Does renting out a room on Airbnb invalidate home insurance policies?

[Louise1433]

Hello community,

I apologize if this issue has already been answered elsewhere. I am located in Michigan and I contacted our current home insurance company (AAA) to request a supplemental rider on our home insurance policy to cover short term rentals on Airbnb. We would be living in the home at the time. I was told that doing so would invalidate our current policy and that any future claims would be denied even if the claims were unrelated to the Airbnb guest.

I have contacted several insurance agencies and received the same response. I am very surprised, considering the number of people that rent out rooms on Airbnb. I'm curious what others do. Do you simply not tell your insurance company and hope that they don't find out? 

Any suggestions would be welcome!

Thank you,

Louise

[Helen3]

It's not really surprising as you are running a business from your home . In the UK there are about eight insurance companies that cover STR in your home.  @Louise1433  Have you tried asking on your local host group/contacting a local independent insurance broker ? 

Please don't lie to the insurance company it will invalidate any claim on your home insurance . 

[Inna22]

@Louise1433  Foremost insures homes with Airbnbs

[Emilie]

Hi @Louise1433, 

No apology needed, the community is here to help!

Did you get a chance to check the advice Helen and Inna shared? I hope they enable you to find a solution for your insurance, but if you have more questions please let us know. It would be great to hear what you decide to do as well as a next step 🙂

Thanks,

Emilie