We rented a luxury Airbnb for a “Hype House” style shoot. We invited 50 extras. Things got out of hand. Red wine on the white couch, hole in the drywall, and the pool filter is clogged with glitter. The host is demanding $20,000. Airbnb’s “AirCover” denied the claim because we violated the “No Parties/Commercial Filming” rule.
Key Takeaways
- Commercial Use Violation: Airbnb’s insurance (AirCover) protects the host, but it excludes commercial activity and unauthorized parties. By filming a “party,” you voided the host’s protection, so they are coming after you personally.
- General Liability “Care, Custody, Control”: Your business insurance usually excludes damage to property you are “renting” or “occupying.”
- Third-Party Property Damage: You need a policy with a “Damage to Premises Rented to You” limit that is high enough (standard is $100k, but check for “short term rental” exclusions).
- Short-Term Production Insurance: This is the correct product. It covers the location specifically for the duration of the shoot.
The “Why” (The Trap): The “Occupancy” Exclusion
Standard GL covers you if you break a stranger’s window.
It does not cover you if you break the window of a house you are renting.
Clause: “Exclusion – Damage to Property: Property you own, rent, or occupy.”
However, most policies have an exception called “Damage to Premises Rented to You,” but it often applies only to fire damage, not “party damage.”
[IMAGE: Photo of a “Damage Dispute” screen on the Airbnb app]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I asked, “I trashed a rental. Am I covered?”
1. Thimble (Monthly)
- The Verdict: They cover “Damage to Premises Rented to You” up to $100k.
- The Catch: “Intentional Acts.” If I invited 50 people to a “party,” they might argue the damage was expected/intentional.
2. Athos (Production Insurance)
- The Verdict: They offer specific “Third Party Property Damage” for locations. This is designed for film sets. It covers the glitter in the pool and the wine stain.
3. Personal Liability
- The Verdict: Denied. Business activity.
Comparison Table
| Damage | Standard GL | Production Insurance | AirCover |
| Fire | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Smashed Wall | Maybe (Check limits) | Yes | Denied (Rule violation) |
| Stained Couch | Unlikely (CCC Exclusion) | Yes | Denied |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Location Agreement: Never film in a house without a Location Release Form signed by the owner (not just booking on Airbnb).
- Buy Production Insurance: For a 3-day shoot, it costs ~$300. It covers the location for $1M.
- Video Walkthrough: Film the house before you enter. Prove the hole was already there.
- Settle Fast: If you don’t have insurance, negotiate with the host before they ban you from the platform.
FAQ
Does Airbnb know if I film?
Yes. Hosts have noise sensors and cameras.
Can I rely on the host’s insurance?
No. The host’s insurance covers them. Once they pay the host, they will subrogate (sue) you to get their money back.
What if an extra gets hurt?
That is “Bodily Injury” liability. Your business policy should cover that.