12 Options for the Best Insurance for Airbnb Hosts in 2025

As an Airbnb host, you've likely spent countless hours perfecting every detail of your property, from the thread count of the sheets to the welcome basket on the counter. But have you given the same level of attention to what protects your most valuable asset? From our experience as hosts, we know that relying solely on your standard homeowner's policy or even Airbnb’s built-in AirCover can leave you dangerously exposed. A single guest mishap, a burst pipe during a stay, or a liability claim could jeopardize everything you’ve worked to build. This is where specialized short-term rental insurance becomes your most critical investment.

Finding the best insurance for Airbnb hosts isn't about simply picking a policy; it's about matching the right coverage to your specific rental scenario. Most standard homeowner's policies have a "business exclusion" clause that voids coverage when you're operating a rental. That’s why a dedicated commercial or landlord policy designed for short-term stays is essential. Before you even consider which policy is right, it's a good idea to grasp fundamental insurance concepts, such as understanding your property's rebuild cost, which directly impacts your coverage needs.

This guide cuts through the complexity. We’ve been Superhosts for over a decade in different parts of the country, and we want to share what we've learned. We'll break down the top insurance providers, comparing their coverage details, pricing structures, and unique features. Each option includes screenshots and direct links to help you make a confident, informed decision. Forget the marketing fluff; this is a practical resource to help you find the right shield for your business.

1. Proper Insurance: The All-in-One Commercial Policy

Proper Insurance stands out by offering a genuine commercial policy designed from the ground up to replace your existing homeowners or landlord insurance. This isn't a simple add-on or rider; it’s a comprehensive, all-in-one solution that covers your property for short-term rental use, personal use, and long-term rental periods. This unique structure makes it one of the best insurance options for Airbnb hosts seeking to eliminate coverage gaps.

This is what worked for us. For our 4-bedroom house in Washington, D.C., Proper’s commercial policy was fully accepted by our residential mortgage lender, Wells Fargo, without any complications. It provided the necessary liability and property coverage required for both our mortgage and our business operations. The policy is underwritten by Lloyd's of London, adding a significant layer of credibility and reliability. Fortunately, we've never had to file a claim, but our interactions with their customer support for policy questions and adjustments have always been decent.

The key benefit here is peace of mind. Your property is covered whether it’s occupied by a guest, vacant between stays, or being used by your own family. Proper covers liability up to $1,000,000/$2,000,000, property damage, and even loss of rental income, providing a robust safety net for professional hosts.

Website: proper.insure

2. Airbnb AirCover for Hosts

Airbnb’s AirCover for Hosts is the platform’s built-in protection program, automatically included for free with every booking. It acts as a primary layer of defense for hosts, offering significant coverage for incidents directly related to an Airbnb stay. This isn't a traditional insurance policy you purchase; rather, it’s a set of protections provided by Airbnb to handle common issues that can arise during a guest’s visit, making it an essential part of the risk management puzzle for any host on the platform.

From our experience, AirCover is best viewed as a valuable first resort for platform-specific problems, not a replacement for a dedicated commercial policy. It provides up to $3 million in host damage protection and $1 million in host liability insurance, which offers a reassuring baseline. The key limitation is that its protections only apply to incidents that occur during an Airbnb booking. This leaves significant gaps for personal use, vacancies, or bookings from other platforms, highlighting why it’s a supplement to, not a substitute for, comprehensive coverage.

The program also includes helpful features like reservation screening, identity verification, and a 24-hour safety line. While these are useful tools, they don't negate the need for one of the best insurance policies for Airbnb hosts that covers you in all scenarios. Think of AirCover as a powerful, free perk of using the platform, but rely on a separate, robust policy for complete peace of mind.

Website: airbnb.com/aircover-for-hosts

3. Safely: Pay-Per-Stay Insurance and Guest Screening

Safely operates on a different model, offering transactional insurance that covers each booking individually. This pay-as-you-go approach is ideal for hosts who want coverage that scales directly with their occupancy, working seamlessly across multiple booking platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and direct booking websites. Instead of replacing your homeowners policy, Safely provides supplemental coverage specifically for guest-caused damage and liability incidents that occur during a stay.

A key differentiator is their integrated, FCRA-compliant guest screening service. This allows hosts to vet guests before confirming a booking, adding a proactive layer of risk management that many other insurance providers don't offer. This dual-functionality of screening and insuring makes it a comprehensive risk management tool, not just a reactive insurance product. This is why we consider it one of the best insurance options for Airbnb hosts who prioritize both prevention and protection.

The platform is particularly appealing to property managers using PMS systems due to its robust integrations, which automate the insurance and screening process for every reservation. Claims processing is another strong point, with Safely advertising payments in as little as three to five business days. However, it's crucial to remember that Safely is designed to cover guest-related incidents and requires you to maintain a primary homeowners or landlord policy for other risks like weather damage or personal liability.

