Cover for Airbnb and short-let hosts — beyond what the platform provides.
Hosting on Airbnb (or Booking.com, Vrbo and the rest) is hugely popular among expat property owners in Spain — and a common source of insurance gaps. Many hosts assume the platform's own protection has them covered, or that their existing home policy will do. Usually neither is true. This guide explains why Airbnb hosts in Spain need their own cover, what platform protection does and doesn't do, and how the tourist-licence rules fit in.
Airbnb's AirCover and similar platform schemes provide some host protection, but they are limited, conditional and not a substitute for insurance. They typically have exclusions, claim caps and conditions, only apply to bookings made through the platform, and can leave you arguing a claim with the platform rather than an insurer. They are best thought of as a backstop, not your primary cover. If you host, you still need proper insurance for the building, your contents, and — above all — your liability to guests.
Usually not. A standard owner-occupier or even a holiday-home policy is rated on the basis that you (or family and friends) use the property — not that a stream of paying guests does. Once an insurer knows you're letting commercially to short-stay guests, an owner-occupier policy may not respond to a guest injury or guest-caused damage. The fix is straightforward: tell us you host, and we arrange cover that's actually rated for it — see also holiday rental insurance, which is the underlying cover type for short tourist lets.
Listing legally almost always requires a regional tourist licence (vivienda de uso turístico), and platforms increasingly ask for the licence number on the listing. Many licensing regimes require public liability cover as a condition, and the rules differ by region. Hosting without the right licence risks fines and can undermine a claim. Tell us where the property is and we'll make sure your liability cover meets the local requirement. This page sits under our broader landlord insurance; for long-term lets instead, see long-term rental insurance.
General guidance only — not personal insurance or legal advice. Cover, limits, licensing and exclusions vary by insurer, policy and region, so always check your policy terms and local rules. Last updated: May 2026.
Usually not — a standard owner-occupier or holiday-home policy may not respond once you let commercially to paying guests. You need host/holiday-rental cover; tell us and we'll arrange it.
No — platform protection is limited, conditional and capped, and only applies to platform bookings. It's a backstop, not a replacement for proper home and liability insurance.
Guest (public) liability — protecting you if a guest is injured at your property. Cover varies by insurer and policy, so always check your policy terms.
Most regions require one (VUT), and many require liability cover as a condition. Platforms increasingly ask for the licence number. Rules vary — we'll guide you.
Tell us about your property and we'll recommend the right cover — in plain English, with no pressure.
