Liability

[John615]

What kind of liability insurance are hosts carrying for waterfront properties with docks?

[Helen3]

Airbnb provides liability insurance. The important thing for hosts to have is home insurance in case guests damage your property. Many insurance companies won't cover short term lettings, so check with yours. You may need specialist insurance.

[John615]

Thank you for that insight.  Can anybody point me to the names of carriers that do cover this specialty?

[Helen3]

I am not sure for the US.

But have you used the search function here to have a look?  

I know it's been discussed quite a few times here.

[David126]

In the US it is a State issue so you need a broker who specialises in this area and operates in CA.

[Colleen32]

I have a listing on the Tennessee River with kayaks, a dock and 60 acres of hiking.  I just purchased commercial liability insurance designed specifically for Airbnb through Proper Insurance, which is part of Lloyd's of London.  They were quick, professional, and I didn't think the premium was outrageous for what is covered.  I have added a new House Rule that guests must read and agree to a liability waiver, which will be emailed to them upon booking.  The Liability Waiver is standard stuff you'd see at a pool, etc.

[David126]

@Colleen32

Who do you use for Buildings and Contents Insurance?

[John615]

we use farmers but they will not cover the property at all if we rent it out.  My agent is currently looking into AEGIS

[Colleen32]

I just purchased commercial insurance with Proper Insurance.  I'm not an expert, but I think it covers everything!

My contact is Ashley **.  I'm not sure if I'm allowed to refer to businesses in this forum.  Here email address is

[email address hidden]

I was covered about an hour after she called me, even before they charged my credit card.  Very fast, thorough, professional.  You just have to answer a bunch of questions about the house and amenities.

[John615]

Any chance you could furnish me a copy of that liability waiver?  Seems like a good idea.  And.. thanks for the tip about Proper.

[Richard1]

I currently have CBIZ which is underwritten by Lloyds of London.  I am currently evaluating Proper Insurance which appears to be a lower cost.

[John615]

Thanks for the reply, California has an approval process for insurance companies and I don't believe that Lloyds is on that list.  I wasn't aware of Proper insurance so thanks for that.  We are currently looking into AEGIS.

[David126]

Some syndicates are authorised to write Surplus Lines in CA.

[Leslie112]

I called 17 companies and finally contacted Proper Insurance (Ashley was my person, too - she's wonderful!). I own a new listing for glamping on waterfront property in Castalian Springs, Tennessee and offer kayaks and bikes. Because it's tents, Proper couldn't insure me but directed me to "their biggest competitor," CBIZ. CBIZ covers yurts, teepees - everything but not tents but they did write me a liability policy only, no property damage. That's OK, I only wanted the liability policy. I wouldn't submit a claim on a tent, that'd be kinda frivolous.

It's good to see Proper and CBIZ insurance companies getting noticed by the AirBnB community. I think we're going to keep these two companies busy. 🙂

For what it's worth, two months ago when I started my search for liability insurance, some golden AirBnB members warned no host comes out on top with AirBnB's liability policy.

[Michele-And-Chris0]

We are new hosts. 

We have an inground swimming pool and will allow guests to use it after signing a hold harmless agreement.  Has anyone done this?  Can I download a free template?  I've started to complete one, but they are asking for $.

Also, I thought I had read that Airbnb offers liability coverage.  Can anyone direct me to where I can find that information. 

Michele and Chris