does the insurance at Airbnb cover any damages?

[Patricia1044]

I'm confused as to wether or not to ask for a deposit. Not sure what exactly Airbnb covers. Do most renters do the deposit? If so how much?

[Paulina84]

Can Airbnb have a deposit charged to guests which would only be refunded if the room is left in the same condition as when they arrived?  

[Sarah977]

The so-called security deposit is not charged to guests- it is only there as a threat that it COULD be charged. And the onus is on the host to "prove" that the guest did damage (which has to be done within a very constricted window of time), and many times airbnb will consider damage to be "normal wear and tear". Also it cannot be claimed on for guests not following your house rules, i.e. leaving all the dishes encrusted with food, leaving lights and other appliances on when they have been specificly asked to turn them off when not in use.

So, in a word, it isn't something you can depend on receiving. 

[Jeff158]

@Patricia1044 @Paulina84

Even if you put a deposit on your listing, airbnb does not collect it.

Click the link how-does-airbnb-handle-security-deposits

and here's the Terms/host_guarantee