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Airbnb insurance is a vital aspect of hosting on the platform. It provides financial protection for both hosts and guests in case of unexpected events.
The insurance covers accidental damage to the host's property, including buildings and contents. This means that if a guest accidentally breaks something, the host won't have to worry about paying for repairs or replacements.
Guests are also protected in case the host's property is damaged or destroyed due to a covered event, such as a fire or natural disaster.
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Airbnb Insurance Coverage
Airbnb Insurance Coverage is a vital aspect to consider when booking a rental on the platform. It offers a safety net for various situations that could derail your trip.
Airbnb travel insurance protects the cost of your rental if you encounter unexpected disruptions to your travel before or during your trip. These policies are underwritten by Generali Global Assistance in the U.S. and Aon and Europ Assistance Group abroad.
Consider reading: Airbnb Cancellation Insurance
Some of the covered protections that come with Airbnb travel insurance include trip cancellation for a covered reason, flight cancellation due to weather, illness or injury, trip delay of more than 12 hours, loss of baggage, natural disasters, theft during the stay, and stolen travel documents.
Here are some key coverages offered by Airbnb travel insurance:
- Trip cancellation: up to 100% reimbursement for non-refundable Airbnb booking cost for covered reasons like illness, injury, natural disasters, or unexpected work obligations.
- Trip interruption: up to 150% (including the initial cancellation reimbursement) for the unused portion of your accommodation cost, potentially covering additional expenses incurred due to the disruption.
- Travel delay: reimbursement for expenses like meals, accommodation, and local transportation incurred during the delay, up to a certain limit per person (typically $750).
- Emergency medical and evacuation: coverage for medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation (including repatriation) if needed during your trip.
- Baggage delay or loss: reimbursement for essential items like toiletries and clothing to tide you over until your luggage arrives.
It's worth noting that Airbnb's travel insurance policy doesn't cover accidental damage to the rental's property, which is a benefit included in some other retail policies.
AirCover Details
AirCover is a free program offered by Airbnb that acts as a safety net for situations directly related to the host or the listing itself.
AirCover covers three main scenarios: listing inaccuracy, host cancellation within 30 days, and unable to check-in due to the host's fault. If you end up in one of these situations, AirCover can help you find a similar place to stay or offer a full or partial refund.
There are two options on offer: rebooking at a different property or a refund. However, rebooking is based on availability and comparable pricing, and Airbnb may opt to give a refund rather than rebooking when prices are high.
Here are the specific scenarios where AirCover comes to the rescue:
- Listing inaccuracy: If the listing significantly differs from reality and the host can't rectify it.
- Host cancellation within 30 days: If the host cancels last minute.
- Unable to check-in (host's fault): If you arrive at your stay, but the host is nowhere to be found or there's a problem with access.
In these scenarios, Airbnb will help you find a similar place to stay or offer a full or partial refund.
Additional Coverage Options
Airbnb travel insurance offers additional coverage options to protect your trip. These options can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected events.
Some travel insurance policies, underwritten by Generali Global Assistance and Aon and Europ Assistance Group, cover up to 100% of your payment if you cancel for a covered reason.
These policies protect you from unexpected disruptions to your travel, including delayed flights, illness, or injury, and natural disasters.
Here are some additional coverage options you might want to consider:
- Trip cancellation for a covered reason.
- Flight cancellation due to weather.
- Illness or injury.
- Trip delay of more than 12 hours.
- Loss of baggage.
- Natural disasters.
- Theft during the stay.
- Stolen travel documents.
However, it's worth noting that Airbnb's travel insurance policy doesn't cover accidental damage to the rental property. If you're interested in this benefit, you may want to explore other retail policies that offer "Vacation Rental Damage" coverage.
For another approach, see: What Does Rental Dwelling Insurance Cover
Should I Get?
Should I Get Airbnb Travel Insurance?
Airbnb travel insurance is worth considering if you're not using a credit card with ample protections. This type of insurance can help you recoup the cost of your rental in the event of a travel disruption.
In the US, this insurance is underwritten by Generali Global Assistance, while in other countries, it's underwritten by Aon and Europ Assistance Group. The insurance coverage is available in nine countries where Airbnb offers rentals.
The insurance will cover up to 100% of your payment if you cancel for a covered reason. Examples of covered reasons include a delayed flight, illness, or natural disasters.
Some of the covered protections include trip cancellation, flight cancellation due to weather, illness or injury, and loss of baggage. These protections can help you avoid forfeiting the entire cost of the rental.
Here are some examples of covered reasons:
- Trip cancellation for a covered reason.
- Flight cancellation due to weather.
- Illness or injury.
- Trip delay of more than 12 hours.
- Loss of baggage.
- Natural disasters.
- Theft during the stay.
- Stolen travel documents.
Rental Car Damage Add-ons
Some travel insurance policies provide coverage if any damage happened to a rental car, but this isn't an option with Airbnb's policy.
