Insurance for hosts: what AirCover is, and what it isn't

Insurance is not the most exciting part of hosting, but it is the part you'll be glad you sorted out. This article gives general information only; for your own situation, talk to your insurer or broker.

What AirCover offers

Airbnb's AirCover for Hosts includes host damage protection and host liability insurance, with limits described on Airbnb's own pages. Airbnb itself states that host damage protection isn't insurance. Damage requests go through Airbnb's Resolution Center, where the guest first gets the chance to respond or pay.

What the rules ask

• In Flanders, Toerisme Vlaanderen requires insurance against fire and for civil liability, covering not only the building but also the letting activity itself.
• In Brussels, registration requires civil liability insurance.
• In Dubai, a comprehensive insurance policy is part of the holiday home permit requirements, as summarised by Gulf News.

Questions for your insurer

• Does my home and contents policy cover short-term rental to guests?
• Is the letting activity covered for civil liability?
• What about damage to common parts of the building?
• Do I need to report the activity to my insurer or broker?

How Athina helps

We make a full inventory with photos before the first guest and check the home after every stay. If a guest causes damage, we document it and handle the claim with the platform and the guest.