Why Airbnb’s Aircover and Booking.com’s Damage Program Fall Short

Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com promise peace of mind – but are their host protection plans truly comprehensive?

For vacation rental hosts, platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com promise peace of mind through their host protections programs: Aircover and Damage Program. But are these programs truly comprehensive? A closer look reveals significant gaps that could leave your property and income vulnerable.

Airbnb’s AirCover: Promises with Strings Attached

Airbnb’s AirCover is often marketed as a comprehensive solution for hosts, but it comes with key limitations:

  • Not True Insurance: AirCover is not an insurance product. Instead, it helps hosts with seeking reimbursement from guests. If the guest refuses, Airbnb may cover damages, but this can lead to disputes and potential negative reviews.
  • Limited Income Loss Coverage: Lost income is only reimbursed for canceled stays booked through Airbnb. If you list your property on multiple platforms, non-Airbnb cancellations or downtime caused by damage are not covered.
  • Lengthy Processes: Filing claims through Airbnb’s Resolution Center can be time-consuming and stressful.

While AirCover provides up to $3 million in damage protection, its reliance on guest cooperation and platform-specific rules limits its practicality. This highlights the potential difficulties in utilizing Airbnb’s AirCover effectively.

Booking.com’s Damage Program: Minimal and Risky

Booking.com provides even less protection for hosts. Its damage program is an opt-in feature that facilitates claims directly with guests. However:

  • No Automatic Coverage: Hosts must manually activate the program, and it only works when the guest agrees to settle the claim.
  • Low Coverage Limits: In regions like the EU, claims are capped at just €300, far below the costs of significant damages.
  • Booking Deterrents: Damage deposit amounts are displayed during the booking process, potentially discouraging guests and impacting your property’s ranking or conversion rate.

The Solution: Independent Host Protection

Relying solely on OTA protections isn’t enough. Independent solutions, like Stellar’s Guest Damage Insurance, fill these gaps with:

  • Comprehensive Coverage: Protection across all booking platforms, not just one.
  • Claims without guest recourse: Avoid disputes with guests and enjoy faster resolutions.
  • Peace of Mind: Safeguard both your property and your income without worrying about where the booking comes from.

Host Smarter, with less risk

Vacation Rental Hosting Made Easy: Protect Your Property and Peace of Mind

Hosting a vacation rental is about delivering exceptional guest experiences, not worrying about risks. While online travel agencies (OTAs) offer some protections, they often fall short in covering all potential issues. By complementing OTA coverage with reliable independent vacation rental insurance, you can host with confidence and safeguard your property and business, regardless of whether you are relying on Airbnb’s AirCover or other solutions.

Secure your property today and enjoy worry-free hosting

Explore Stellar’s tailored insurance solutions designed to protect both your property and your peace of mind.

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Give you and your guests the ultimate peace of mind. For more direct bookings, zero guest friction when damage occurs and more repeat bookings.

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