The Cost of Vacation Rental Insurance for Your Airbnb & Vrbo Listing

Savvy insurance shoppers know that rates will vary by company and product. The cost of insurance coverage is determined by many factors, including zip code, construction type, age of house, number of bedrooms, amenities offered and coverage limits. While the cost is usually a top consideration when deciding which short-term rental insurance to purchase for your Airbnb, it shouldn’t be the only factor you evaluate.

What Your Airbnb & Vrbo Needs for Insurance 

A comprehensive vacation rental policy is not the least expensive insurance option available, but it’s the only one that will give you the most peace of mind and the best value for your money. The old adage “you get what you pay for” also applies to vacation rental insurance. To best protect your vacation rental property, you want a policy that provides comprehensive rental property coverage for damages, as well as liability coverage if guests are injured on the premises.

Why Homeowners Insurance Isn’t What You Need 

Comparing a quote for vacation rental insurance to a quote for homeowners insurance is not an apples-to-apples comparison, because the two types of policies are very different.

Homeowners coverage generally excludes business activities, including short-term rentals of the property. Vacation rental property insurance, on the other hand, is specifically designed to protect property owners from both the liability risks and property risks that can come with renting their vacation homes. It also includes provisions designed to help protect your rental income if your property is damaged and requires repairs covered by your policy.

Understanding these considerations can help you make informed decisions when you shop for vacation rental property coverage.

What Can Affect the Cost of Your Airbnb & Vrbo Insurance 

When insurers evaluate applications for vacation rental property insurance coverage there are several factors that go into their decision to provide coverage, and the cost included in the quote. Here are four things that can affect the cost of vacation rental insurance:

#1. Amenities & Activities on the Premises

If your vacation property includes one or more features that could raise the risk of loss, coverage for that item or feature will generally raise the price you’ll pay for the insurance policy. Swimming pools, docks and piers, small watercraft, and exercise equipment could raise the risk of a renter being injured on the premises.

Other types of risk such as trampolines, tree houses, and allowing guests to bring their pets may all help you attract renters and earn more income per night or per week. However, your policy may restrict or exclude these types of risks to reduce liability opportunities.

To get the most accurate assessment for your vacation rental insurance policy, it’s a best practice to give your insurance carrier as much detail as possible about items on your property. When in doubt give your CBIZ Vacation Rental Insurance team member a call to discuss all the amenities and activities on your property.

#2. Other Business Activities

Sometimes, vacation rental property owners also operate other types of businesses on the premises, in addition to the property rental activity. Beach-front property might offer ATV rentals to the public. An urban oasis may offer morning yoga classes to the community. Peaceful country retreats may offer soap making classes. In such cases, separate insurance policies may be required to cover any losses associated with that business.

#3. Safety Considerations

To obtain coverage at the most affordable rates, your property should be as safe as possible for guests. Short-term rental property owners who install and maintain even walkways, porch railings, handrails, working smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors and other safety features have demonstrated their commitment to reducing risks to their guests. CBIZ Vacation Rental Insurance offers rate reductions for central station fire alarms, central station burglar alarms, sprinkler systems, a claims-free history, among others.

#4. Safety Inspections

Certain properties, including those for which the property owner is requesting a high total insured value, can be subject to inspection. The inspection of your vacation property’s interior and exterior is designed to evaluate how safe your property is and identify potential areas of concern. You may be required to address certain safety risks immediately. Get a head start with these safety enhancements.

Comprehensive Coverage that Gives Peace of Mind = Priceless

The short-term vacation rental market is still relatively new, so many things influence the cost of a policy. CBIZ Vacation Rental Insurance will save you from headaches and heartaches by having a single policy that protects you like a home policy plus the bonus rental business coverage. At the end of the day knowing you have the right coverage to protect you in times of a claim is priceless.

Get a Free Quote for Your CBIZ Vacation Rental Policy!

Protect your vacation home with CBIZ Vacation Rental Insurance. Are you ready to recieve a quote? All you need is some basic information about your rental property. You can also contact our vacation rental experts at 888.883.5696 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. MST, Monday – Friday, or anytime via email at [email protected].

Find out more about how CBIZ Vacation Rental Insurance can protect you from the risks you face when renting your property.

This blog may contain scenarios that are provided as examples only. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued. The information provided is general in nature and may be affected by changes in law or the interpretation of such laws. The reader is advised to contact a professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.

10 Things Your Vacation Rental Guests Will Love You For Spring Cleaning: Get Your Vacation Rental Ready for Peak Season