Frequently asked questions
Letting a property through Airbnb can present different considerations to a standard tenancy, and a conventional landlord insurance policy may not be designed to cover all risks associated with short-term guest accommodation. Depending on the policy selected and the cover provided, Airbnb home insurance may help protect against some of the risks associated with holiday letting. Below, we explain what Airbnb host home insurance may cover and the factors to consider when choosing cover for your property.
What is Airbnb insurance?
Airbnb home insurance is a form of cover designed to meet the needs of property owners who let out their whole property to paying guests through Airbnb. It differs from standard home insurance, which is generally structured around owner-occupied properties, by taking into account the particular risks that can come with hosting guests on a short-term basis.
If you live in the property and only let out a room on Airbnb, Airbnb home insurance may not provide the type of cover you need. A standard home insurance policy that allows you to let out a room may be more appropriate.
Landlord insurance is typically designed for properties let under longer-term tenancy agreements, where tenants occupy the property as their home. Airbnb hosting operates on a different basis, with guests staying for shorter periods and occupancy changing more frequently. Airbnb insurance cover reflects this distinction and may help protect against some of the risks associated with short-term guest accommodation and higher guest turnover, depending on the policy selected and the cover provided.
Depending on the policy, Airbnb home insurance may extend to the building itself, its contents, and public liability, should a guest sustain an injury or have their belongings damaged while staying in the property.
What cover does Airbnb insurance include?
Airbnb properties can be exposed to damage from natural risks or from those staying there, and with contents seeing heavier use than in a standard let, having suitable cover matters just as much as it would for any other rental. Airbnb buildings insurance and contents cover can work together to help protect against:
- Theft or attempted theft by guests.
- Malicious or accidental damage, including by guests.
- Fire, lightning, earthquake, or explosion.
- Flood or escape of water.
This cover may also help with costs associated with:
- Loss of rent
- Alternative accommodation or guests.
- Replacement locks.
- Emergency services gaining entry to the premises.
- The unauthorised use of electricity, gas, or water by someone occupying the premises without your consent.
- Fly tipping.
What Isn’t Covered
Our Airbnb insurance cover does not include:
- Gradual wear and tear.
- Mechanical or electrical faults.
- Long-term rentals – this type of rental needs landlord insurance
- Damage caused by negligence.
These are brief product descriptions only. Please refer to the policy documentation, paying particular attention to the terms and conditions, exclusions, warranties, subjectivities, excesses, and any endorsements.
Can Landlord Insurance Cover You for an Airbnb?
Insurers design landlord insurance around assured periodic tenancies (previously assured shorthold tenancies) which usually run for a minimum of six months and involve a formal referencing and vetting process. Landlord insurance is commonly designed for longer-term tenancies and may not cover all risks associated with short-term guest accommodation. Check the policy wording before listing a property.
What Airbnb Properties Can We Cover?
If you’re wondering, “What home insurance do I need for my Airbnb?”, our Airbnb insurance can provide cover for a variety of UK property types, including:
- Cottages.
- Flats and apartments.
- Bungalows.
- Detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses.
Why Choose Just Landlords
At Just Landlords, our Airbnb home insurance can provide both buildings and contents cover as part of our UK Holiday Home Insurance range and aims to offer cover suited to the risks of short-term letting.
Choosing a suitable Airbnb home insurance provider may help to offer you peace of mind as a landlord. Here’s why so many choose Just Landlords for their insurance needs:
- Rated ‘Great’ on Trustpilot*, with over 1,000 reviews.
- Over 25 years of experience providing landlord insurance.
- An in-house customer service and claims team based in Nottingham.
- Friendly support available by phone and email.
*Correct as of October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please note that these frequently asked questions are not a substitute for the policy wording. For full terms and conditions, please see the policy documentation.
Is Airbnb Insurance the Same as Holiday Home Insurance?
Holiday home insurance usually covers a second property meaning that it may extend to Airbnb lettings. However, as with all policies, it’s a good idea to review your documentation to confirm exactly what your specific policy covers.
