Best Insurance for Airbnb Hosts in 2026: 7 Options Compared

The best insurance for most Airbnb hosts is a dedicated short-term rental (STR) policy, not AirCover alone and not a standard homeowners policy. Airbnb's AirCover for Hosts offers up to $3 million in damage protection and $1 million in host liability, but Airbnb itself says host damage protection "isn't an insurance policy," and it applies to Airbnb bookings only. A standard homeowners policy typically treats regular short-term renting as business use and may exclude claims during paid stays. A dedicated STR policy closes both gaps.

This guide compares seven options, explains what each covers and costs, and shows how to choose by property type. Awning manages 20,000+ vacation rental properties across all 50 states, so we see which coverage holds up when a claim lands at 11 p.m. on a holiday weekend. Dedicated STR policies generally run about $1,000 to $3,500 per year per property, depending on value, location and limits.

Disclosure: Awning is a property management company, not an insurer or insurance agency. Some providers below have pages on awning.com, and rankings reflect our editorial view of coverage, not paid placement. Always get at least two quotes, and confirm limits and exclusions in the policy documents, because coverage varies by state and property.

Key takeaways

• AirCover is a baseline, not a policy. It is free, includes up to $3M damage protection and $1M host liability, applies to Airbnb stays only, and Airbnb says damage protection is not insurance.
• Homeowners policies often exclude paying guests. Many carriers treat regular short-term renting as business use.
• A dedicated STR policy is the safest default for hosts who rent most of the year, use multiple platforms or take direct bookings.
• Expect $1,000 to $3,500 a year per property for a dedicated STR policy, with higher premiums for pools, hot tubs, high-value homes and coastal locations.
• Layer your coverage: AirCover, a dedicated policy for liability and catastrophic loss, and a damage-protection plan for routine guest damage.

Why isn't Airbnb AirCover enough insurance for hosts?

AirCover is not enough because it is a reimbursement program with exclusions, it covers Airbnb bookings only, and Airbnb states that host damage protection is not an insurance policy. AirCover for Hosts includes up to $3 million in host damage protection and $1 million in host liability insurance. The gaps owners most often hit:

• Direct and other-platform bookings are not covered. Vrbo, Booking.com and direct stays fall outside AirCover.
• Exclusions and conditions apply. Normal wear and tear, pre-existing damage, natural disasters and certain categories of valuables are typically excluded, and reimbursement is generally based on depreciated value rather than replacement cost.
• It does not replace property coverage. Fire, wind, water and liability from non-guest events still belong in your property policy.
• Claim timing matters. Report damage promptly and keep evidence; check Airbnb's current claim window before you rely on it.
• Regional differences exist. For example, Airbnb notes that coverage for UK and EEA hosts is underwritten by Zurich and that Washington hosts have a separate arrangement.

Homeowners endorsement vs. commercial STR policy: which do you need?

An STR policy is a commercial or specialty policy written for paying guests, while a homeowners endorsement adds limited home-sharing coverage to your existing homeowners policy. The right choice depends on how often you rent.

Rule of thumb: If you rent more than a few weeks a year, or you own the property as an investment, plan on a dedicated STR policy. See our guides on homeowners insurance for Airbnb hosts and Airbnb insurance cost.

Best insurance for Airbnb hosts in 2026: comparison table

Figures below come from each provider's own materials or our reviews as of October 2026. Premiums are quote-based and vary widely.

Ranked: the 7 best Airbnb insurance options for hosts

1. Proper Insurance: best overall for most STR hosts

Proper Insurance is a specialty commercial homeowners policy built for short-term rentals. It is underwritten by Lloyd's of London and Concert Specialty Group, available in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and reports 200,000+ policies written since 2014. Published highlights include special-form "all-risk" coverage on building and contents, replacement-cost valuation, no sub-limit on guest-caused damage, commercial general liability starting at $1M per occurrence that follows the guest beyond the premises, bed bug and flea protection with lost revenue, squatter protection and "actual loss sustained" business income with no time limit. It is also an endorsed Vrbo partner.

Pros: purpose-built for STR; broad guest-damage coverage; lost-income protection. Cons: premiums are quote-based and can be higher than endorsements; availability by property type varies. See our Proper Insurance page.

