AirCover is the built-in protection program from Airbnb. It’s designed to give both hosts and guests some level of protection when things go wrong during a booking.
AirCover for Hosts
This is the more extensive part of the program.
What it includes:
- Damage protection (up to $3 million)
Covers guest-caused damage to your property or belongings - Theft protection
If guests steal items - Deep cleaning protection
For extreme messes beyond normal cleaning - Income loss protection
If you have to cancel future bookings due to damage - Liability insurance (up to $1 million)
If a guest gets injured and you’re held responsible
Important limits:
- Doesn’t cover normal wear and tear
- Requires evidence (photos, receipts, etc.)
- Must file claims within 14 days
AirCover for Guests
More about booking confidence than damage.
What it includes:
- Booking Protection Guarantee
If your host cancels last minute, Airbnb finds a similar or better place or refunds you - Check-in Guarantee
If you can’t get into the property - Listing Accuracy Guarantee
If the place is significantly different from what was advertised - 24-hour Safety Line
Access to support during your stay
What AirCover is NOT
- It’s not traditional insurance
- It doesn’t cover everything automatically
- Claims are reviewed case-by-case
Simple way to think about it
- Hosts: protection for property + liability
- Guests: protection for booking reliability + safety
If you’re a host making a damage claim
1. Act quickly (strict deadlines)
- You must submit the claim within 14 days of checkout or before the next guest checks in (whichever is earlier).
2. Use the Resolution Center
- Go to your reservation → “Send or request money”
- Select the booking and enter the amount
3. Provide strong evidence
Airbnb is much more likely to approve claims when you include:
- Photos/videos (before and after if possible)
- Receipts or invoices (repairs, replacements)
- Clear description of what happened
- Communication with the guest (ideally admitting fault)
4. Wait for guest response
- Guest has 24 hours to accept or decline
5. Escalate to Airbnb
- If they refuse or ignore → escalate the claim
- Airbnb may step in under AirCover for Hosts
If you’re a guest being charged
1. Review the claim carefully
Check:
- Are the damages real?
- Is the cost reasonable?
- Is there proof?
2. Your options
- Accept and pay (if fair)
- Decline (if you disagree)
- Negotiate with the host via messages
3. If escalated
Airbnb will:
- Review evidence from both sides
- Decide whether to charge you
You won’t automatically be charged without review—but if Airbnb sides with the host, they may charge your payment method.
What Airbnb typically covers
Under AirCover, hosts may claim for:
- Broken furniture or appliances
- Stains or excessive cleaning
- Missing items
But normal wear and tear (e.g., minor scuffs) is usually not covered.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing the 14-day window (hosts lose eligibility)
- No proof of condition before stay
- Inflated or vague claims
- Taking conversations off-platform
Practical advice
- Hosts: document everything before each stay (photos = protection)
- Guests: take photos when you arrive and leave—this can save you from unfair claims
Bottom Line
Knowing what damage protection you receive as a host is important, especially when things go wrong. This and setting up and running a holiday let have a number of moving parts, so hosts need to be knowledgeable now more than ever. If you’d like to delve deeper into the how to set up and run your short term let the right way, then contact us at Help My Holiday Let for a free consultation.
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