Short-Term Rental Insurance and Guest Damage
What your own short-term rental insurance covers, what booking platforms offer for eligible stays, and how Haus handles guest damage.
Justin Feldstein
Founder, Haus Vacation Rentals · Licensed NYS Real Estate Broker
Your home needs insurance that covers short-term rentals. Some booking platforms offer additional protection for eligible stays. Haus documents guest damage and handles eligible claims.
What happens when something goes wrong
A guest breaks a sofa. Haus documents the damage and submits an eligible claim through the protection that applies to the booking.
A guest is injured and makes a claim. The insurer reviews the claim under the applicable liability coverage. Haus can provide the information the insurer needs.
A pipe bursts between stays. Your own property policy determines what is covered. Haus can document the damage and coordinate repairs.
Linens wear out and appliances age. Ordinary wear and maintenance belong in the home's operating budget.
See the fees page for the guest-damage claim fee and when it applies.
Your home's insurance
Ask your insurance agent to confirm property and liability coverage for guest stays, your own stays, and periods when the home is empty. Ask about exclusions for vacancy, water damage, and amenities such as a pool or hot tub. If an LLC owns the home, check who needs to be named on the policy. Read the NAIC's overview of insurance for short-term rentals.
Haus carries general and professional liability insurance for its management business. Your home's coverage comes from the policy you arrange for the property.
What the booking platforms provide
These programs apply to eligible stays. The amounts are published maximums, and the terms for the reservation determine what can be paid.
| Booking channel | Damage to your home | Third-party liability |
|---|---|---|
| Airbnb | Up to $3 million in reimbursement through Host Damage Protection. | Up to $1 million through Host Liability Insurance. See the program summary for how it can work with your own policy. |
| Vrbo | Truvi or a card hold may apply, depending on the reservation. | Up to $1 million per occurrence through the Vrbo liability program. Check eligibility for the reservation. |
| Booking.com | Up to $1 million through Host Property Insurance for eligible U.S. vacation rentals. | Up to $1 million through Partner Liability Insurance. |
| Direct | Your own policy, plus Truvi or a card hold where applicable. | Your own short-term rental liability coverage. |
Truvi and the card hold
At enrolled homes, Truvi can apply to eligible Vrbo, Booking.com, and direct stays. Its STR Protection terms set out eligibility and exclusions. Reimbursement is discretionary and limited to eligible guest property damage. Ask which limits apply to your home at onboarding.
Haus uses a $1,000 refundable card hold on applicable direct and Vrbo reservations. It can be used to recover documented guest damage.
Quick answers
Does Airbnb's AirCover replace my own insurance?
You still need your own policy for short-term rental use. Airbnb offers separate damage reimbursement and liability insurance for eligible Airbnb stays.
Does Vrbo cover damage to my home?
Vrbo's liability program covers eligible third-party claims. For guest damage to your home, the applicable options depend on the booking and the protection in place for it.
What does Booking.com protect?
For eligible stays booked through Booking.com, Host Property Insurance offers up to $1 million for guest-caused damage at U.S. vacation rentals. Partner Liability Insurance offers up to $1 million for third-party claims.
What is Truvi?
Truvi offers discretionary reimbursement for eligible guest damage at enrolled homes. The limits and exclusions depend on the terms of the program.
What is the $1,000 card hold?
It's a refundable hold on the guest's card for documented damage on applicable direct and Vrbo reservations.
Does Haus charge to handle a damage claim?
For documented guest-damage claims of $200 or more, Haus deducts a $150 administration fee from any recovery. You pay the fee only if Haus recovers money.
