Permit application with local government is requesting proof of insurance from Airbnb.

[Jarred25]

Does anyone know where I can find this? The aircover and host liability links do not suffice. They want something with the listing address/name.

[Helen3]

If you Google short term rental insurance details of those providing it should come up or you could ask for recommendations on your local airbnb host group on FB @Jarred25 

[Shelley159]

Hi @Jarred25 

I don't know your local requirements, but as @Helen3 says, they probably want to see insurance that you took out specifically for your listing from a third party. Aircover is likely not sufficient for this kind of application.

[Jarred25]

Thank you for the response, Airbnbs coverage Surprisingly is sufficient for local requirements to start SRT permit in my city.

Although, I’m unable to provide the city with some sort of document associated with my listing address/name showing the coverage. I keep reaching dead ends.

I know that Airbnb coverage probably isn’t the popular choice for hosts to use as coverage but I would like to take that route initially until further research on third-party insurance companies.

[Joan2709]

@Jarred25 

As @Shelley159 mentions, it depends on where the listing is located and what your local requirements are. I always recommend Hosts get their own STR insurance coverage and not rely on Airbnb. Aircover is NOT insurance (except its administered by an insurance company in Washington state only) and only covers guest damages. There are also many exclusions if you read the fine print.

Aircover for Hosts and Your Personal Insurance

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/3142

...While AirCover for Hosts protects you while you’re hosting an Airbnb stay or Experience, it’s not a substitute for personal insurance. You may also be required by law to maintain certain auto insurance, which would not be satisfied by AirCover for Hosts. Since everyone’s situation is different you should talk to your insurer to see how, or if, your policy overlaps with AirCover for Hosts..."

Liability Coverage for Hosts

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/937/

The liability coverage is an insurance policy, but only covers if a guest is injured. That said, since Aircover is not an insurance policy, you most likely won't receive a copy of any "policy" as there isn't one. I believe Airbnb uses Generali for liability, but have read that some Hosts were never able to get proof of coverage for an individual listing from Airbnb (probably as Airbnb is the listed insured).

STR insurance is usually more expensive and that's why many Hosts don't obtain it, but it's risky to not have it. Many states and local jurisdictions either require, or are starting to require at least a separate policy with 1MM liability coverage in order to obtain local licensing and permits (they won't accept Airbnb's blanket liability policy). 

In the USA, I have seen several companies mentioned that offer STR insurance. Remember, STR is NOT typical Landlord Insurance and a Homeowner's policy will not cover commerical activity (like Airbnb) on the premises. @Helen3 mentioned several ways to determine what other Hosts are doing in your area. You can also speak with an independent insurance broker who can help you.

Here are some insurance companies I have heard that offer STR insurance in the USA:

1. Proper (most expensive but most comprehensive - doesn't cover stays more than 30days)

2. CBIZ

3. State Farm

4. Farmers (thru Foremost)

5. Steadily

[Jarred25]

Thank you for the response, Airbnbs coverage Surprisingly is sufficient for local requirements to start SRT permit in my city.

Although, I’m unable to provide the city with some sort of document associated with my listing address/name showing the coverage. I keep reaching dead ends.

I know that Airbnb coverage probably isn’t the popular choice for hosts to use as coverage but I would like to take that route initially until further research on third-party insurance companies.

[Joan2709 · Accepted solution]

@Jarred25 

Yes...I have heard the same from other Hosts. Some states (like Washington, USA) indicate in their regulations they accept the 1MM liability coverage provided by platforms like Airbnb/Vrbo. It may require that you inform your local jurisdiction that Airbnb doesn't provide a certificate of coverage for individual listings as it is a blanket policy for all listings (in the USA).

"Washington STR Regulations RCW 64.37.050 Liability insurance

A short-term rental operator must maintain primary liability insurance to cover the short-term rental dwelling unit in the aggregate of not less than one million dollars or conduct each short-term rental transaction through a platform that provides equal or greater primary liability insurance coverage. Nothing in this section prevents an operator or a platform from seeking contributions from any other insurer also providing primary liability insurance coverage for the short-term rental transaction to the extent of that insurer's primary liability coverage limits. [ 2019 c 346 § 5.]"

[Elisa]

Hi @Jarred25 😊, 

thank you for asking this question in the community center!

Did any of the answers below help you resolve the issue?

If so, it's always a lovely gesture to mark it as the "Top Answer".

It's like a big virtual hug to the member who supported you but also to support other Hosts who may have similar questions in the future. 😊

Warm regards🌻,