Website: safely.com

4. CBIZ Vacation Rental Insurance

CBIZ offers a highly specialized commercial insurance program built specifically for the vacation rental industry. Unlike standard policies, CBIZ provides a comprehensive package that bundles property, liability, and business income protection, making it an excellent choice for hosts who need robust, business-grade coverage. It serves a broad range of operators, from individual owners to larger property management companies, and has a strong national presence.

What makes CBIZ a compelling option is its focus on niche risks often overlooked by other insurers. Their policies can include valuable add-ons like coverage for bed bug remediation and even protection against losses from squatters, which are rare but potentially catastrophic events for a host. This level of detail demonstrates their deep understanding of the unique challenges in the short-term rental market. The commercial general liability limits are typically set at $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, which aligns with industry standards for the best insurance for Airbnb hosts.

Because CBIZ operates through a broker network, you won’t get an instant online quote. You'll need to speak with an agent who will tailor the policy to your specific property and location. While this adds a step, it ensures your coverage is precisely matched to your needs. This is particularly beneficial for hosts with unique properties or those operating rental arbitrage models, where a clear insurance policy is essential for the terms of your vacation rental lease agreement.

Website: vacationrentalinsurance.cbiz.com

5. Steadily: The Modern, Mobile-First Solution

Steadily positions itself as the fast and tech-savvy option for landlord and short-term rental insurance, making it an excellent choice for hosts who prioritize speed and convenience. Their entire process is designed to be mobile-first, allowing you to get a quote and bind a policy directly from your phone in minutes. This modern approach is a significant departure from the often lengthy and paper-heavy processes of traditional insurance providers, and it is a key reason Steadily is considered one of the best insurance options for Airbnb hosts operating in a fast-paced market.

The platform functions as a specialized broker, connecting hosts with tailored policies from various A-rated carriers. This model allows them to offer competitive pricing across all 50 states, a critical feature for investors managing properties in multiple markets. For hosts scaling their business, Steadily's ability to integrate with property management systems simplifies the administrative burden of insuring a growing portfolio.

The primary benefit of Steadily is its blend of modern technology and specialized insurance. While the specific coverage details will depend on the underlying carrier for your state, the platform excels at quickly connecting you with a suitable and affordable policy. It’s an ideal starting point for hosts who want to compare options quickly without sacrificing the quality of a landlord-centric policy.

Website: steadily.com/short-term

6. Foremost

Foremost, a part of the Farmers Insurance Group, offers a more traditional approach to landlord and vacation rental insurance that can be adapted for short-term rental use. Unlike newer, specialized policies, Foremost provides landlord insurance programs that can be endorsed to cover daily, weekly, and monthly rentals. This makes it a viable option for hosts looking for coverage from a major, established US carrier, especially if they already have other policies with Farmers.

The key advantage of Foremost lies in its underwriting flexibility in certain states. It can cover various property types, including homes and condos, and offers options for replacement cost or agreed loss value. This flexibility extends to how the property is used, allowing hosts to switch between rental and vacant status without needing a completely new policy. This can be particularly useful for hosts who have seasonal rentals or extended periods of vacancy, simplifying administration.

However, its availability and specific coverages vary significantly by state, and navigating these differences often requires speaking directly with a local agent. While this hands-on approach can be helpful, it limits the convenience of online quoting that many newer platforms offer. This makes it one of the best insurance options for Airbnb hosts who prefer working with a traditional agent and want the backing of a large, reputable insurance group. For those weighing the costs of different insurance and management options, exploring how these policies fit into your overall property management cost per month is a crucial step.

Website: foremost.com

7. American Modern Insurance Group (AMIG)

American Modern Insurance Group (AMIG) offers a more traditional path for hosts looking to insure their properties, particularly those held as investments or secondary homes. Rather than offering a bespoke short-term rental policy, AMIG provides a specialized landlord or rental property policy that can be modified with an endorsement. This add-on specifically permits short-term rental activity, with some policies accommodating stays as brief as one week, bridging a common gap found in standard landlord insurance.

This approach makes AMIG a strong contender for the best insurance for Airbnb hosts who already have a portfolio of rental properties and want to consolidate them under one carrier. As a nationally recognized brand specializing in property insurance, American Modern provides a level of stability and familiarity. However, this structure comes with a trade-off: you cannot get an instant quote or bind a policy online. Instead, you must work directly with an insurance agent, and the specific coverage terms and availability vary significantly by state.

The key benefit is integrating short-term rental coverage into a conventional landlord policy framework without needing a complete overhaul. This is especially useful for investors who might mix short-term and long-term rentals across different properties, allowing for a more streamlined insurance management process through a single, established provider.

