Do you have a homeowner’s insurance? If so, there is no denying the fact that you have covered your property from most emergencies and damage. Well, wait a minute. This is not the case if you put your property on the rental market or start using it in the form of Airbnb.
Homeowner’s insurance is said to offer you protection only in the case of owner-occupied properties. But, when you own a rental (short-term or long-term), having a specific insurance policy is your savior. If you don’t, you might end up with a claim denied, and who knows, you might be held liable for handling costly repairs and legal fees.
So, what do you have to do when talking about buying the right policies, and how can you protect your priceless investment? We have come up here with all the answers.
Before going any further, let’s look at the risks associated with sharing your rental property with someone.
Risk of home-sharing
You have decided to put your home on the rental market or decided to use it as an AirBNB. If you fall into the latter category, you have to consider the risks that come with opening your home to guests and strangers. Imagine a guest incurring body injuries or damaging your property, and you are not carrying the right insurance. What more risks does it involve?
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Property damage
Making your home available for a short-term rental requires you to have the right kind of rental insurance for airbnb so that you won’t be held liable for the actions of your tenants or guests while renting out the property to them.
So, how can you shield your investment? Let’s get started with the ultimate rental property checklist.
Assessing property risks
What is the right way to choose suitable rental insurance? Start with considering the risks associated with your properties. How old are the rental buildings, what is their condition, what kind of tenants do you have, what kind of guests come to your property (if you have an Airbnb rental), and what is the location of the properties?
Pay attention to the different kinds of insurance policies available for your rental properties, like Airbnb rental insurance (Air cover), homeowner’s insurance, landlord insurance policies, etc. Check the coverage amount these policies are offering you. Don’t forget to get in touch with a reputable insurance company to seek guidance for the same.
Compare the policies
Comparing different policies will help you select the right one. Get quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best rates and deals.
For instance, If you frequently rent your house or apartment, you might probably be in need of short-term rental insurance policies, like guest liability insurance, property insurance, and Airbnb insurance. Some people might be wondering –
Does Airbnb offer rental options?
Yes, it does.
- It is an insurance policy that provides rental property coverage for your property when you rent it as Airbnb.
- It is applicable to your primary residence, usually for a maximum period of time (in most cases, it is six months).
- Generally, it includes the coverage amount if theft occurs in your or your guest’s property, loss of rental income, or vandalism.
Consider the cost of premiums and deductibles.
You can’t buy just any insurance policy without considering its cost. What should you keep in mind as far as cost is concerned?
Premiums
The monthly payment you make to maintain the insurance coverage of your policy is the premium amount. The amount of premium varies from policy to policy as it depends on multiple factors like the type of coverage you choose, the cost of your rental property, location, etc. If you have a property that is more prone to natural disasters, it will have a high amount of insurance premium. The frequency of paying premiums can also vary. For instance – It could be once every month, three times every year, or once every year.
Deductible
A deductible is the amount you pay for an insurance claim before the start of the insurance coverage payment. For example – You have a deductible of 10,000 US Dollars and incur a loss of 30,000 US Dollars. You have to pay the first 10,000 US Dollars. The remaining amount will be covered by your insurance policy. No wonder choosing a high deductible amount reduces the pressure of paying more monthly insurance premiums. But it is also true that in such cases, you have to bear a large part of your cost by yourself if you file a claim.
Documentation of the evidence
Documentation is your best friend when it comes to filing claims. You must maintain records to get the maximum amount of coverage. Have proper photographs and inventory of the property contents. In the cases of damage or any loss, documentation of such things expedites the process of claim, ultimately protecting your precious investment – your property.
Final Thoughts
Safeguarding your property through the right rental insurance property checklist is an important concern for responsible property management. Selecting the right policy not only protects your financial investment but also fosters a secure and stable environment for both you and your tenants. All in all, you can’t miss out on having a well-protecting investment for long-term success in the world of real estate.