UK Limited’s FCA register number is 310451, you can check this by visiting the Financial Services Register | FCA or calling 0800 111 6768. Travel Insurance is available to guests aged 18 and over. Full terms and conditions apply. FP.AFF.343.LC

For EU residents

• Medical assistance : Get reimbursed for medical expenses you incur while traveling abroad, such as: hospitalisation costs, medication prescribed by a doctor, or ambulance journeys ordered by a doctor.

Although pandemics aren’t covered by travel insurance, COVID-19 is covered in some situations because it’s considered to be a serious illness. Unexpected illness is a covered reason under the travel cancellation, medical assistance, and travel curtailment benefits.You’re not covered for travel disruptions caused by COVID-19, like border closures and quarantine mandates.

EU residents (excluding France) can cancel their policy within 14 days of purchase for a full premium refund. Please note that you can’t cancel your policy after you’ve departed on your trip or started a claim, even if you’re within the 14-day grace period.

To cancel your policy, just go to your coverage overview page and select  Cancel policy .

If you have questions about your policy, need help with a claim, or want travel assistance:

• Austria residents: Contact Europ Assistance by calling +43 120 609 2205 or emailing [email protected] .
• Germany residents: Contact Europ Assistance by calling +49 302 238 4619 or emailing [email protected] .
• Ireland residents: Contact Europ Assistance by calling +353 15 41 07 39 or emailing [email protected] .
• Italy residents: Contact Europ Assistance by calling +39 02 23 33 14 35 or emailing [email protected] .
• Netherlands residents: Contact Europ Assistance by calling +31 207003745 or emailing [email protected] . For travel assistance, call +32 2 541 9011.
• Portugal residents: Contact Europ Assistance by calling +34 915 368 419 or emailing [email protected] .
• Spain residents: Contact Europ Assistance by calling +34 915 143 721 or emailing [email protected] .

For EU residents, travel insurance is underwritten by Europ Assistance SA acting through its Irish branch and offered by the insurance intermediary Aon Iberia Correduria de Seguros y Reaseguros S.A.U. with Airbnb Marketing Services S.L.U. acting as an external collaborator. Europ Assistance SA is supervised by the Autorité de contrôle prudentiel et de résolution (ACPR) in France, and its Irish branch is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. Full terms and conditions apply.

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