Sharing Economy Creates Risk

Vacation Home and Income Property Insurance

More and more people are using services like VRBO and Airbnb to find vacation rentals.  As a result, many people are using their homes to develop rental income.  A standard homeowner’s policy may not cover losses incurred while your home is rented out.  You may require a more specialized insurance policy.

Key Homeowner’s Insurance Concerns With Rental Property

  • Your homeowner’s insurance will not cover rental property.
  • Landlord policies generally cost about 25 percent more than a standard homeowner’s policy to pay for increased protections.  source
  • You need landlord insurance when you do not occupy the same residence as your tenant. You will also need landlord insurance if you are renting out your own home temporarily, or sharing accommodations such as your basement level, with a renter.
  • You will need liability coverage in the event your renter is injured on your premises.
  • Your policy will not cover wear and tear due to increased use.
  • VRBO, Airbnb and other rental sites may require proof of insurance.

There are only a few insurance carriers willing to write an Airbnb liability insurance policy.  We have experience with insurers who handle this kind of risk.

What Does Homeowner’s Insurance Provide?

Most people assume their homeowner’s insurance will cover any kind of claim that comes from social media content. However, you need to have personal injury coverage as part of your homeowner’s insurance policy. If you bought your insurance online you may not have this coverage.

Personal Injury coverage is an optional endorsement on the standard homeowner’s policy that provides protection for libel, slander, defamation of character, false arrest, malicious prosecution, and wrongful eviction. This coverage is also provided by most umbrella policies.

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