Kayaks as part of our Airbnb.

[Ronna3]

How does it work for liability if we have kayaks available as part of the stay at our Airbnb? 

[Emiel1]

@Ronna3 

As kayaks (like bikes) are not listed as an amenity of an accomodation, i think they must be considered as extra services. To be paid for on site (with terms attached) or to be used free (but "solely for your own risk").

This all can be mentioned in the listing.

[Lisa723]

@Ronna3 you need to check with your insurance provider. Do not rely on Airbnb for this. We include canoes and kayaks with our (Washington State) vacation rentals. Our previous insurance company required guests to sign a waiver. Our current one only requires specific disclaimer wording in our house rules.

[Ronna3]

Hi Lisa, are you talking your home owners insurance or did you purchase additional insurance such as a commercial policy? Our homeowners said absolutely not will they cover kayak usage at this time. Where else can we look to get this covered as we really want to offer this but do want to take any huge risks? 

[Ronna3]

Our current insurance is SF here in Washington and they will not cover the kayaks or people who use them. Said it was a grey area... so I guess we cannot have kayaks as part of our deal which makes me very sad because our property is so perfect for it! I wish Airbnb addressed added amenities like this. Makes the experience so much better for guests! Thank you for your reply! We are still so new and learning... 

[Cheryl389]

I was thinking of doing something similar so I would be interested in hearing what everyone has to say.

[Casita-By-The-Texas-Bay0]

I think that a kayak or electric bike would be a great experience to provide as part of our @Casita-By-The-Texas-Bay0  listing, but I would have to have the propper insurance and release of liability in place...also, I would need to find out more about how this would be taxed at the end of the year.

[Gregory87]

While providing kayaks, bikes, and boats are wonderful amenities for guests, @Ronna3 , @Casita-By-The-Texas-Bay0 , & @Cheryl389 , you are opening yourself to additional liability risks.  Remember that Airbnb doesn't truly offer insurance, so they won't cover/protect you if something happens to guests.  

I purchased a separate policy for my Airbnb because most Homeowners insurance companies refuse to cover short-term rentals (like Airbnb).  When I applied for my new coverage, they asked specifically if I would be providing guests access to boats, bikes, and the like.  I don't, but can imagine that they would have either denied me coverage OR increased my premiums.  I do remember that as part of the question about these items, further information about availability of helmets, life jackets, and other safety gear was addressed.  Also, who would be responsible for the upkeep of these items?  Are you certified mechanics?  If not, is that an expense you want to cover each season?

If you are going to pursue offering these amenities, I would recommend that you contact an insurance agent, lawyer, or both –as @Lisa723 did–  to cover all of your bases regarding liability.  This is not something to be taken lightly because if a guest is injured or killed, you could literally lose everything!

I have seen other hosts offer similar amenities, but I suspect they haven't taken  the necessary precautions.  

Let us know what you decide to do.

[Casita-By-The-Texas-Bay0]

@Gregory87 thanks Gregory, I do not offer kayaks or electric bikes...I just think it would be a great addition, but not worth the risk of a guest getting injured.

[Lisa723]

@Cheryl389 @Ronna3 @Casita-By-The-Texas-Bay0 Our insurance is Proper— specifically for vacation rentals. No way regular homeowners would cover this. We also have additional liability insurance. The kayaks are a real draw. Guests love them.

[Ronna3]

Would love to specifically what insurance companies. I think the extra activities would be awesome and people want to come specifically for using our kayaks. We let the first couple of guests use them before we realized liability issues and they loved them! One guy was a photyand he got some great nature photos, up close that he couldn’t have gotten without the kayak use. 

[Cheryl389]

Sounds great! I hope I could find something like that in my area.