Sharing your property via Airbnb can be a way to earn profits.
However, one of the fears or nightmares that stops many homeowners from doing so is the ‘damages’ guests do on the property. Isn’t it true hosts?
Airbnb has AirCover to protect hosts in case of property damage and other emergencies.
So, what is this AirCover program for hosts? What does it cover? How can any hosts enroll in this program? This guide covers everything. Read it!
What is Airbnb AirCover for Host?
AirCover is a free, built-in host liability insurance that protects hosts and guests in case of property damage, liability, and other issues during a stay or experience.
This program aims to give peace of mind to hosts and guests so that there will be no financial burden if something unexpected happens during Airbnb booking or stay.
AirCover verifies and screens guests, provides a 24-hour safety line, and also consists of:
- Host Damage Protection (with $3 million in property damage)
- Host Liability Insurance (with $1 million in liability insurance)
What it means is that if a guest (and/or their pets) damages something on an Airbnb property, the platform will cover all the costs related to repair or replacement.
And the same goes for injuries that happen to a guest (and/or their pets) during their stays—Airbnb will cover the costs for any physical/health issues.
This program applies from the time of check-in until check-out.
When Airbnb Launched Insurance for Hosts?
Airbnb started back in 2008. They began offering host insurance in 2011 for the first time under the name of the Host Guarantee program with up to $1 million coverage.
The motto of the Airbnb insurance program was to build trust among the people and make it safe for them to book short-term rentals through an online platform.
Looking at the global expansion, Airbnb launched a revised yet more advanced version of host insurance: AirCover. It was introduced in November 2021.
Soon, in May 2022, Airbnb expanded AirCover to include guests as well.
Currently, Airbnb has AirCover to protect guests and hosts in case of unexpected events.
What Does AirCover Cover?
AirCover covers many situations for Airbnb hosts under two segments, including:
Host Damage Protection – Up to $3 Million
This key part of AirCover protects hosts against any accidental or intentional damages:
- Any damage to property by hosts or their invitees, such as damage to furniture, walls, appliances, floors, and the list goes on.
- Damages happen due to a pet a guest brings in (even without permission).
- Any stolen items by a guest from your property.
- Unexpected cleaning costs (due to guest negligence), which are beyond normal cleaning expectations.
- Vehicle damage caused by guests during the stay.
- Damage/missing valuables and art
Host Liability Insurance – Up to $1 Million
Along with damages to property and its belongings, AirCover also takes care of liability claims from guests related to injuries or other issues:
- Guest injuries, whether a guest slips, falls, or injures themselves on your property and decides to file a claim.
- Third-party claims. For example, if a guest damages a neighbor’s property or common space in a shared building, Airbnb can cover those costs.
- AirCover can cover legal fees, settlements, or judgments if hosts are sued because of a liability issue tied to the Airbnb stay.
- Food poisoning or health-related issues a guest claims during their stay.
Remember, only unexpected events are covered with the AirCover—not the ones that are supposed to be covered via cleaning and/or pet fees you charge.
What AirCover Doesn’t Cover?
While AirCover covers many damages and claims, it doesn’t cover these:
- Normal wear and tear (scratches, faded paint, worn furniture)
- Cash and financial instruments (bonds, stock certificates, etc.)
- Injuries or damage outside Airbnb bookings
- Damage in shared/common areas (hallways, building lobbies)
- Acts of nature (tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes)
- Damages caused by animals, insects, or vermin
- Illegal activities or rule violations
- Mold, pests, or long-term damage
- Claims reported late (after 14 days or the next check-in)
- Items without proof of ownership
- Costs for pet injuries and medical care
How to Enroll Into Airbnb Host Liability Insurance?
No need to enroll in Airbnb Aircover—this insurance program is automatically included and activated for every host worldwide the moment they publish a listing.
All you have to do is to confirm your acceptance. To do this, log in to your Airbnb account and go to Host > Insurance & Protections. Review the details and confirm your acceptance.
NOTE: Airbnb Host Liability Insurance (a part of the Aircover) is available globally, except for hosts in Japan, mainland China, and offers stays via Airbnb Travel, LLC, and Experiences.
How to Claim for an Airbnb Damage?
If an incident happens during a guest’s stay, file a damage claim through Airbnb.
First, check your place as soon as the guest checks out. Take clear photos or videos of anything that is broken or missing. Collect receipts or anything that shows the value of the item.
Once you have everything ready, go to your Airbnb account, click the “Reservations” tab, and select the booking where the damage happened. Then, click on “Report an issue”.
NOTE: Make sure you do this within 14 days after the guest checks out or before the next guest checks in—whichever is earlier.
Next, go to Airbnb’s Resolution Center to ask the guest for payment. You’ll need to explain what happened, upload the photos, and enter the amount you requested.
The guest will have 24 hours to reply with full or partial payment (or not respond) or decline the ‘Request Money’ claim. At this point, you (the host) can involve Airbnb and file AirCover: Host Damage Protection.
To Proceed with AirCover, click on the “Involve Airbnb” option to proceed with the request.
Airbnb can ask for more information or proof. If your claim qualifies under AirCover, Airbnb can pay for the damage up to $3 million.
Conclusion
Airbnb AirCover for Hosts is a free protection program that helps hosts feel more secure.
It includes up to $3 million in damage protection and $1 million in liability insurance. It covers guest-related damage, accidents, and more.
You don’t need to sign up—it is added automatically when you list your property on Airbnb. Just make sure to report any issues within 14 days.
AirCover gives peace of mind to focus on sharing your space, not stressing about the risks.
FAQs
Is Airbnb AirCover Available In All Countries?
AirCover is available for most hosts around the world. But there are a few exceptions.
For example, hosts in Japan, mainland China, and those offering stays through Airbnb Travel, LLC, or Airbnb Experiences aren’t covered.
What Do I Need to File an AirCover Claim?
To file a claim, you’ll need clear proof. This usually means photos or videos of the damage. Also, keep receipts or anything that shows how much the damaged or stolen item is worth.
What If Airbnb Denies My AirCover Claim?
If your claim is denied, don’t panic. First, check why it was rejected. Sometimes, it is due to missing info or late reporting.
If you think it was a mistake, gather more evidence and contact Airbnb support. They might take another look at your case.
How Is AirCover Different From Regular Insurance?
AirCover is made just for Airbnb hosting and booking-related issues, such as property damage, liability claims, etc. It covers damage and problems that happen during a guest’s stay.
Regular insurance often doesn’t include things like short-term rentals.
So, AirCover fills that gap.
Can AirCover Replace My Regular Homeowners Insurance?
No, it doesn’t replace your homeowner’s insurance.
AirCover is extra protection just for Airbnb stays. You should still keep your own insurance for full coverage, especially for things not related to Airbnb guests or bookings.
