A standard homeowners policy is written for a home you live in. Renting it to vacationers is a business activity, and many policies exclude or limit coverage for it. A claim that happens during a guest's stay can be denied.
Where a homeowners policy falls short
- Business activity exclusions: many policies don't cover losses tied to running a rental.
- Guest injuries: liability coverage may not apply to paying guests.
- Theft and damage by guests: often limited or excluded.
- Lost income: a homeowners policy won't replace booking income while the home is being repaired.
Coverage options for rental owners
- Short-term rental endorsement: some carriers will add rental coverage to a homeowners policy, usually with limits on how often you rent.
- Dwelling fire (DP-3) policy: made for homes you don't live in full time.
- Specialty short-term rental policy: built for frequent rentals, often including loss of rental income and guest liability.
- Umbrella coverage: extra liability protection above your other policies.
Flood and windstorm coverage still need their own attention on Amelia Island, whichever option you choose.
What about Airbnb's or VRBO's host protection?
Platform host protection programs have their own limits, exclusions and claim rules. They aren't a substitute for an insurance policy in your name. Read their terms, and don't rely on them alone.
Florida licensing
Florida requires a vacation rental license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation for properties rented to guests more than three times a year for stays shorter than 30 days or one calendar month, or advertised as regularly rented. Nassau County also collects a tourist development tax on short stays. Check local zoning and HOA rules as well.
We'll help you set it up
Tell us how often you rent and how you book, and we'll compare options. Call (904) 807-4554, or see our homeowners and umbrella insurance pages.
This article is general information, not a substitute for your policy documents. Coverage varies by policy and carrier.