AirCover
Key Takeaways
- AirCover is free and automatically included with every Airbnb booking -- no enrollment required
- Covers up to $3 million in property damage and $1 million in liability per incident
- Includes income loss protection, pet damage coverage, and deep cleaning reimbursement
- Claims must be filed within 14 days of guest checkout through Airbnb's Resolution Center
- Most hosting professionals recommend supplemental insurance for comprehensive protection
What AirCover Covers
| Coverage Type | Protection Level | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Host damage protection | Up to $3M | Guest damage to property, furnishings, belongings |
| Liability insurance | Up to $1M | Bodily injury or property damage claims by guests or third parties |
| Income loss protection | Varies | Covers lost income if you must cancel bookings due to guest damage |
| Deep cleaning | Varies | Reimbursement for excessive cleaning needs (pet damage, smoke, etc.) |
| Art and valuables | Up to $3M | Coverage for specialty items like art, jewelry, collectibles |
| Auto and boat | Up to $3M | Parked vehicles and watercraft on the property |
Why AirCover Matters for Airbnb Hosts
- Financial safety net: Guest damage can be costly, and AirCover ensures hosts are not left paying out of pocket for damage they did not cause.
- Liability protection: If a guest or visitor is injured on your property, AirCover's $1 million liability coverage protects against legal claims.
- Income continuity: If guest damage forces you to cancel upcoming bookings for repairs, AirCover reimburses lost booking revenue.
- Peace of mind: Knowing baseline protection exists allows hosts to confidently welcome guests, including enabling Instant Book for faster bookings.
AirCover Limitations
| Exclusion | Details |
|---|---|
| Normal wear and tear | Gradual deterioration from regular use is not covered |
| Cash and securities | Money, gift cards, and financial instruments excluded |
| Late claims | Damage not reported within 14 days of checkout is ineligible |
| Shared or common areas | Damage to shared building spaces may not be covered |
| Pre-existing damage | Damage that existed before the guest's stay |
| Intentional host negligence | Damage resulting from the host's own actions |
How to Protect Yourself Beyond AirCover
- Get dedicated STR insurance from providers like Proper, CBIZ, or Safely for comprehensive coverage that fills AirCover's gaps
- Document your property before each guest -- take timestamped photos of all rooms and valuable items
- Collect security deposits where allowed to provide an additional layer of protection
- Screen guests by requiring verified IDs and reviewing guest profiles before accepting bookings
- Maintain an amenities inventory list with photos and receipts to streamline any future claims
Filing an AirCover Claim: Step by Step
- Document all damage with clear photos, videos, and written descriptions within 14 days of checkout
- Navigate to the Airbnb Resolution Center and select the relevant reservation
- Itemize each damaged item with original purchase receipts or replacement cost estimates
- Submit the claim and await Airbnb's review (typically 4-8 weeks)
- If the initial resolution is unsatisfactory, escalate through Airbnb's mediation process
Frequently Asked Questions
AirCover for hosts provides up to $3 million in damage protection covering guest damage to your property, belongings, and valuables. It also includes liability insurance up to $1 million, income loss protection if you need to cancel future bookings due to damage, and deep cleaning coverage for issues like pet damage or excessive mess.
AirCover provides a solid baseline of protection, but most experienced hosts recommend supplemental short-term rental insurance. AirCover has exclusions such as normal wear and tear, cash, certain luxury items, and damage not reported within 14 days. A dedicated STR insurance policy fills these gaps.
To file an AirCover claim, go to the Airbnb Resolution Center within 14 days of guest checkout. Document all damage with photos and videos, provide receipts or estimates for repairs, and submit the claim. Airbnb will review and may request additional documentation. Claims are typically resolved within 4-8 weeks.