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...

[David9887]

I decided to decline all long-term booking requests due to the risk involved for a host.  Airbnb has made it very easy for a guest to simply state they were uncomfortable in the accommodation due to an odor or a little dust.  For any guest looking to take advantage of the system, they can simply google "how to cancel a stay and get a full refund".  And these lies work with Airbnb!   You'll be left in a situation where a guest's long-term reservation has blocked your calendar and the likelihood of re-renting the space is slim.   

[David9887]

I feel your pain!  I've found that Airbnb will make every effort to avoid paying a claim by burdening a host with stipulations and documentation.  The "Host Protection" claims by Airbnb are a total scam.  As a host, all must be aware that they are truly on their own and will assume 100% of the risk of hosting complete strangers.  When damage does occur, Airbnb will duck and run for cover and ask for so much documentation it's nearly impossible for anyone to have unless they've saved a receipt for anything they've ever purchased!  Furthermore, and a huge issue, Airbnb allows guests to book your property using an alias and it does not match their actual government ID.  It makes it impossible for a host to sue a guest because you have no name.  Airbnb will not release their actual identity or home address.  

If a guest is new to Airbnb or has no reviews, stay clear and decline the booking.  

Is there a Hotel in America that does not require an ID when checking in.  They also have a credit card on file to charge if damages are found.  

[Lulubox-Pro0]

Airbnb Host Insurance is generally legit, as it’s part of Airbnb's official offerings under their AirCover for Hosts program. It provides $1 million in liability and damage protection, which can be a significant safeguard for hosts. However, some hosts have reported challenges with claim approvals, such as delays or denials due to specific exclusions in the policy. It’s essential to thoroughly read the policy details to understand coverage limits and consider having additional insurance for comprehensive protection. While not a scam, its effectiveness can depend on individual cases and proper documentation.