Airbnb insurance in the UK: what cover do you actually need?
The most common insurance mistake in UK short letting is assuming an existing landlord or residential policy covers paying guests. In almost all cases it does not, and a claim will be declined.
Here is what cover you need, and what the platform guarantees do and do not do.
Why standard policies fail
Residential and buy-to-let policies are underwritten on the basis of an owner-occupier or a tenant on an assured shorthold tenancy. Nightly paid occupancy is a different risk, so most policies exclude it outright or require written consent.
Letting short-term without telling your insurer usually voids the policy — including for unrelated claims such as an escape of water. Notify them and switch to a short-let or holiday-let product.
The cover you need
Short-let or holiday-let buildings and contents insurance, written for paying guest occupancy. Public liability cover of at least £2 million, and £5 million where corporate clients require it. Loss of rent or business interruption cover. Accidental and malicious damage by guests. Employers’ liability if you employ cleaners directly.
Leasehold flats also need the freeholder’s building policy checked, since block insurance can carry its own short-let restrictions.
Where AirCover stops
Airbnb’s host protection provides damage cover and liability protection per booking, but it is not a substitute for insurance. It only applies to bookings made through Airbnb, has exclusions and claim windows, and does not cover the building, loss of income between bookings, or bookings from other channels.
Direct bookings, Booking.com and corporate stays are outside it entirely — one more reason to hold a proper short-let policy.
Every AV Property managed home is covered by public liability and professional indemnity insurance, and we hold Gas Safe certification across the portfolio.
Frequently asked
Does my landlord insurance cover Airbnb?
Almost never. Standard landlord and residential policies exclude paying guest occupancy — you need a short-let or holiday-let policy, and you must tell your insurer.
Is AirCover enough on its own?
No. It covers certain guest-caused damage and liability on Airbnb bookings only. It is not buildings insurance and does not cover other booking channels.
How much public liability cover do short lets need?
£2 million is the usual minimum; £5 million is often required for corporate and relocation clients.
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