Co-Host Insurance

[Alexandra673]

I just had a very long conversation about co-host insurance from Clark from Airbnb about whether or not co-hosts are covered by the Host Protection Insurance. He said that there is nothing definitive in the policy that ensures co-hosts are covered. He said "he believes Airbnb would make sure not to leave a co-host high and dry if they were to be sued" but he was very clear that he could not officially confirm that fact.

If co-hosts are not covered by the Host Insurance Protection Insurance, then this means that if a guest sues a co-host as a result of injury or some other issue that occurred during the Airbnb stay, the co-host would be left to fight the suit and potentially pay large damages with no insurance coverage from Airbnb. 

This is a very big issue and will discourage me from co-hosting and I imagine will discourage others. I was hoping to get others' opinions and hopefully get some clarification from Airbnb. If the intent is for co-hosts to be covered, then I think it should be made explicit.

[Tim-and-Holly0]

@Alexandra673:

Register an LLC and obtain a Federal EIN. Get an umbrella business insurance policy (they are pretty cheap) for the LLC. Open a checking account in the LLC's name and have all payments made out to the LLC. Operate your co-hosting as an actual business to receive normal business protections.

[Gregory87]

A common rule of thumb, @Alexandra673 ,  is to simply provide your own insurance coverage!  There are hundreds, if not thousands, of stories where hosts (and co-hosts)  depended on Airbnb's host protection and it wasn't worth it in the end.  

I have purchased a specific short term rental (STR) policy from a commercial vendor.  Should I (or my co-host) need to file a claim, I am not beholden to Airbnb's policies or safety & security department for a decision/reimbursement.

@Tim-and-Holly0  have provided another option that hosts can utilize for their protection.  Remember that most homeowner insurance policies specifically EXCLUDE claims for business operations in a private home (what Airbnb hosts are doing).  Don't learn the hard way to protect yourself!

[Helen3]

hello @Alexandra673 

I don't quite understand the point you are making?

It is the listing that is covered not the individual. If you are the host and set up the listing, your listing will be covered.

As a wider point as a host you should never rely on the Airbnb guarantee but should have your own home insurance for STR to cover the main areas that Airbnb's guarantee does not.