Why does my policy have more than one deductible?

A policy commonly carries a flat deductible for most claims and a separate percentage-based wind and hail deductible in storm-exposed states like Georgia.

Does my own insurance cover me when I stay in an Airbnb or VRBO?

The host's short-term rental policy protects the host, not you. As an Airbnb or VRBO guest, your own homeowners or renters insurance usually covers your belongings and personal liability away from home, within policy limits, while travel insurance covers trip-specific risks neither the host nor your home policy will.

Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?

No. Standard homeowners policies exclude all flood damage regardless of cause.

What does uninsured motorist coverage do?

If you are hit by a driver with no insurance or not enough insurance, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage pays your medical bills.

When do we use Selective for flood coverage versus NFIP?

Selective private flood wins for Zone X and moderate AE properties where it beats NFIP on price and offers higher limits with ALE coverage.

Do Alabama short-term rental hosts need to collect and remit a lodging tax?

All FAQs

Quick answer: Yes. Alabama's lodgings tax applies to stays under 180 days; hosts must register for a Lodgings Tax Account Number and remit state tax plus local tax (roughly 1-13 percent by county/municipality). This is a tax obligation, not an insurance requirement; STR insurance is not statewide-mandated.

Do Alabama short-term rental hosts need to collect and remit a lodgings tax?

Yes. Alabama's lodgings tax applies to any stay of less than 180 days of continuous occupation, and hosts must register for an Alabama Lodgings Tax Account Number and remit both the state lodgings tax and any applicable local lodging tax.

How much is the local rate?

Local rates range roughly 1 percent to 13 percent by county or municipality, on top of the state rate, so the total obligation varies by exactly where the property sits.

Is this an insurance requirement?

No. That's a tax obligation, not an insurance requirement. Alabama has no statewide short-term rental insurance mandate, and STR permitting, including any proof-of-insurance requirement, is set locally.

What should an Alabama STR host check?

Beyond the tax registration, a standard homeowners policy typically excludes short-term rental activity, so a coverage review can confirm the right STR-specific coverage for a specific property. See Alabama short-term rental insurance for more.