My $15,000 luxury canvas yurt was shredded by a bear, and the platform was damaged. My insurance carrier said, “We don’t insure cloth structures,” and denied the claim. Furthermore, they are threatening to drop my main house policy because the wood stove in the yurt is an “undisclosed fire hazard.”
Key Takeaways
- “Soft Structure” Exclusion: Standard policies require a roof to be hard (shingle/metal). Canvas, vinyl, and cloth are excluded from “Dwelling” coverage.
- Inland Marine Policy: You typically need an “Inland Marine” (property) policy to cover the tent itself, as it’s considered “business equipment” rather than a building.
- Wood Stove Risk: Wood stoves in tents are the #1 reason for denial. You need a carrier that specializes in “Glamping” to accept this risk.
- Wind & Hail: Expect a high deductible or total exclusion for wind damage to tents.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Permanent Foundation & Roof.”
Property insurance is built for houses. A yurt or bell tent is considered “temporary.” Therefore, it doesn’t fit into Coverage B (Other Structures) on a standard form. You have to insure it as “Business Personal Property” or get a specialty “Glamping” policy.
The Investigation: I Called Them
- CBIZ / Proper: Both offer specific Glamping programs. They cover the liability (guest trips on tent peg) and the structure. They do cover canvas, but the premiums are higher ($2k+ min).
- Standard Carrier: “If it doesn’t have a rigid roof, we can’t insure the structure. We can extend liability from the main house, but if the tent blows away, that’s on you.”
- Airbnb AirCover: Covers damage by a guest (e.g., guest rips the canvas). It does not cover damage by a bear or storm.
Comparison Table: Glamping Insurance
| Feature | Specialty Glamping Policy | Standard Homeowner | Airbnb AirCover |
| Canvas Structure | Covered | Excluded | Covered (Guest damage only) |
| Bear/Animal Damage | YES | Excluded | NO |
| Wood Stove Liability | YES (Strict guidelines) | NO | YES |
| Wind/Storm | YES (High deductible) | NO | NO |
[IMAGE: Photo of a torn canvas yurt with a wood stove chimney visible, showing the vulnerability of soft structures]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Define it as “Business Property”: If you can’t get a structure policy, ask your agent to list the yurt as “Business Personal Property” (like a piece of machinery). It might get coverage for fire/theft.
- Install Bear Boxes: If you are in bear country, food storage must be metal. Negligence with food = no payout for bear attacks.
- Secure the Wood Stove: It must be on a fireproof hearth with proper clearance. Send photos to your underwriter before binding coverage to ensure they accept it.
- Weather Clauses: Close availability during high wind seasons. It’s cheaper to lose the booking than the tent.
FAQ
Is a Geodesic Dome covered?
Yes, hard-shell domes are easier to insure than canvas tents because they are rigid.
What about the deck?
The wooden deck can be insured as an “Other Structure” on your home policy even if the tent on top cannot.
Does AirCover pay for mold on the canvas?
No. That is “wear and tear” or “maintenance.” You must clean it.