What is AirCover for Hosts?

AirCover for Hosts is Airbnb’s host protection program, launched in 2022. It bundles two legally distinct components: Host Damage Protection, a discretionary reimbursement program for property damage, and Host Liability Insurance, actual insurance underwritten by Generali for third-party bodily injury and property damage claims. The two work differently and have different legal statuses.

What is Host Damage Protection and how does it differ from insurance?

Host Damage Protection reimburses hosts for guest-caused property damage up to $3 million per stay. Airbnb’s own published terms (article 2869, Section 2.5) state explicitly: "These Host Damage Protection Terms are not an insurance contract." Airbnb retains sole discretion over whether to pay a claim and how much.

Payouts are calculated at actual cash value, which is depreciated value rather than what it costs to buy a replacement today. The program is also secondary to the host’s own homeowners or short-term rental insurance, so the host’s personal policy pays first when one exists and covers the loss. For example, a host whose guest broke a $2,000 television may receive an actual cash value payout of $800 based on the TV’s age and depreciation, not the $2,000 it costs to replace it.

Hosts must file an initial claim request within 14 days of guest checkout (or before the next guest checks in, whichever comes first) and submit the full claim within 30 days. Police reports are required for theft claims. As of April 2026, AI-generated images and documentation are not accepted as supporting evidence. For example, a host who discovers a broken lamp three weeks after a guest’s checkout has already missed the 14-day window and cannot open an initial claim request.

The program does not cover weather or natural disasters, mold and biological contamination, normal wear and tear, cash, jewelry, collectibles, fine art, vehicles, watercraft, animals, shared building common spaces, or pre-existing damage. Coverage applies only to stays booked through Airbnb’s platform.

Full details: Host Damage Protection.

What is Host Liability Insurance under AirCover?

Host Liability Insurance is actual insurance, underwritten in the United States by Generali US Branch (Assicurazioni Generali Spa). It provides up to $1 million per stay for third-party bodily injury and property damage claims arising during an Airbnb booking.

As of March 2025, coverage is primary for hosts with five or fewer active listings and secondary for hosts with six or more. Legal defense costs come out of the $1 million limit, not in addition to it, which reduces what is available to pay or settle a claim.

Key exclusions include workers’ compensation, employer liability, assault and battery, sexual assault, communicable disease, punitive damages, and pollution. Full details: Airbnb Host Liability Insurance.

What does AirCover not replace?

Both components cover only stays booked through Airbnb’s platform. Bookings made through VRBO, Booking.com, or directly with a guest carry no AirCover protection. Airbnb’s own published guidance (article 1376) states: "We strongly encourage all Hosts to review and understand the terms of their insurance policy coverage."

A standalone short-term rental policy fills gaps AirCover does not: off-platform bookings, replacement-cost property losses, and liability claims that fall within AirCover’s exclusions.

For a comparison of AirCover and dedicated STR insurance in Georgia, see Airbnb AirCover vs. Insurance in Georgia.

A coverage review can identify which gaps apply to your specific property and rental setup.