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Standard homeowners insurance won't protect you as an Airbnb host. Most policies are automatically voided once short-term renting begins — leaving you financially exposed to property damage, liability claims, and lost income. Short-term rental insurance fills that gap with coverage purpose-built for the unique risks of hosting.
This guide reviews the five best insurance options for Airbnb hosts in 2026, with an honest look at what each covers, what it costs, and which type of host each serves best.
Why You Can't Rely on Airbnb's AirCover
Airbnb's AirCover program provides up to $3 million in Host Damage Protection and $1 million in Host Liability Insurance. While useful, it has significant limitations: it does not replace a standalone insurance policy, excludes certain property types, and requires damage to be reported through Airbnb's claims process. Most insurance professionals recommend AirCover as a supplement — not a substitute — for your own STR insurance policy.
What to Look for in STR Insurance
When comparing policies, prioritize these factors:
- Property damage coverage — including guest-caused damage beyond the security deposit
- Liability coverage — for guest injuries on the property
- Loss of income coverage — if a covered event forces you to cancel bookings
- Coverage for all booking platforms — not just Airbnb
- Claims process efficiency — how quickly and easily can you file and receive payment
- Portfolio coverage — if you own multiple properties, can one policy cover all of them
Quick Comparison: Top 5 STR Insurance Companies (2026)
Costs are estimated ranges and vary by location, property value, coverage limits, and risk factors. Get quotes from multiple providers to compare.
1. Proper Insurance — Best Overall for Most STR Hosts
Proper Insurance is widely considered the gold standard for short-term rental coverage. Their policies are designed specifically for STR properties and cover both Airbnb and VRBO listings — as well as direct bookings — under a single policy.
What Proper Covers
- Dwelling and structure up to replacement cost value
- Personal property damage caused by guests
- General liability up to $1 million per occurrence
- Loss of rental income if a covered event disrupts your bookings
- Other structures on the property (sheds, fences, detached garages)
Cost
Proper Insurance typically costs between $1,500 and $4,000 per year depending on property location, size, and coverage limits. They offer instant online quotes.
Best for
STR hosts who want a purpose-built, comprehensive policy and are managing their property themselves or through a management company on any booking platform.
2. Obie Insurance — Best for STR Investors and Portfolios
Obie offers a streamlined, investor-friendly insurance platform covering single-family homes, multifamily, condos, and short-term rentals. Their standout feature is a property-level risk map that flags specific hazards near your investment — useful for underwriting decisions and risk mitigation.
What Obie Covers
- STR and non-owner-occupied properties, including vacant and renovation-stage properties
- Customizable liability, property, and loss of income coverage
- Optional personal property and personal injury coverage
- Portfolio policies for investors with multiple rentals
Cost
Obie pricing typically falls between $1,200 and $3,500 annually. Their online quote process is fast and transparent.
Best for
Real estate investors managing multiple STR properties who want a single platform for coverage, risk analysis, and policy management. Obie has insured over $4 billion in property nationwide.
3. Safely — Best for Hosts Who Also Want Guest Screening
Safely is a unique combination of STR insurance and guest screening. Beyond property protection, Safely maintains a proprietary database of guests known to have caused damage at other rentals — and uses that data to screen booking requests before they are approved.
What Safely Covers
- Up to $1 million for property damage, contents, and bodily injury
- Coverage for residential rentals including cabins, condos, cottages, apartments, and duplexes
- Access to guest screening against their damage database
Cost
Safely insurance typically costs between $2,000 and $3,000 per year. An accurate quote requires property details and cannot be estimated without an application.
Best for
Hosts who want to combine insurance protection with proactive guest vetting — particularly useful in high-volume markets or properties that have experienced damage from guests in the past.
4. Steadily — Best for Landlords with Mixed Portfolios
Steadily is a landlord insurance marketplace that connects property owners with multiple carriers to find the best fit. While not exclusively STR-focused, Steadily covers vacation rentals and specializes in landlord-specific coverage such as loss of rent and dwelling protection.
What Steadily Covers
- Dwelling and structure coverage
- Loss of rent if a covered event forces vacancies
- Liability protection for guest injuries
- Access to multiple carrier options through one application
Cost
Steadily's STR policies typically range from $2,000 to $3,000 annually, but vary based on carrier selection and coverage limits.
Best for
Investors who hold a combination of short-term and long-term rental properties and want to manage coverage across their entire portfolio from a single platform.
5. Awning Insurance — Best for Properties Managed by Awning
Awning offers STR insurance as part of its full-service property management ecosystem. For properties managed through Awning or RedAwning, coverage is integrated directly into the management relationship — simplifying the insurance process for owners who don't want to coordinate separately.
What Awning Covers
- Comprehensive coverage options tailored for STR properties
- Integrated with the Awning property management platform
- Available nationwide
- Streamlined quotes through the Awning website
Best for
Property owners who use Awning for management and want a single, integrated relationship for both management and insurance.
What About VRBO / Booking.com Coverage?
If you list on platforms beyond Airbnb, confirm your insurance policy covers bookings made through all channels. Proper Insurance and Obie explicitly cover multi-platform STR properties. Some policies may require endorsements or separate coverage for non-Airbnb bookings — always verify before signing.
How Much Does STR Insurance Cost?
STR insurance typically costs between $1,200 and $4,000 per year for a single property. Factors affecting price include:
- Property location and local risk (hurricane zones, wildfire risk, flood plains)
- Property value and replacement cost
- Coverage limits and deductibles you select
- Claims history
- Amenities on the property (pools, hot tubs, trampolines)
Most insurance professionals recommend getting quotes from at least two to three providers before purchasing. Costs vary meaningfully across carriers for the same property.
Is STR Insurance Tax Deductible?
Yes. STR insurance premiums are an ordinary and necessary business expense and are deductible on Schedule E (or Schedule C, depending on your classification). If you use the property personally as well, the deduction is limited to the rental-use percentage of the premium. See our full tax deduction guide for details.
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