Airbnb's policy doesn't offer an optional insurance upgrade for rental car damage, which is something to consider when renting a car in a different area.
If you're interested in learning more about adding this benefit to a travel insurance policy, check out our article on rental car damage benefits.
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Guest Support and Protection
AirCover is a free program offered by Airbnb that acts as a safety net for guests in case of issues with their booking. It kicks in when there's a serious problem with the host or the listing.
AirCover provides two options for guests: rebooking at a different property based on availability and comparable pricing, or a full or partial refund. However, rebooking may not always be possible, especially during peak seasons when prices are high.
If you're unable to check-in, or the host cancels your reservation within 30 days of check-in, AirCover can help you find a similar place to stay or offer a full refund. You can also contact a 24-hour safety line if you feel unsafe in the Airbnb.
Here are some situations where AirCover can help:
- Host cancellation within 30 days of check-in
- Unable to check-in due to host's fault
- Inaccurate listings (listing significantly different than advertised)
- Feeling unsafe in the Airbnb
Medical Expenses and Evacuations
Airbnb offers medical insurance for medical emergencies with their travel insurance. This means that if you get physically injured or become suddenly ill while staying in an Airbnb, your travel insurance policy will likely cover the medical expenses incurred during your vacation.
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If you're a host, you could be held liable for medical expenses and damages if a guest or visitor is injured on your property. Without proper insurance coverage, you may have to pay for these costs out of your own pocket, which could be financially devastating.
Airbnb's Host Protection Insurance can provide coverage for liability claims up to $1 million, including bodily injury to a guest, damage to property belonging to a guest, and damage caused by a guest to common areas.
However, this insurance does not cover all types of claims, including damage or injury resulting from something done intentionally, and damage to your place or belongings caused by a guest (that's covered by Host damage protection).
Loss/Delay
Loss/Delay can be a real hassle, especially when it comes to your trip. Airbnb's travel insurance can provide some reimbursement of additional accommodation or meal expenses if your travel is delayed.
To be eligible, you'll want to make sure you're taking the right precautions, like locking your door while you're away. This will help ensure that your belongings are covered in case something goes wrong.
If you rent a room in a shared house or a bed and breakfast, keep your belongings locked in your room to ensure your travel insurance applies. Leaving items in common spaces may not be covered.
Airbnb's policy can also cover additional costs for clothing and personal items if your checked bags don't make it to your destination. This can be a big help if you're stuck without your essential items.
Here are some key things to keep in mind:
- Reimbursement for additional accommodation or meal expenses is available if your travel is delayed.
- Locking your door and keeping your belongings secure can help ensure your travel insurance applies.
- Coverage for clothing and personal items may be available if your checked bags are delayed.
AirCover Guest Support
AirCover Guest Support is a safety net for guests who book with Airbnb. It kicks in when there's a serious issue with your Airbnb that you're unable to resolve with your host.
If a host cancels a reservation within 30 days of check-in, AirCover will step in to help. You'll be assisted in finding alternative accommodation or provided with a full refund.
AirCover also covers situations where you're unable to check-in due to the host's fault. If the host doesn't respond or can't solve the issue, you can contact a 24-hour safety line for help.
There are two options available if you end up in one of these situations: rebooking at a different property or receiving a refund. Rebooking is based on availability and comparable pricing, while a refund is provided if there's no other place available or if you prefer not to rebook.
Here are the situations where you can rely on AirCover:
• Host cancellation: If a host cancels a reservation within 30 days of check-in.
• Unable to check-in: If you can't get into your Airbnb on arrival and your host doesn't respond or can't solve the issue.
• Inaccurate listings: If the listing is significantly different than advertised and your host can't resolve the issue.
• If you feel unsafe: If you feel unsafe in the Airbnb, there's a 24-hour safety line that you can contact.
AirCover is a free program offered by Airbnb, and it's essential to distinguish it from travel insurance. While AirCover provides protection for situations directly related to the host or the listing itself, travel insurance may offer broader coverage.
Protect Your Property
As an Airbnb host, you may be exposing your property to more wear and tear than you would with a long-term tenant. Home sharing insurance is a common add-on to a homeowner’s policy if you’re renting out your own home.
Guests or visitors may accidentally damage your property or belongings during their stay, and without adequate insurance, you may have to bear the costs of repairing or replacing damaged items, which can add up quickly. Some insurance policies may offer coverage for theft or vandalism.
You can get protection against damage caused by guests, such as broken appliances, damaged furniture, or other property damage, with the right insurance policy. Vacation rental insurance is more suited to a full-time Airbnb rental property.
Sources
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/is-airbnb-travel-insurance-worth-it
- https://www.hostaway.com/blog/airbnb-travel-insurance-for-guests/
- https://www.insureyonder.com/will-travel-insurance-cover-airbnb/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/aircover
- https://www.myallianceinsurance.com/airbnb-host-insurance/
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