2. CBIZ Vacation Rental Insurance: best value commercial policy

CBIZ offers a standalone commercial STR policy for single-family homes, townhouses, condos, cabins and small multi-family properties up to four units. Published limits include $1M per occurrence and $2M general aggregate liability, $5,000 in medical payments and $17,500 of bed bug coverage with no deductible. CBIZ is a long-established firm (founded 2002), notes AA+ financial strength on its page, and covers short-term, long-term, vacant and second-home use. The drawback is transparency: rates are not published, so you must request a quote. Read our CBIZ Vacation Rental Insurance review.

3. Obie: best for investors with portfolios

Obie is a technology-driven landlord insurer covering single-family homes, 2-4 unit properties, apartment buildings and condo units. It lists coverage in all 50 states, instant quotes and fast policy activation. Because Obie is landlord-first, confirm that your property qualifies for short-term rental coverage and what liability limits apply before you buy. See our Obie Insurance page.

4. Steadily: best for mixed short-term and long-term portfolios

Steadily is one of the largest landlord-insurance specialists and also insures Airbnb and Vrbo properties. It lists legal liability options from $300K to $2M, coverage for fire, water, storm and hail, wind and hurricane, loss of rent, vandalism and burglary. Its carrier, Steadily Insurance Company (NAIC 16963), is Arizona-based and the agency is licensed in all 50 states and D.C. It suits owners who hold both furnished rentals and long-term tenants and want one provider. Confirm STR-specific terms and any occupancy limits at quote.

5. Safely: best per-booking damage protection

Safely provides coverage attached to individual stays, integrated with property management systems. It advertises up to $1,000,000 in combined coverage that includes liability for guest injury, guest-caused damage (intentional acts, accidents, pet damage, theft), loss of income while a damaged property is out of service, and chargeback protection. Claims are filed with photos and estimates within 60 days of checkout, and Safely says most are paid within a week. It integrates with 15+ platforms and is best used as a layer on top of a property policy, not instead of one. State availability varies by license.

6. Allstate HostAdvantage: best endorsement for occasional hosts

Allstate HostAdvantage is a home-sharing protection add-on for Allstate homeowners customers in select states. It suits primary-residence hosts who rent occasionally and want to keep one carrier. Because availability, limits and conditions are state-specific and change, ask your Allstate agent for the current form and any rental-night limits. It is generally not designed for full-time investment STRs.

7. Other homeowners endorsements (American Family, Erie, USAA, Farmers, Nationwide)

Some mainstream homeowners carriers offer limited short-term rental endorsements, while others exclude STR activity entirely. Rules differ by carrier and state, and they often cap annual rental nights, restrict coverage to primary residences, or exclude loss of income. If you go this route, get the endorsement in writing and ask three questions: how many nights are allowed, whether guest damage and liability are covered during paid stays, and whether direct bookings are included.

How do you choose the best insurance for Airbnb hosts by property type?

Choose by how you use the property: owner-occupied and occasional, second home, full-time investment, or large portfolio.

• Spare room or occasionally rented primary home: A homeowners endorsement plus AirCover may be enough if the limits fit. Check rental-night caps.
• Second home or cabin rented seasonally: A dedicated STR policy such as Proper or CBIZ, plus wind and flood coverage where relevant.
• Full-time investment property: A commercial STR policy with loss-of-income coverage, and an umbrella policy if your liability exposure is large.
• Pools, hot tubs and large groups: Prioritize higher liability limits, amenity coverage and a manager who documents safety inspections.
• Multi-property portfolios: Consider Obie or Steadily for portfolio pricing, and layer a per-stay damage product such as Safely.
• Coastal or storm-prone homes: Ask about wind, named-storm deductibles and flood policy requirements separately; many STR policies do not include flood.

Pro tip: If you use a property manager, ask what coverage they bundle. Awning bundles $10,000 damage protection and $1 million liability coverage across its service tiers, which is a starting layer, not a replacement for your property policy.

How much does insurance for Airbnb hosts cost in 2026?

