What insurance does a airbnb host need?
Not all professions face the same risks. Below is a breakdown of every coverage type relevant to airbnb hosts — what each one covers, whether it's required, and what you should expect to pay in 2026.
Short-Term Rental InsuranceRequired
$80–$200/mo
Specifically designed for STR hosts. Covers guest injuries, property damage, and liability gaps left by Airbnb's AirCover.
Loss of Rental Income
$20–$50/mo
Pays out your lost rental revenue if your property becomes uninhabitable due to damage.
Umbrella Liability
$20–$40/mo
Extra liability coverage above your base policy limits. Important for high-value properties.
Contents Insurance
$15–$35/mo
Covers your furniture, appliances, and personal items against guest damage or theft.
Advertisement — In-Content
Top risks for airbnb hosts
- Guest injury on property
- Property damage beyond deposit
- Theft of personal belongings
- Loss of rental income after damage
- Neighbor property damage
How much does insurance cost?
Most airbnb hosts pay $100–$300/month for a complete coverage package. Your exact cost depends on your state, annual revenue, whether you have employees, your claims history, and the coverage limits you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Doesn't Airbnb's AirCover protect me?
AirCover provides some protection, but has significant exclusions and claim caps. It's not a substitute for a real insurance policy.
Will my homeowner's insurance cover Airbnb?
Most standard homeowner's policies exclude short-term rental activity. Renting without notifying your insurer could void your entire coverage.
What's the best insurance company for Airbnb hosts?
Top-rated options include Proper Insurance, Steadily, and CBIZ.
How to get the best rate
The fastest way to find the lowest rate is to compare multiple carriers side by side. Most airbnb hosts can get quotes from 3–5 insurers in under 10 minutes and receive their certificate of insurance the same day.