Airbnb's Host Protection Insurance

[Aiden5]

Am I correct in assuming that should something catastrophic (such as a fire) happen during a guest's stay,  the Host Protection Insurance provided by Airbnb will act as primary insurance and will pay for all damages? Also, theoretically, does that mean I wouldn't need to touch my homeowner's policy if the damages are kept under $1 million? I ask because I have a homeowners policy now but it doesn't cover short term renting. If the host protection insurance would cover things that may happen due to guests, I don't see a need to upgrade my policy to one that covers short term rentals.  Thoughts?

Reference: https://www.airbnb.com/host-protection-insurance

[Emiel1]

@Aiden5 

I would not rely on the "Host Protection Insurance", it's more a marketing instrument then a serious insurrance. Please read the stories in this community to see what its worth.

[Lisa515]

Could you tag a story or two?

Idk, you can't claim to offer insurance and not really offer it. The terms are readily available online for the world to read that they offer it and its coverage. I mean you'd have a pretty strong case should they decline to cover something. 

[Susan17]

@Lisa515 

Few links here for you. I have hundreds more in my files, all in the same vein, but the small selection below gives a pretty good indication of the state of play.

Fire Prompts $1 Million Dispute With Airbnb

https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/fire-prompts-1-million-dispute-with-airbnb/190719/

My Flat Was Trashed, But Airbnb Failed To Put It Right

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2019/jan/31/airbnb-damage-compensation-security-rental

Texas Couple Plans To Sue Airbnb After Guests Thrash Home

https://www.airbnbhell.com/bad-guest-damages-bad-airbnb-policy/

Homeowner Learned An Expensive Airbnb Lesson

https://eu.lohud.com/story/news/local/rockland/2018/12/29/airbnb-nightmare-rockland-new-years-eve/23...

Bad Guest + Damages = Bad Airbnb Policy

https://www.airbnbhell.com/bad-guest-damages-bad-airbnb-policy/

Problems With Airbnb Host Guarantee - Hosts Beware

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Hosting/Problem-with-Airbnb-Host-Guarantee-hosts-beware/m-p/5582...

Why Does Airbnb's Host Guarantee Make It So Difficult To Claim?

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2018/oct/03/airbnb-damage-redress-guarantee

Airbnb Host Guarantee And Protection Insurance - Peace Of Mind Or Empty Promises?

https://medium.com/@JoeBallesteros1/airbnb-host-guarantee-insurance-peace-of-mind-or-empty-promises-...

[Lisa515]

Thank you for links. This is my take on their insurance -- it's legitimate insurance. The chances are pretty low something bad will happen and the more you're onsite (as I will be since it's a detached garage apt), refine your listing to protect yourself, and kick people out immediately if they break rules, the less the opportunity for shenanigans and damage.

Should something happen, you're in for diligent work ensuring it gets taken care of properly. I've never filed a regular homeowner's insurance claim myself and could probably find a million bad stories too about insurance companies not wanting to cover claims. The trade off is free insurance. Companies like proper insurance or CBiZ have outrageous policies - like $8K ridiculous considering wind is included here in hurricane country. And insurance is, after all, risk management. How much risk are you willing to take on?  

[Susan17]

@Lisa515

In Airbnb's own words...

Need to report property damage?

Please contact us in order to report property damage.

The Host Guarantee is not an insurance policy. To the extent you desire protection beyond the Host Guarantee, Airbnb strongly encourages you to purchase insurance that will cover you and your property for losses caused by guests in the event your loss is not within the terms of the Host Guarantee.

https://www.airbnb.ie/guarantee

[Aiden5]

I’ve heard of some horror stories. Though it totally anecdotal, my experiences with Airbnb for minor things have been good- granted none of my claims have been more than a few hundred dollars.

im curiouss how they can legally deny claims since it’s very obvious what the host protection insurance is supposed to cover.

[Michelle1605]

I am concerned after reading the 2018-2019 Host Protection Insurance document. Under the "Main Items Excluded" it lists:

Loss of, or damage to, certain property – property damage to: 

* property you own, rent, or occupy

*property loaned to you

Along with liability coverage for guest injuries, isn't the property I own exactly what I want to be covered by the HPI? Perhaps I am interpreting this statement incorrectly. Could someone please clarify? Thank you for your time! 🙂

[Lisa515]

Host protection insurance covers liability. Host Guarantee insurance provides property damage. It's pretty well laid out which covers what. 

[Wendy827]

Hi I am new to hosting and want to know how to purchase Host Protection Insurance, as I get the impression that this is mainly for personal injuries?

Thanks

[Lisa515]

Yes, liability only. Property is their other insurance - Host Guarantee

[Lisa515]

What have you done regarding insurance? It's a legit insurance, the problem is if there's damage, getting a reliable estimate for the damages as the story of the guy who's guests had a party and had bullets riddle up his house illustrates. I think it's a matter of diligence if there ever is an issue. I've never had an insurance claim on my regular home and I think you'd hear a lot of horror stories regarding homeowner's insurance too. It's staying on top of people to do the right thing when they're supposed to be working "for" you. 

[Susan17]

For anyone who's still a little confused, the following Medium article sets out the differences between the Host Guarantee Programme and Host Protection Insurance..

If Your Airbnb Guest Hurts Someone Or Burns Down Your Neighbour's House, Are You Covered By Airbnb?

https://medium.com/@cynthiachan_58992/if-your-airbnb-guest-hurts-someone-or-burns-down-your-neighbor...

[Susan17]

PS Moral of the story - never, ever rely on Airbnb paying out on either the Host Guarantee or the Host Protection Insurance. Always make your own insurance arrangements.