Airbnb Insurance Guide: How to Protect Your Property and Income

A Simple Guide to Landlord Insurance for Airbnb Hosts

If you’re running an Airbnb, Vrbo, or other short-term rental, you already know the thrill of turning a property into a source of income. But here’s the thing most new hosts overlook, insurance.

The right insurance can be the difference between a small hiccup and a financial disaster. The challenge? The insurance world can feel like alphabet soup, landlord insurance, short-term rental insurance, homeowners insurance, and knowing which one you need isn’t always clear.

That’s why we’ve put together this Airbnb Insurance Guide. At BNB Guardians, we’ve coached new and experienced hosts through setting up the right protections. This guide will break down what landlord insurance is, how it’s different from short-term rental insurance, and how to choose what’s right for your hosting strategy.

What is Landlord Insurance?

Landlord insurance is designed to protect property owners who rent out their homes. It’s different from a standard homeowners policy because it covers the risks unique to rental properties, including:

• Property damage from tenants or covered events

• Liability coverage if someone gets injured on your property

• Loss of rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable

For example, if a guest damages your walls or a water leak forces you to cancel upcoming bookings, landlord insurance can help keep you financially stable while repairs happen.

How Landlord Insurance Differs from Short-Term Rental Insurance

Choosing between the two depends on how you use your property, and understanding the differences will save you time, money, and headaches.

1. Coverage Scope

• Landlord insurance: Primarily for long-term rentals. Covers damage, liability, and lost rent.

• Short-term rental insurance: Designed for Airbnb-style stays, with coverage for guest-related damages, theft, or high guest turnover.

2. CostShort-term rental insurance often costs more because frequent guest turnover increases risk.

3. Policy TermsLandlord policies are typically annual. Some short-term rental policies let you pay only for the days you have guests, useful if you host seasonally.

When Landlord Insurance Makes Sense for an Airbnb

Even though short-term rental insurance is specialized for Airbnb-style hosting, there are situations where landlord insurance still works:

• You have a property that’s primarily a long-term rental but occasionally gets short-term bookings.

• You want a single, annual policy without seasonal fluctuations.

• Your local regulations require a landlord-style policy for rental properties.

Why Airbnb Hosts Shouldn’t Skip Insurance

Skipping insurance to save money is like refusing to wear a seatbelt because “you’re just going to the store.” Short-term rentals come with specific risks:

• Accidental damage: Higher turnover means more opportunities for damage, from a broken coffee table to major repairs.

• Liability claims: If a guest slips on the porch, you could face medical bills or legal fees.

• Lost income: If repairs force you to cancel bookings, insurance can replace your lost revenue.

How to Choose the Right Landlord Insurance for Your Airbnb

Here’s how we recommend evaluating your options:

1. Assess your risksConsider location, property value, guest type, and booking frequency.

2. Compare multiple quotesDon’t just take the first offer — get at least three and compare coverage, limits, and deductibles.

3. Check insurer reviewsLook for feedback from other hosts or landlords. You want an insurer who’s fast and fair with claims.

4. Read the fine printUnderstand exclusions and limitations before you sign.

Final Thoughts

Insurance isn’t just paperwork, it’s a safety net for your Airbnb business. Whether you choose landlord insurance or short-term rental coverage, the right policy protects your property, your income, and your peace of mind.

At BNB Guardians, we don’t just talk about Airbnb optimization, we help you build a complete hosting system, from Airbnb listing creation and Airbnb pricing to guest communication and risk management.

Need help with Airbnb?  Join our Airbnb Super Host Academy community or book a call with us at BNB Guardians. We’ll help you protect your property and grow your hosting business without the stress.