Topsail Insurance has launched its Airbnb host boat insurance policy to provide cover for UK and European boat owners renting out their motor boat, sailing yacht, or inland craft on accommodation platform Airbnb.  

Recognising a gap in cover, the marine insurer said most recreational boat insurance excludes claims when renting vessels to a paying guest. As for Airbnb’s “Host Guarantee,” Topsail stressed – as the online marketplace does so itself in its terms and conditions – that it is not an insurance policy.

“The concept behind the new insurance policy came after we were approached by a number of Topsail customers enquiring about cover for their boats for paying guests,” said Topsail managing director Rob Stevens. “What makes this policy unique is that we recognise the important factors that owners require, specifically that they will be covered for damage caused by rogue guests also, liability to guests for their injury, damage to the vessel, and liability to third parties.”

Stevens noted: “Several hundred boats are available in the UK to book to stay on through the online marketplace and boat owners have long been using their boats for Airbnb guests but are either not aware or ignore that they may not be fully covered to do so.”

Brighton-based Topsail provides specialist yacht and motorboat insurance worldwide. It specialises in long distance and blue water cruising insurance for craft based and cruising in the UK, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Pacific Regions, South East Asia, Australasia, and has also insured vessels undertaking voyages to the Antarctic and the North West Passage.


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