Kayaks and liability

[Robert-Burleigh0]

Hi, Hosts.   My name is Bob Manley.  I live on the water in Coastal Mississippi.  I have a boathouse I let Guests moor their boats in.  I have a kayak I would like to let guests use for free.  I know other Airbnb hosts are doing so.  I asked Airbnb support about liability associated with that.  I was told that this would not be covered by the usual liability program, but would have to be treated as an Experience.  Since the kayaking by Guests would be totally unstructured, with them kayaking whenever they wanted and where ever they wanted, I can't see how this fits the requirement for an Experience.  Can Hosts with kayaking experience with their listing tell me how they deal with this issue?

Bob Manley

[Elisa]

Hi @Robert-Burleigh0  😊, 

Thank you so much for asking this question here!

Have you tried contacting some hosts in your area to discuss this with them?

I'm sharing this link with you 👉 Airbnb Experiences standards and requirements, but I also recommend giving Airbnb Customer Support a call, they can guide you better on this.

Don't hesitate to let me know!

Warm regards, 🌻

[Helen3 · Accepted solution]

You are right it wouldn't come under Airbnb experience.

I wouldn't take anything Airbnb CS says as the truth. Check their liability insurance T&C for yourself to see if boats are covered . If it's something that you would need to cover through a separate marine liability insurance I would suggest you reach out to one locally for quotes @Robert-Burleigh0 

[Robert-Burleigh0]

Hi, @Helen3   Thanks for replying to my question.  This is the second time I'm trying to respond to you  I think my first reply was wiped out, so I'm trying again.  If you get two replies saying the same thing, you'll know why.

I had tried to get liability insurance on the kayak from the same company that ensures my boats.  They wouldn't insure it because my old, second-hand kayak  is not stamped with the model, date of manufacture and serial number. I will look for a local insurance company that understands coastal living.  Kayaks are very common here.  Maybe they will insure it.

[David13640]

@Robert-Burleigh0 , did you get any resolution?  I just bought a house on the Hudson river upstate and wanted to provide kayaks as the first 2 guests suggested it in their feedback.  I'm not concerned about damage to the kayak, but I am very concerned about being liable if someone gets hurt.  Would love to hear how you solved it?  What did the insurance company say?  Premium increase?  Thanks in advance.

[Robert-Burleigh0]

Hi, David.  I found only  one insurance company that said they would provide liability insurance for kayak rental or loan. They wanted to charge me $1000 a year for it.  They are Levity. Recreation and Hospitality Insurance.    Their tel number 605-423-4361.  Talk to Leah. I have not signed up for it.  I'm not certain I can justify that cost.  If you talk to Leah, please tell her I'm still considering.it.

regards,

Bob Manley