Running a successful Airbnb isn’t just about beautiful interiors, five-star reviews, or perfect guest communication. Behind the scenes, every host faces risks—property damage, unexpected guest behavior, liability claims, or even income loss due to last-minute cancellations. This is exactly where AirCover for Hosts becomes one of the most valuable tools Airbnb offers.
AirCover for Hosts is Airbnb’s built-in protection program designed to give hosts peace of mind. It goes far beyond the old “Host Guarantee” by offering broader coverage, clearer protections, and a more host-friendly claims process. Whether you manage one listing or multiple properties, understanding how AirCover works—and why it’s good to have—can make a huge difference in how confidently you host.
In this guide, we’ll break down what AirCover for Hosts is, how it works, what it covers, what it doesn’t, and why it’s a must-have for modern Airbnb hosting.
What Is AirCover for Hosts?
AirCover for Hosts is a free protection program automatically included for all Airbnb hosts. It combines property damage protection, liability insurance, and income-related safeguards into a single, host-focused coverage system.
Airbnb introduced AirCover to address common frustrations hosts had with earlier protection programs—limited coverage, unclear terms, and difficult claims. With AirCover, the platform significantly raised coverage limits and expanded protection categories.
In short, AirCover is Airbnb’s way of saying:
“If something goes wrong during a stay, we’ve got your back.”
What Does AirCover for Hosts Include?
AirCover for Hosts is made up of several key protection pillars. Each one addresses a real-world risk that hosts frequently face.
$3 Million Host Damage Protection
One of the biggest fears for any host is property damage. Guests are usually great—but accidents happen.
AirCover for Hosts provides up to $3 million USD in damage protection, covering:
- Damage to your home or apartment
- Damage to furniture and décor
- Electronics and appliances
- Outdoor spaces, pools, and hot tubs
- Artwork and valuables
- Cleaning costs for excessive messes
This protection applies when guests damage your property beyond normal wear and tear. Importantly, you don’t need to collect a security deposit to be eligible.
Why this matters:
Replacing furniture, repairing walls, or fixing appliances can quickly eat into your profits. AirCover helps ensure one bad stay doesn’t wipe out months of earnings.
Extra Cleaning Protection
Some guests leave a place spotless. Others… not so much.
AirCover for Hosts includes coverage for extra cleaning required due to excessive mess, such as:
- Trash left throughout the property
- Stains on carpets or upholstery
- Food spills, pet messes, or strong odors
- Biohazards (within Airbnb’s policy limits)
This goes beyond standard cleaning between stays. If a guest leaves your property in an unacceptable condition, AirCover helps cover the extra cost.
Why this matters:
Cleaning teams charge more for deep cleans, and last-minute cleaning emergencies can disrupt your booking schedule.
$1 Million Host Liability Insurance
One of the most overlooked risks in Airbnb hosting is liability.
AirCover for Hosts includes up to $1 million USD in liability insurance, protecting you if:
- A guest is injured during their stay
- A guest’s belongings are damaged
- A third party (like a neighbor) claims property damage or injury
Examples include slip-and-fall accidents, broken stair railings, or water damage affecting another unit.
Why this matters:
Medical bills and legal claims can be devastating—even if you did nothing wrong. Liability coverage helps protect your personal finances.
Income Loss Protection
Some guest issues don’t just damage property—they cost you future bookings.
AirCover may help cover lost income if you have to cancel upcoming reservations due to damage caused by a guest.
For example:
- A guest damages plumbing, forcing you to cancel the next booking
- Furniture damage makes the property unsafe or uninhabitable
Why this matters:
Missed bookings can hurt just as much as repair costs. This coverage helps stabilize your income after an incident.
Pet Damage Protection
Even if you allow pets—or if a guest sneaks one in—pet-related damage can be costly.
AirCover for Hosts includes protection for:
- Scratched floors
- Chewed furniture
- Stains or pet odors
Why this matters:
Pet damage is often excluded from traditional insurance policies. AirCover helps close that gap.