Website: amig.com/insurance/rental-property/

8. Erie Insurance (Home Sharing Coverage endorsement)

For hosts who only rent out their primary residence occasionally, a full commercial policy can feel like overkill. This is where Erie Insurance's Home Sharing Coverage endorsement shines. It’s not a standalone policy, but an affordable add-on to an existing Erie homeowners policy, designed to fill the specific gaps created by short-term rental activity. This makes it an ideal, low-cost solution for hosts who live in the property they rent out.

This endorsement extends your existing homeowners liability limits to cover guest-related incidents and also provides coverage for your personal property, including theft or damage by a guest. The process is guided by an agent, which can be helpful for those new to STR insurance. However, this is a limited solution. It's only available in select states where Erie operates and is strictly for a host's primary home. If you're renting a dedicated vacation property or a second home, this endorsement won't provide the necessary coverage, making it one of the more specialized options for the best insurance for Airbnb hosts.

Website: erieinsurance.com/home-insurance/home-sharing

9. Allstate HostAdvantage

For hosts who only rent out their space occasionally and are already Allstate customers, the HostAdvantage add-on offers a straightforward and affordable solution. Rather than replacing your entire homeowners policy, this is a simple rider designed to patch a common insurance gap. It specifically provides coverage for your personal property if a guest intentionally damages or steals it, a scenario often excluded from standard homeowners policies. This makes it an accessible first step for those just starting with home-sharing.

The primary advantage of HostAdvantage is its convenience and low cost for existing Allstate policyholders. It directly addresses the risk of guest-related theft or property damage, which is a major concern for anyone renting out their primary residence. However, it's crucial to understand its limitations. This is not a comprehensive commercial or short-term rental policy. It does not provide the broad liability coverage that a dedicated policy from a provider like Proper Insurance would offer.

Because its availability and coverage limits vary significantly by state, you must speak directly with an Allstate agent to see if you qualify and to understand exactly what is covered. For the occasional host looking for basic protection against guest misconduct, it’s a practical option. However, for those operating a more serious rental business, it likely won't provide the robust protection needed, making it a limited but useful tool for a specific type of host.

Website: allstate.com/en/home-insurance/host-advantage

10. InsuraGuest

InsuraGuest offers a different approach, positioning itself as a supplemental guest protection plan rather than a replacement for your core insurance. It operates on a subscription-style model that covers guest-centric incidents like accidental medical expenses or damage to a guest’s personal property. This unique focus makes it a great tool for handling smaller, more frequent issues that might otherwise lead to awkward conversations or security deposit disputes. Hosts can absorb the cost or pass it on to guests, adding a layer of flexibility.

In our view, InsuraGuest is less about protecting your building and more about protecting the host-guest relationship. When a guest accidentally breaks their laptop or needs a minor medical treatment, this coverage can step in quickly. Their claims process is designed for speed, often paying out within 72 hours, which helps resolve problems before they escalate into negative reviews. It is not a substitute for comprehensive liability or property insurance, but it serves as an excellent operational tool for property managers and hosts looking to streamline guest issue resolution. It's great for managing small-scale incidents without involving your primary policy.

The key benefit is its ability to smooth over minor conflicts. By providing a no-fault medical accident policy and coverage for guest property, it reduces the friction associated with security deposit claims. For hosts managing multiple properties, this can save significant time and preserve goodwill, making it a valuable addition to a broader risk management strategy.

Website: www.insuraguest.com

11. Obie

Obie modernizes landlord insurance by offering a fully digital platform designed for property investors, including those operating short-term rentals. Its main draw is speed and simplicity; you can get an instant quote and bind a policy online in minutes, a significant departure from the traditionally slow insurance process. This makes it an excellent option for hosts who need coverage quickly or are managing a growing portfolio and value efficiency. Obie isn't an underwriter itself but partners with various carriers to offer tailored policies across all 50 states.

The quote process is impressively transparent and fast. You input your property details, and the system provides clear, comparable options without requiring a phone call. This is particularly beneficial for investors who are evaluating multiple properties and need to factor insurance costs into their calculations quickly. The platform is clearly built with the modern landlord in mind, offering coverage for property, liability, and loss of income, with specific provisions for vacancies and renovations.

While the convenience is a major plus, the nature of its marketplace model means your actual policy terms and coverage specifics will depend on the partner carrier and your state's regulations. For hosts with highly unique properties or complex liability needs, this might require a more direct conversation with an agent to ensure no gaps exist. However, for many standard vacation rentals, Obie provides one of the best insurance for Airbnb hosts looking for a fast, tech-forward solution. Its focus on investor tools also complements the operational side of a rental business, aligning well with hosts using sophisticated vacation rental management software to streamline their operations.

