Airbnb asks each rental property owner to sign up for a special premises liability policy that it calls Host Protection Insurance. This coverage takes precedence over other forms of homeowner, business or renter’s insurance that is carried by the person or company who rents out a property via Airbnb.
So, if you suffer an injury inside an Airbnb rental or on the grounds immediately surrounding the rental—for instance, on the stairs into the building or around the pool that residents can use—you should report the incident to Airbnb and submit your claim under the provisions of the Host Protection Insurance policy.
Be aware that the Airbnb policy will not cover injuries incurred while using dangerous or defective products. Also, claims will be denied if Airbnb determines that you hurt yourself intentionally or while doing something dangerous or destructive.
In some circumstances, you may be able to file claims with both Airbnb and the property owner. This is particularly true in North Carolina, where a law call the Vacation Rental Act places enforceable legal duties on owners of vacation properties to ensure the premises are safe and secure.
EJL