Hi @Kevin1165
@Kaylee18 already provided you with a hyperlink about how to add the security deposit to your listing, but here's a step by step.
Go to your listing.
Select Pricing
Scroll down to Standard fees and charges
There is a section there for a security deposit.
I have a substantial security deposit on my vacation rental.
I know for a fact that for my listing, whilst airbbnb doesn not withdraw the money from the guests account, they DO ensure that there are sufficient funds available on the credit card to cover the security deposit.
Apparently this is not the case for all listings - I have no idea how airbnb decides this, but it seems likely when the deposit if large and/or if the listing is for a whole house.
I personally have found the deposit a great way of ensuring great behaviour in my home ( so far).
Working on the principle that prevention is far better than cure, this is one of the tools that i employ to try to discourage guests considering doing the wrong thing - eg having a party, bringing extra guests.
I"ve never attempted to make a claim - and as @Sarah977 notes various hosts have reported great difficulty getting any satisfaction re this. However others have reported success ( and you tend to hear the bad stories over the good on these boards)
I also have comprehensive landlords insurance for short term rentals. amongst other things it gives me 20 million public liability insurance which is considered the minimum necessary in Australia. The airbnb host guarantee, only covers you for up to 10 million for public liablity I believe.
Hope that's of some help
REgards