Website: obieinsurance.com

12. Waivo

Waivo offers a modern alternative to traditional security deposits by providing a damage waiver solution specifically for short-term rentals. Instead of being a full insurance policy, Waivo focuses on covering accidental and intentional guest-caused damage, as well as theft, up to a specified limit. This approach is designed to reduce guest friction upon booking while still protecting a host’s property and its contents, making it an excellent supplement to a primary insurance policy.

Based on our research, Waivo's key advantage is its streamlined claims process and rapid reimbursement workflow. Unlike lengthy insurance claims, hosts can submit documentation through a simple portal and typically receive a quick response. This is especially useful for handling smaller, more frequent incidents like a broken lamp or stained rug without involving a major insurance claim, which could raise future premiums. It simplifies a common pain point for hosts managing multiple properties.

While Waivo is not a replacement for comprehensive liability or property insurance, it excels as a specialized tool within a host's protection strategy. It offers protection limits from $500 to $20,000 with no deductible, giving hosts flexibility. For those seeking the best insurance for Airbnb hosts, integrating a service like Waivo can handle minor guest damages efficiently, reserving your primary commercial policy for more significant, catastrophic events.

Website: waivo.io

Insurance Coverage Comparison of Top 12 Airbnb Host Providers

Your Next Step to Protected, Profitable Hosting

Navigating the world of short-term rental insurance can feel like a complex puzzle, but hopefully, this guide has pieced it together for you. We've walked through twelve different options, from comprehensive commercial policies like Proper Insurance to supplemental damage protection from Safely and host-specific endorsements offered by traditional carriers like Allstate and Erie. The goal isn't just to find an insurance policy; it's to find the right one for your unique hosting business.

The single most important takeaway is this: relying solely on Airbnb's AirCover or your standard homeowner's policy is a significant, and often unnecessary, risk. These options frequently leave critical gaps in coverage for business liability, property damage during a paid stay, and loss of income. As we've seen from our own experience as hosts for over a decade, securing the right protection is a foundational step in building a sustainable, professional, and profitable rental business.

Key Insights Recapped

Remember, the "best insurance for Airbnb hosts" isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. Your ideal choice depends on your specific situation.

• For Comprehensive, All-in-One Coverage: If you're looking for a single policy to replace your homeowner's insurance and fully cover your short-term rental business, dedicated providers like Proper Insurance, Steadily, and CBIZ are likely your best bet. These commercial policies are specifically designed for the unique risks of vacation rentals.

• For Supplemental Damage and Liability Protection: If you already have a landlord or homeowner's policy that allows STRs but want to bolster your protection, tools like Safely, InsuraGuest, and Waivo offer excellent per-booking or subscription-based coverage for guest-caused damage and liability.

• For Occasional Hosts: If you only rent out your primary residence a few times a year, a home-sharing endorsement from carriers like Allstate (HostAdvantage) or Erie Insurance can be a cost-effective and straightforward solution.

Your Action Plan for Securing the Right Coverage

Feeling overwhelmed by the options? Don't be. Here is a practical, step-by-step approach to move forward with confidence.

1. Review Your Current Policies: Pull out your existing homeowner's or landlord insurance documents. Look for the "business use" or "commercial activity" exclusion clause. If it's there (and it probably is), you know you have a coverage gap that needs to be filled.

2. Contact Your Mortgage Lender: This is a crucial step that many hosts overlook. Reach out to your lender and ask what their insurance requirements are for a property used as a short-term rental. Some may require a specific type of commercial policy. This is what worked for us: we confirmed with Wells Fargo that the commercial policy from Proper Insurance was exactly what they needed for our rental in D.C. Getting this sorted out upfront prevents major headaches later.

3. Get Multiple Quotes: Don't just pick the first option you see. Select your top three contenders from our list based on your hosting frequency and property type. Spend 30 minutes getting quotes from each. Compare not just the price, but the specific coverage limits for liability, property, and loss of income.

4. Read the Fine Print: Pay close attention to the exclusions. Does the policy cover theft by a guest? What about damage from undisclosed parties? Are bed bugs or pest infestations covered? Knowing what isn't covered is just as important as knowing what is.

Choosing the right insurance isn't just an expense; it's an investment in your peace of mind and the long-term viability of your hosting business. It allows you to welcome guests with confidence, knowing you are protected from the unexpected. This single decision can be the difference between a minor setback and a devastating financial loss. Take the time to get it right.

Protecting your property is step one, but we believe creating an amazing guest experience is just as important. With your insurance handled, you can focus on the fun part—hosting! At SmoothStay, we’re built by hosts like you, and our customizable digital guidebooks help you answer guest questions before they even ask, saving you time while boosting your reviews. We’re always working to improve our guest-first features and keep our pricing fair and scalable for hosts of any size.

Get started with SmoothStay today and deliver the 5-star experience your protected property deserves.