What Makes AirCover for Hosts Better Than the Old Host Guarantee?
AirCover replaced Airbnb’s old Host Guarantee, and the difference is significant.
Key improvements include:
- Higher coverage limits
- Clearer definitions of covered damage
- Faster and more transparent claims
- Expanded protection categories
- Better support documentation
The old system often felt vague and inconsistent. AirCover was designed specifically to rebuild host trust and reduce friction during claims.
Why AirCover for Hosts Is Good to Have
Now let’s get into the real question: Why is AirCover for Hosts so valuable?
Peace of Mind for Every Booking
Hosting is stressful enough without worrying about worst-case scenarios. Knowing AirCover is automatically included allows you to focus on:
- Guest communication
- Property upkeep
- Improving the guest experience
You’re not constantly wondering, “What if something goes wrong?”
No Extra Cost to Hosts
One of the biggest advantages of AirCover for Hosts is that it’s 100% free. There’s no monthly premium, no enrollment process, and no paperwork to activate coverage.
Traditional short-term rental insurance can cost hundreds—or thousands—per year. AirCover gives you a powerful safety net at no additional cost.
Ideal for New and Experienced Hosts
For new hosts, AirCover lowers the barrier to entry. You can start hosting without fear of catastrophic losses.
For experienced hosts, especially those with multiple listings, AirCover adds another layer of protection on top of your own insurance strategy.
Encourages Better Guest Behavior
Knowing Airbnb has clear damage reporting and protection systems can discourage careless behavior. Guests are more likely to treat your property with respect when accountability is built into the platform.
Faster Resolution Compared to Traditional Insurance
Traditional insurance claims can take weeks or months. AirCover claims are handled directly through Airbnb, often with faster timelines and clearer communication.
How to File a Claim Under AirCover for Hosts
If something goes wrong, filing a claim is relatively straightforward:
- Document the damage
Take photos and videos immediately after checkout. - Submit a request through Airbnb
Use the Resolution Center within the required timeframe (usually within 14 days or before the next guest checks in). - Provide repair or replacement estimates
Invoices, receipts, or professional quotes help speed up approval. - Communicate clearly
Be factual, detailed, and timely.
Pro tip: Always do a walkthrough and take photos before and after every stay. This documentation is crucial.
What AirCover for Hosts Does NOT Cover
While AirCover for Hosts is robust, it’s not unlimited. Common exclusions include:
- Normal wear and tear
- Cash and certain collectibles
- Shared or common area damage outside Airbnb’s scope
- Intentional acts by the host
- Some high-value items without documentation
Because of this, many professional hosts still carry short-term rental insurance as a complement—not a replacement—to AirCover.
AirCover vs. Traditional Short-Term Rental Insurance
AirCover works best as a first line of defense, while private insurance provides long-term structural protection.
AirCover strengths:
- Free and automatic
- Platform-specific protection
- Fast claims process
Traditional insurance strengths:
- Broader policy control
- Coverage outside Airbnb stays
- Protection for non-guest incidents
The smartest approach? Use both.
Why AirCover for Hosts Is Especially Important in 2026 and Beyond
As Airbnb regulations tighten, guest expectations rise, and hosting becomes more professionalized, protection is no longer optional.
AirCover helps hosts:
- Operate with confidence
- Scale responsibly
- Handle risk without panic
- Protect income and assets
In an increasingly competitive short-term rental market, tools like AirCover separate casual hosting from sustainable hosting.
Final Thoughts: Is AirCover for Hosts Worth It?
Absolutely.
AirCover for Hosts is one of the strongest built-in protections available in the short-term rental industry. It’s free, comprehensive, and designed specifically for real hosting scenarios.
While it shouldn’t replace your own insurance strategy, it provides a powerful safety net that every Airbnb host—new or experienced—should understand and rely on.
If you’re serious about hosting professionally, protecting your property, and safeguarding your income, AirCover for Hosts is not just good to have—it’s essential.