A dedicated short-term rental policy generally costs about $1,000 to $3,500 per year per property, while home-sharing endorsements are usually cheaper but more restricted. Hostfully's 2026 guide gives that range and notes it varies by property value, location, liability limits, rental frequency and whether loss of income is included. What moves your premium most:

• Replacement cost and location: Coastal, wildfire and hail-prone areas cost more.
• Amenities: Pools, hot tubs, trampolines and fire pits raise liability premiums.
• Liability limit: Moving from $1M to $2M typically raises cost modestly relative to the protection.
• Deductibles: Higher deductibles, especially wind and named storm, lower premium but raise your out-of-pocket risk.
• Loss of income: Optional on some policies and valuable if one claim could idle the property for weeks.

Insurance is a real line item in your underwriting. Our insurance cost guide linked earlier walks through typical ranges, and our Airbnb insurance resource hub collects related guides.

What should be on your Airbnb insurance claims checklist?

The fastest, cleanest claims start before the damage: documented condition, clear house rules and a defined process.

1. Document the baseline. Date-stamped photos or video of every room after each cleaning.
2. Secure the scene. Stop further damage (shut off water, board openings) and keep damaged items if possible.
3. Photograph everything immediately, including serial numbers and damage close-ups.
4. Notify the right parties in the right order: the platform (if booked there) within its claim window, then your insurer. Do not wait for the platform to respond before calling your carrier.
5. Collect estimates and receipts for repair and replacement, plus cleaning invoices.
6. Preserve guest communication and the booking confirmation.
7. File a police report for theft or vandalism if required by your policy.
8. Track lost income by saving the calendar blocks and cancelled-booking records.
9. Follow up in writing and keep a claim log with dates, names and reference numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best insurance for Airbnb hosts?

For most hosts who rent regularly, a dedicated STR policy such as Proper Insurance or CBIZ is the best fit because it is written for paying guests. Occasional hosts in their primary residence may do well with a homeowners endorsement, and portfolio owners may prefer Obie or Steadily.

Does homeowners insurance cover Airbnb?

Usually not fully. Many carriers treat regular short-term renting as business use and exclude related claims during paid stays. Some offer limited endorsements. Ask your carrier in writing before you list.

Is Airbnb AirCover the same as insurance?

No. AirCover for Hosts includes up to $3 million in damage protection and $1 million in host liability, but Airbnb states that host damage protection is not an insurance policy, and it applies only to Airbnb bookings. It is a useful baseline, not a substitute for your own policy.

How much does Airbnb host insurance cost?

A dedicated STR policy generally costs about $1,000 to $3,500 per year per property, per Hostfully's 2026 guide. Endorsements are cheaper but limited. Your quote will depend on location, replacement cost, amenities and limits.

Do I need Airbnb insurance if I only host a few times a year?

Yes, you still need to know what is covered. A homeowners endorsement or short-term coverage may be enough, but a single uninsured injury claim can exceed what most hosts can afford. Confirm that paid guests are covered before the first booking.

Does Airbnb insurance cover Vrbo and direct bookings?

AirCover does not. A dedicated STR policy typically covers all rental activity regardless of platform, which is a major reason multi-channel hosts choose one. Verify that direct bookings are included in your policy language.

Do I need flood or wind insurance for a vacation rental?

Often yes in coastal and storm-prone areas. Standard STR policies commonly exclude flood, and wind or named-storm coverage may be separate with its own deductible. Ask your agent to explain deductibles in dollars.

Does my property manager's insurance replace mine?

No. Manager-provided protection, such as Awning's bundled $10,000 damage protection and $1 million liability coverage, adds a layer, but you still need a policy covering the building, contents and your own exposure.

Let Awning Handle Your Vacation Rental Awning manages 20,000+ vacation rental properties across all 50 states, with damage protection and liability coverage bundled into every service tier. Tell us about your property and we will help you build the right protection stack. → Schedule a Free Call

Related Resources

• Short-term rental insurance: Awning's overview of STR coverage options

Sources referenced (paraphrased): Airbnb Help Center (AirCover for Hosts); Hostfully (2026 Airbnb insurance guide, STR policy cost range); Proper Insurance, CBIZ, Obie, Steadily and Safely (provider websites, October 2026); AirDNA and Lodgify (2026 host guidance).