How to Start an Airbnb

45. Home Insurance 101: Must-Have Coverage for Airbnb Hosts


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    • Episode Summary

      Insurance can feel like alphabet soup, until something goes wrong. In this interview, I sit down with Nick Sommer of Country Financial (and one of my buyers!) to break down exactly what short-term rental owners need: how to structure coverage for STRs vs. primary/secondary homes, must-have endorsements, loss-of-income realities, and why an umbrella policy can be the difference between a scare and a disaster. Nick also shares the personal house-fire story that led him into insurance and the simple annual habit that can save you months of headache during a claim.

      Key Takeaways
      • Match the policy to the use. Don’t insure an STR like an owner-occupied or long-term rental—claims can be denied if the use doesn’t match the application.

      • Four core buckets: dwelling (rebuild cost ≠ market value), personal property (replacement cost, not garage-sale value), liability (aim higher than default limits), and loss of income (raise limits for STR-level revenue).

      • Critical endorsements for hosts:

        • Sump pump/sewer backup (not standard)

        • Service line coverage

        • Flood insurance is separate

        • Loss of income is evidence-based. Keep AirDNA/comps, booking statements, and P&Ls to substantiate payouts.

        • Umbrella = legal shield. Choose limits that reflect your net assets (homes, vehicles, retirement, cash, other properties). It covers defense costs and many personal-liability scenarios.

        • Document everything. Once a year, do a whole-home video walkthrough and maintain a furnishings spreadsheet with links, prices, and statuses.

        • Choose financially solid carriers. Check claim strength/ratings (e.g., AM Best) and prioritize service over “cheapest quote.”

        • Get it in writing. Confirm coverage answers via email; recordings aren’t yours, emails are.

        • Why Listen to This Episode?

          Because “I have insurance” isn’t a plan. If you’ve ever wondered whether your STR is actually covered for what you do, hot tubs, guest injuries, burst pipes, tornadoes, income loss—this episode turns jargon into plain English and gives you a checklist to bring to your agent.

          Mentioned in the Episode
          • Country Financial – Nick Sommer (Licensed in IL, WI, KS)

            • Office: 815-633-9404

            • Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST
              • Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course
              • Connect with Me on Instagram: Follow me @airbnbroadmappodcast for behind-the-scenes

              • Let’s Connect

                Thinking about insurance for your short-term rental? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your progress! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out.

                Work With Me
                • Buy/Sell in Wisconsin with Front Porch Realty (powered by Real Broker LLC).

                • STR Coaching: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator (self-paced) + Mentorship options.

                • Agent Referrals: I’ll connect you with STR-savvy agents statewide.

                • Chapters
                  • 00:00 Recording setup + why this topic matters

                  • 02:11 Nick’s background & the house-fire that changed everything

                  • 06:07 Home policy types (primary, secondary, rental/STR, condo)

                  • 08:14 STR must-haves: liability, rebuild cost, endorsements

                  • 11:25 Loss of income for STRs (how payouts are calculated)

                  • 14:03 Replacement cost for furniture & annual documentation

                  • 16:41 My furnishings spreadsheet system (order → received)

                  • 20:24 Get coverage answers in writing (E&O and why it matters)

                  • 21:20 “STR-specific” insurers vs. traditional carriers—what to compare

                  • 27:42 Umbrella policy explained (and how to size limits)

                  • 31:21 Real-life slip-and-fall & weather scare—why we upgraded

                  • 36:26 Annual reviews: as life changes, so should coverage

                  • 38:40 How to contact Nick + final tips
                  •  

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                    How to Start an AirbnbBy Brittany Wenninger