AirCover for Hosts Explained: What It Covers and How to Use It
AirCover for Hosts is Airbnb's free, built in protection package for hosts: it includes guest identity verification, reservation screening, up to $3 million in Host damage protection, $1 million in Host liability insurance and a 24 hour safety line. It applies automatically when you host, but getting paid through it depends on filing on time and having clear proof of the home's condition before and after the stay.
I have hosted since 2021, and the most common misunderstanding I see is that AirCover works like a homeowner's policy that pays whenever something goes wrong. It does not. Each part has its own rules, and the damage part in particular is a reimbursement program with deadlines and evidence requirements. Knowing those rules ahead of time is what turns a frustrating claim into a routine one.
What is included in AirCover for Hosts
According to Airbnb's AirCover for Hosts page, the package includes:
| Protection | What it does |
|---|---|
| Guest identity verification | Checks details such as name, address and government ID for guests who book |
| Reservation screening | Analyzes reservations and blocks certain bookings that show a high risk of disruptive parties and property damage |
| Host damage protection | Reimburses up to $3 million for guest caused damage if the guest does not pay |
| Host liability insurance | Up to $1 million if you are found legally responsible for a guest getting hurt or their belongings being damaged or stolen |
| 24 hour safety line | One tap access in the app to trained safety agents |
Airbnb says AirCover for Hosts is always included and always free, with nothing to opt into.
Host damage protection in detail
This is the part most hosts use, so it deserves the closest look.
What it covers
Airbnb's Host damage protection article lists:
- Damage to your home, furnishings, valuables or belongings caused by guests or their invitees
- Damage to parked cars, boats or other vehicles caused by guests
- Extra cleaning costs to remove stains left by guests or pet accidents, and smoke odor removal
- Lost income when you have to cancel Airbnb bookings because of guest damage
What it does not cover
The same page excludes:
- Normal wear and tear
- Currency loss
- Loss due to acts of nature such as earthquakes and hurricanes
- Injuries to guests or others, which fall under liability insurance instead
- Standard checkout cleaning such as laundry and dishes
The full Host Damage Protection Terms add more exclusions, including losses related to mold and mildew and damage caused by lack of maintenance or faulty workmanship. Airbnb also states clearly that Host damage protection "is not insurance."
How reimbursement is calculated
Under the terms, reimbursement for damaged property is based on actual cash value, which means replacement cost with a deduction for depreciation. A five year old sofa is not reimbursed at the price of a new one. The terms also say payments are reduced by anything you already received from another source, such as your own insurance policy.
How to file a damage request
The process runs through the Resolution Center:
- Document the damage right away. Photos or videos, repair or cleaning estimates and receipts. Airbnb lists these as the evidence to gather.
- Request payment from the guest first. Airbnb says to file a reimbursement request within 14 days of the responsible guest's checkout, using the Resolution Center.
- Give the guest 24 hours. Per the Host damage protection page, the guest has 24 hours to respond.
- Escalate if needed. If the guest declines, pays only part or does not respond, you can submit the request under Host damage protection and Airbnb Support reviews it.
- Ask for human review if you disagree. Airbnb says some requests are reviewed automatically, and if you do not accept the result you can request human review and share more evidence.
For a full walkthrough of this step, see a guest broke something: how to ask for payment.
Host liability insurance in brief
Host liability insurance is a real insurance policy, handled by a third party insurer. Airbnb's liability insurance page says it covers you if you are found legally responsible for a guest getting hurt or their belongings being damaged or stolen, and that people who help you host, like co hosts and cleaners, are also included. It does not cover intentional acts, and it does not apply to stays in Japan or stays through Airbnb Travel, LLC.
Airbnb also says its host protections do not replace homeowner's insurance or adequate liability coverage. For more on that, see do you need separate insurance for your Airbnb.
Where AirCover claims succeed or stall
Reading the terms, the pattern is clear: the host has to show what the home looked like before the guest arrived, what it looked like after, and what the fix cost. The terms require "legitimate and verifiable evidence" such as receipts, photographs and videos.
The weak point for most hosts is the "before" photo. If your only record of a rug is a listing photo from two years ago, it is hard to show the stain is new. That is why a dated photo set from every turnover matters more than any single photo after the damage.
This is one of the reasons I built Clyn. Your cleaner takes photos in the Clyn app at every turnover, the AI checks them against your standard, and you keep a dated photo record of each room. When a guest damages something, you already have the photo from just before their check in. For more on building that record, read how to prove guest damage on Airbnb.
A simple AirCover readiness checklist
- Keep dated photos of every room from each turnover, including close ups of high value items
- Save receipts for furniture, electronics, art and linens
- Know your 14 day window and put a reminder in your calendar on checkout day
- Get repair or cleaning quotes in writing
- Keep all guest communication inside Airbnb messaging
- Carry your own short term rental insurance as the main policy
FAQ
Is AirCover for Hosts free?
Yes. Airbnb says AirCover for Hosts and its benefits are always included and always free, and hosts do not need to opt in. Check the liability insurance page for current details.
Does AirCover cover normal wear and tear?
No. Airbnb's Host damage protection page lists normal wear and tear as not covered, and the terms exclude deterioration from use, age or lack of maintenance.
How long do I have to file an AirCover damage request?
Airbnb says to file a reimbursement request in the Resolution Center within 14 days of the responsible guest's checkout. Do not wait until the end of that window, because you may need time to gather quotes.
If you want every turnover checked before check in, you can try Clyn free on one property at clyn.com.