Insuring a furnished tourist rental is not mandatory, but strongly recommended. Your home insurance policy is often not enough for short-term rentals. Three solutions exist, each with its own coverage.
Is insurance mandatory for short-term rentals?
No. No law requires the owner to insure a furnished tourist rental. Insurance remains strongly recommended, however. A single claim can cost far more than an annual premium.
Beware of a common misconception. The security deposit does not replace insurance. It covers minor damage, not a fire or a major water leak.
Before you get started, define your project clearly. Our guide on short-term rentals walks through the key steps.
The 3 insurance solutions for owners
You have three ways to protect yourself. The right choice depends on how often you rent. Here is each solution first, then a comparison.
1. Extend your home insurance policy. You add a holiday-rental (villégiature) coverage to your current insurance. Simple and affordable, it suits occasional rentals.
2. Non-occupying owner insurance (PNO). It protects a home you rent out without living in it. It covers the property between and during rentals.
3. Specialised short-term rental insurance. Designed for short stays, it offers the most complete coverage. It is the option for owners who rent often.
Here is how to compare these three solutions.
| Solution | Who it is for | What it provides |
|---|---|---|
| Extend your home insurance (holiday-rental coverage) | Occasional rental | Civil liability and damage during the rental |
| Non-occupying owner insurance (PNO) | Property rented out and not lived in | Protects the home between and during rentals |
| Specialised short-term rental insurance | Regular rental | Coverage tailored to short stays, more complete |
In a co-ownership building, civil liability insurance is mandatory for every co-owner. Before subscribing, check what your current policy already covers. Our article on home insurance and short-term rentals details its limits.
The essential coverage to check
Not all insurance policies are equal. Check that these guarantees are included before signing.
- Civil liability: damage caused to neighbours and third parties.
- Damage to the home: fire, water damage, broken glass.
- Theft and vandalism: depending on the policy and its limits.
- Neighbours' recourse: if a claim originates from your property.
- Legal protection: in case of a dispute with a guest.
Civil liability is the coverage you should never overlook. It is the one that applies when damage at your property affects a neighbour. In a co-ownership building, it is even mandatory. Always check that it properly covers your short-stay guests.
What is your property's potential?
Get a free, no-commitment rental audit from our on-the-ground team.
AirCover or personal insurance: don't confuse them
AirCover is Airbnb's built-in protection. It is useful, but often misunderstood. It does not replace real insurance.
| AirCover covers | AirCover does not cover |
|---|---|
| Guest damage to the home | Normal wear and tear of the property |
| Damage to your belongings and furniture | Your own negligence |
| Civil liability up to 1 million dollars | Valuables above the coverage limits |
| Damage caused by the guest's pets | Claims outside an Airbnb booking |
The damage protection goes up to 3 million dollars. That is comfortable, but limited to stays booked through Airbnb. Airbnb itself points out that AirCover is not a substitute for insurance.
The security deposit and AirCover are therefore not enough. To understand their limits, see our article on the Airbnb security deposit.
Requiring insurance from the guest
You can ask the guest for a certificate of holiday-rental civil liability insurance. Many home insurance policies already include this coverage. It covers damage caused during the stay.
Write this requirement clearly in your short-term rental agreement. If in doubt, the guest can take out short-term insurance for the duration of the stay.
A question about your project?
Talk directly with your local Vesna agent. Available, responsive, no commitment.
How much does short-term rental insurance cost?
The price is not fixed. It depends on several factors specific to your property.
- The size and value of the home and the furniture.
- The location and exposure to risks.
- The level of coverage and the limits you choose.
- The frequency of rentals during the year.
Always report sensitive features. A pool, a spa or valuables change the coverage. Without a declaration, they may be excluded in the event of a claim. Only a personalised quote gives a reliable price.
How to choose your insurance
To decide without going wrong, move forward step by step.
- 1Check your current policy
Look at what your home insurance already covers.
- 2Count your rentals
Estimate your number of rentals per year.
- 3List your coverage needs
Note the essential protections for your property.
- 4Compare the quotes
Put several offers in competition, with equal coverage.
- 5Add AirCover as a supplement
Never as your only protection.
Key takeaways
Good short-term rental insurance rests on a clear foundation. Solid civil liability, damage well covered, and special cases declared. AirCover complements, it does not replace.
Comparing policies and declaring the right risks takes time. On the Côte d'Azur, an Airbnb concierge service in Nice guides you towards coverage suited to your property.
Frequently asked questions
- 1.Location saisonnière : comment assurer un meublé de tourisme ? — Service-Public, March 2025. service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2721
- 2.Location de vacances et assurance — France Assureurs, 2026. franceassureurs.fr
- 3.AirCover pour les hôtes — Airbnb, Help Center, article 3733, 2026. airbnb.fr/help/article/3733
- 4.Assurance villégiature — MAIF, 2026. maif.fr/habitation/guide-assurance-habitation/villegiature
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