boat insurance

[Steen1]

Boat insurance. Does AirBnB cover liabilty.

I know that there is only one string in this forum in the 'Community Center' but I know that there are more than a few boats for rent on AirBnB.

We have had a very good first season renting our boat out, and we have had some amazing guests. But, and there is always a 'but' isen't there, what about insurance. Specifically Liabilty Insurance? We have our guest sign a liabilty waiver, but how much is that really worth. What does AirBnB Host Protection really cover.

Do anybody in this forum have experience with buying your own insurance for boat when used as a business.

[David126]

Something that should be catered for by your Marine Insurance, cover provided by ABB is written on a  general liability form.

[John-and-Heather0]

CBIZ vacation rental insurance covers boats that guests are allowed to use when staying in your vacation rental. The form covers only 10 hp boats or less (canoes, kayaks, paddleboats). I don't know if they will cover faster boats with an endorsement.

[Gerry-And-Rashid0]

A liability waiver is not worth the paper it is written on in most cases. People are not generally allowed to sign away their rights - and most certainly this is the case if there is an accident or damage that is due to neglicence on the part of the host. If someone creates their own desctruction or damage - then you don't need a liability waiver.

[Duncan12]

Did you ever get an answer to this?  What if a guest rents your boat, then sets it on fire, or  ____ (fill in your favorite disaster scenario)?  Will your marine insurance pay or will they refuse because they don't cover commercial use?  Can you add this kind of coverage? 

Also, what has your experience been with the marina, assuming you have your boat tied up in a marina.  Are they OK with you renting the boat out?

Very curious, because I'm considering buying a boat and renting cabins (strictly as a place to stay when tied up, not sailing) on AirBnB.

Thanks,

Duncan

[Steen1]

Duncan,

It is very hard to find information on the subject of liability insurance when it comes to boats. I have been unable to find any insure that is willing to issue a liability policy for a boat. The closest thing I have found is a true Charter Boat insurance, but that is a very expensive policy and sets very high requirements to the documentation of the condition of the boat. Most are reluctant to talk about any policy when the hear the words PtoP rental or short-term rental.

I have tried to reach out to the few insurance companies that do offer Vacation Home type insurance, but they all stay away from boat, RVs, tree-houses etc.

As with your home owners insurace, your normal boat insurance does not cover anything that has to do with commercial use of you boat. Actually, my current insurance will drop my policy unless a stop using the boat for the occasional rental.

I do not keep the boat in a marina when I have guests. The marine I am in specifically prohibits B&B type use. Part of the appeal is to be at anchor anyway. The boat is anchored in DNR (Federal) administrated waters, which allows me to anchor for long periods of time at no cost, but whether I can run a business on DNR land has not been tested.

I have asked AirBnB specifically if their HPI plan covers liability if the property is a boat. I am still waiting for an answer.

[Steen1]

Duncan,

I just saw you are in Seattle. You need to read the Seattle Shoreline Protection Plan. Specifically prohibts and rental of anything floating.

[Pat175]

Hi Steen, Since your last reply was 10/2016 i thought it would be worth checking if you ever found anything? I would love to do the same thing here on Lake Erie but have been unable to find an insurance solution.

Thanks

[Chris1043]

So my friend wants me to lease my boat to his company which has an airb&b. I'm guessing that since i'm still paying on it and the boat would be out of state and now used commercially, the insurance company would say heck no. Fair to say?

[Yaimi0]

Hi Steen,  I know that this post is a few years old but I wanted to know if you were able to find a insurance company who would cover your Airbnb boat rental? Do you know what type of coverage is required? I’m trying to do the same thing in Florida but I cannot find any information elsewhere. 

[Nicole1394]

Trying to find a source as well. Trying Comet Insurance now!

[Jaun0]

So glad to find this conversation.  Also just now looking into putting my boat on airbnb and ofcourse my first question is about insurance.  Nicole1695, how'd it go with Comet Insurance? 

[Geoffrey105]

Airbnb includes some insurance coverage for watercraft: https://www.airbnb.com/users/hpi_program_summary_pdf

[Nicole1394]

Thank you for sharing! 

[Cindy894]

I’m planning to rent out our recently rehabbed 42’ houseboat for stays while docked at the marina. The owner requires the boat to have a working motor, which it does(brand new) but I have no plans to let guests take it out on the water. 
I have just started to look for insurance. Is there any company that will insure a Houseboat like ours?