The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) issued an advisory Thursday urging residents to exercise safety when using home-sharing services such as Airbnb.
“We urge Airbnb hosts and guests to never overlook safety at the expense of value and charm,” stated State Fire Marshal and Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “Guests should always check a property’s profile and reviews for safety features and potential hazards before booking. Some counties and cities may have their own ordinances regarding Airbnb, so it’s important to first check with your local authorities for any required permits before hosting a rental.”
The Department recommended the following tips for both Airbnb users and hosts:
For Guests:
- Regardless of how long your trip is, or how far, consider traveler’s insurance—it could protect you in the event of an emergency
- Review your renter’s or homeowner’s policy; it may provide coverage for your belongings while you travel
- If something does happen, remember to take photos to serve as proof of the damages
For Hosts:
- While Airbnb offers hosts protection liability insurance with up to $1 million coverage, there are exclusions; hosts should not hesitate to ask Airbnb what is not covered by their policy
- Hosts should notify their insurance agents or companies beforehand that their homes are being rented out
- Check your homeowner’s policy—most homeowner’s policies make exclusions for rental activity. Consider a separate short-term policy to cover the stay of a guest
- Ask guests to show proof of renter’s insurance before booking
- Just like with guests, hosts should not forget to take photos of any damage to serve as proof