What Happens If Someone Gets Injured in My Airbnb?
If a guest suffers an injury during their stay at your Airbnb, your first responsibility is making sure they receive the medical attention they need. Once they’ve received medical attention, document what happened in as much detail as possible, including when and where the incident occurred, supported by photographs if you can. If the guest holds you responsible for the injury, it is recommended to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible.
Can I Use My Landlord Insurance for Airbnb?
Generally speaking, most landlord insurance policies may not cover Airbnb claims. However, it’s worth checking your own policy, as terms may vary.
Does Airbnb Provide Its Own Insurance?
Yes, Airbnb offers AirCover for Hosts, a free protection programme automatically included when you host. It includes:
- $1 million US Dollars in liability insurance, underwritten by a third-party insurer, covering bodily injury or damage to a guest’s belongings during their stay.
- $3 million US Dollars in host damage protection, which may help with damage caused by guests or their pets, including to some fine art, jewellery, and collectibles, and with costs like deep cleaning or loss of income from a cancelled booking due to damage.
Please note that Airbnb states AirCover isn’t a substitute for having your own insurance. You should talk to your insurance provider to make sure you have suitable cover in place before starting hosting.
For further information, read Airbnb’s article.
Airbnb Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
Please note that these frequently asked questions are not a substitute for the policy wording. For full terms and conditions please see the policy documentation.
Do I Need Public Liability Insurance for Airbnb?
Airbnb public liability insurance can offer protection if a guest is injured at your property, or if their belongings are damaged, and they hold you responsible – helping with legal costs or compensation. Policyholders may be able to claim up to £5,000,000 for any one event, subject to policy terms.
Do You Insure Airbnb Properties Overseas?
No, Just Landlords can only provide cover for holiday lets and Airbnb properties in the UK.
Do I Need Building Insurance for an Airbnb Property?
Buildings insurance isn’t a legal requirement for your property, but your mortgage lender might require it. If you’re asking whether you need insurance for Airbnb in the UK more generally, the answer usually comes down to risk as standard home insurance might not extend to short-term lettings, so suitable Airbnb insurance may help with the cost of repairing damage that’s covered by the policy.
Do I Need Contents Insurance for an Airbnb Property?
If paying guests are staying in your property, contents insurance may help to reduce the likelihood of you having to pay out of pocket if an item is accidentally or deliberately damaged.
How Can I Find Suitable Airbnb Property Insurance?
What counts as suitable Airbnb property insurance depends on your circumstances e.g., the property type, how often you host, and the level of cover you’re comfortable with. Rather than a single “top choice” option, it’s a good idea to compare policies against your specific risks. Our team are here to talk you through suitable cover available to you.
Is Standard House Insurance Suitable for an Airbnb?
A standard home insurance policy may not cover the risks associated with letting a property, for example, damage or theft by guests, and loss of rent, are typically excluded. Letting the property without notifying the insurer could affect the cover available under the policy or the handling of a claim. Check the policy terms and conditions and inform the insurer before offering short-term guest accommodation.
How Much Does Property Insurance Cost?
Cost is typically based on factors such as the property type, number of bedrooms, age of the property, and rebuild value (the Building Cost Information Service provides a rebuild cost calculator). These factors vary for every property, so cost and the level of cover available, vary too.
Is This Property Insurance Suitable for Airbnbs?
Yes, our insurance for Airbnb properties is suitable for a variety of UK property types, from flats and bungalows to detached and terraced houses, as outlined above. If you’re unsure whether your specific Airbnb would be covered, speak to our team.
Can This Insurance Cover Non-Airbnb Lets?
Yes, if you let out the whole property. Our Airbnb home insurance, part of our UK Holiday Home Insurance range, can also be suitable for properties used as a personal holiday home or let to holidaymakers through other platforms or directly. It may also provide cover when the property is left unoccupied for longer periods, so it could be a suitable option for second homes too.
If you live in the property and only let out a room, holiday home insurance might not be suitable for you. In this case, a home insurance policy may be a more suitable option.
Looking for suitable property insurance?
We can provide cover for the following:
