Airbnb Insurance in Massachusetts

What coverages can Airbnb host insurance provide?

Airbnb host insurance might provide a few different protections. Some of the most common ones are:

• Dwelling Coverage: Could cover the physical property from damage caused by renters, their guests, or other risks such as severe weather.
• Personal Property Coverage: Could cover the loss or damage of personal items within the property due to theft, vandalism, or other risks.
• Liability Coverage: Could cover lawsuits brought against the host due to injuries that occur on the property during a rental period, or outside of one.

Do hosts need additional protections in addition to what insurance Airbnb provides?

Airbnb normally provides some coverages for hosts when properties are booked. Most hosts will find that a separate Airbnb host policy will provide important additional protections, though.

The protections that Airbnb provides are primarily through its AirCover for Hosts program. This is a free benefit that may include property damage courage (up to $3 million) and liability coverage (up to $1 million). 

AirCover generally only applies during bookings, however. This can leave hosts without protection against damage or liability lawsuits when a property isn’t actively rented.

Procuring separate Airbnb host insurance can fill in gaps that Airbnb’s protections leave. A self-purchased policy will generally be in effect both when a property is booked and when it’s not. Hosts can also choose coverages, limits, and deductibles that work for them.

An insurance agent who specializes in helping Airbnb hosts will be able to find a policy that fills in gaps, and provides robust protections.

Can Airbnb host policies cover long-term leases?

Airbnb host policies are primarily designed for short-term rentals. A policy with the right terms might cover a rental that’s 30 days or a little longer, but a longer multi-month rental usually requires landlord insurance instead.

A knowledgeable agent can check the maximum single-rental duration that an Airbnb host policy would cover.

Do homeowners insurance policies cover Airbnb or similar rentals?

Select homeowners insurance policies might provide coverage for short-term online rentals in certain situations. If coverage is provided, the number of stays and/or length of stays would likely be limited. Some policies might not cover any stays.

A knowledgeable agent can also check whether homeowners insurance would cover an Airbnb or other short-term rental. If it wouldn’t then an Airbnb host policy is likely advisable.

How much do hosts pay for their own Airbnb policies?

The cost of an Airbnb host policy varies based on several factors, often including the property’s location, size, and value, as well as the frequency of rentals and the specific coverages selected. Additional factors like previous claims history can also affect premiums. 

Hosts should obtain quotes from multiple insurers to find the most competitively priced policies that meet their needs. Independent agents are able to assist with requesting custom quotes from several insurance companies.