Top 5 Insurance Companies for Airbnb Hosts (2026)

Choosing the right insurance for your Airbnb or short-term rental is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a host. Airbnb's built-in AirCover provides a starting point — $1 million in liability coverage and up to $3 million in host damage protection — but it has real gaps. It won't cover intentional damage, high-value items, certain liability claims, or your income if a non-guest event forces a cancellation.

This guide compares the top insurance companies for STR hosts in 2026 so you can find the right supplemental policy for your property. For a full breakdown of what AirCover does and doesn't cover and how much third-party policies cost, see → Airbnb Insurance Cost in 2026

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Awning works with vetted insurance partners to help hosts get the right coverage →

How to Choose: What to Look for Before Comparing  

• Coverage scope: Does the policy cover property damage, liability, AND loss of rental income?  

• STR-specific exclusions: General homeowners policies typically exclude rental activity — verify the policy explicitly covers STR use

• Occupancy rules: Some policies have restrictions on how many days per year the property can be rented

• Claims process: How fast do they pay out? Who handles the claim — the insurer directly or a third party?

• Price vs. deductible: A lower premium with a high deductible may cost more when you actually need it

Top 5 STR Insurance Companies for Airbnb Hosts (2026)  

1. Proper Insurance — Best for Comprehensive, Commercial-Grade Coverage  

Proper Insurance is the gold standard for serious STR hosts. Their commercial policy is designed to replace your existing homeowners or landlord policy entirely — not supplement it — providing coverage for guest-caused damage, theft, vandalism, liability, and lost rental income. Vrbo's exclusive insurance partner.  

• Unique coverages: Squatters, bed bug infestations, amenities liability (hot tubs, kayaks, bicycles)  

• No occupancy restrictions — unlimited rental days  

• Lost rental income included — not just property damage  

• Con: Price increases if the host lives on-property; not on-demand coverage  

Best for: Mid-to-high-value properties where gaps in coverage could be costly. Get a Proper Insurance quote →

2. Obie — Best for Quick Quotes and Competitive Pricing  

Obie offers one of the fastest and most transparent quoting processes in the market. Their platform is built for real estate investors and landlords, with policies covering property damage, liability, and customizable add-ons for flooding and emergencies. Available in all 50 states. Policyholders save around 25% on average vs. standard rates.  

• Partners: Accelerant Specialty and American National Lloyds (AM Best rated A- or higher)  

• Con: No 24/7 call center; claims handled by third-party providers  

• Annual cost range: ~$1,000–$4,000 depending on property  

Best for: Hosts who want fast, straightforward coverage with competitive pricing. Get an Obie quote →

3. Safely — Best for Pay-As-You-Go + Guest Screening  

Safely combines insurance with guest screening — their platform checks databases, court records, and existing reports on guests before their stay. Insurance covers up to $1 million for injury and property damage, and the pay-as-you-go model means you only pay for coverage when the property is occupied.  

• Pay-per-stay model — flexible for seasonal or part-time hosts  

• 4-business-day payout target on claims  

• Integrates with leading PMS and OTA platforms

• Con: Standard policy exclusions apply (weather damage, normal wear and tear)  

Best for: Part-time or seasonal hosts who want flexible coverage and guest risk reduction. Get a Safely quote →

4. Steadily — Best for Landlord-Centric or Mixed Portfolios

Steadily specializes in landlord insurance for both LTR and STR properties, with coverage options including dwelling, liability, personal property, loss of rents, and medical payments. Coverage limits up to $1 million.  

Fast online quotes and a straightforward claims process.  

• Good fit for: Investors managing a mix of short-term and long-term rental properties  

• Annual cost range: ~$2,000–$3,000 (can reach $9,000 in high-cost markets like FL/CA)  

• Con: Higher premiums in certain markets; separate deductibles for some damage types  

Best for: Multi-property operators or investors with mixed LTR/STR portfolios. Get a Steadily quote →

5. Allstate HostAdvantage — Best for Hosts Who Want a Major Brand  

Allstate's HostAdvantage program offers personal property damage and liability protection specifically for Airbnb hosts. It's a supplement to existing homeowners insurance rather than a replacement, which makes it a lower-friction entry point for hosts who already have Allstate coverage.

• Good fit for: Occasional hosts renting out their primary residence occasionally

• Con: Designed as a supplement, not a standalone STR policy — may not provide comprehensive protection for dedicated STR properties

Best for: Hosts who already have Allstate homeowners insurance and want to add STR protection with minimal disruption. Learn about Allstate HostAdvantage →

Quick Comparison

What About Airbnb's Free Coverage (AirCover)?  

AirCover for Hosts provides $1M in liability insurance and up to $3M in Host Damage Protection at no cost.  

It's a solid baseline but won't cover intentional damage, high-value collectibles, liability claims outside a guest's stay, or income loss from non-guest events. Every host should understand what AirCover covers before deciding whether third-party insurance is needed.  

For a full breakdown of AirCover limitations and typical third-party policy costs, see → Airbnb Insurance Cost in 2026: What Hosts Actually Pay

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Need help finding the right management company and insurance setup for your property? Awning works with vetted partners across all 50 states →

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