The moment you list a home, condo, or spare room on Airbnb or Vrbo, you've added a commercial activity that most standard homeowners policies weren't written for — and some exclude entirely. The platform's built-in host protection helps, but it has limits, gaps, and conditions. A short-term-rental (STR) policy or home-sharing endorsement covers what your personal policy and the platform don't. Maru shops carriers that specialize in home-sharing so Washington and Florida hosts aren't exposed.
What short-term rental insurance covers
| Coverage | What it protects |
|---|---|
| Dwelling & contents | Damage to your building and furnishings from guest stays |
| Business/host liability | Guest injuries and property damage claims |
| Lost rental income | Income lost when a covered loss makes the unit unrentable |
| Guest-caused theft/damage | Theft or damage caused by paying guests |
| Bonus/commercial liability | Liability arising from the rental activity itself |
Where hosts get caught
The most common surprises are simple: a homeowners insurer denies a guest-related claim because the home was being rented; a platform's coverage excludes the specific loss or caps it below the real cost; or a long-term-rental (landlord) policy doesn't respond to the frequent turnover and business nature of nightly stays. We match the structure of your rental — occasional room rental, whole-home listing, or a dedicated STR property — to a policy that actually responds, and coordinate it with any landlord or umbrella coverage you carry.
Washington and Florida notes
Florida's vacation-rental market is enormous and heavily regulated at the local level, with licensing and tax requirements that vary by county and city. Washington's STR activity clusters around Seattle, the coast, and mountain and wine-country getaways. In both states, proper coverage — not just the platform's default — is what protects your property and your personal assets when a guest stay goes wrong.
Frequently asked questions
Doesn't Airbnb or Vrbo already cover me?
Will my regular homeowners policy work?
Is a landlord policy enough for Airbnb?
Can I cover lost income if my rental is damaged?
Licensed independent insurance agent · WA & FL
Written and reviewed by a licensed Maru advisor. Maru Insurance is an independent agency (License #22261820) representing multiple A-rated carriers across Washington and Florida.
Ready for a quote that actually fits?
Talk to a licensed Maru advisor in Washington or Florida. No pressure, no call-center scripts — just clear options and honest pricing.