IS AIRBNB HOST INSURANCE LEGIT OR A SCAM?

[Barbara3660]

My last guest trashed my new oak floors, within four weeks she managed to make it look like the floor at the zoo. I have before and after pictures and a quote to refinish the floor. I was initially hesitant to approve her rental since she had no reviews and I contacted Airbnb for advice and more info on her. They convinced me to accept her saying that "everyone deserves a first chance." Playing on my guilt. My instinct was right. However, I am most concerned with the lack of follow through by the Airbnb insurance agent. He calls me at 4:30am and then leaves annoyed messages that I don't answer my phone. He makes me submit the same docs over and over but doesn't acknowledge them even though they are right there on on my claim page. He wants me to make a police report with the local Dutch police for 8 missing towels! haha funny if it weren't so blatantly passive aggressive. It feels a lot like being messed around by a health insurance company. I am writing partly as a warning to other hosts, and also to hear how many of you have the same experience. Thanks, and word of advice: take a security deposit or additional insurance.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Barbara3660 For starters Airbnb Insurance is NOT an insurance product. As such it is not regulated and there is no one to complain to if/when it doesn't pay out.

[Joan2709]

@Barbara3660 

Yes...sadly many Hosts don't realize the pitfalls of relying on Aircover for their property. As @Mike-And-Jane0 mention, Aircover is not an insurance policy, but Airbnb calls it a "Host Damage Protection" plan. The only state that it IS an insurance policy is Washington State as a result of a lawsuit that the state won against Airbnb. However, the insurance company Airbnb uses in Washington is Generali and they have a dismal record of resolving claims.

Aircover

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/3733

Aircover Terms

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2869

You will never be paid full replacement value for items (depreciated value only) and final reimbursement for many claims is sadly way below what it cost to make the listing whole again. There are many restrictions and exclusions in the Aircover terms, so it's best to take a look at that. For these reasons, I advise all my New Host clients to obtain their own short term rental insurance in the event of significant damage to their property. 

I advise hosts to never accept a long-term booking from a new guest with no reviews. Many hosts will only accept long-term bookings if the guest has at least two, 5-star reviews and after asking alot of questions. You are not allowed to ask for a security deposit on Airbnb (except for those using a channel manager).

Here is a Host Guide to Long-Term Stays that outlines some potential pitfalls:

Monthly Stays on Airbnb

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Community-Guides/Monthly-Stays-on-Airbnb-Guide-Revised/td-p/2031...