Short-Term Rental Insurance — SC

Renting on Airbnb or VRBO?
Your HO Policy Won't Cover It.

Airbnb AirCover sounds reassuring — but it's not insurance. SC short-term rental hosts face serious coverage gaps that a standard homeowners policy won't fill. Let's fix that.

Void
Your standard HO policy can be voided the moment a paying guest enters your home
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What Airbnb AirCover pays for many liability claims — it's a guarantee program, not insurance
Lake Murray
One of SC's hottest short-term rental markets — and one of the most underinsured
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Cost to get a proper STR insurance quote — we assess your situation and find the right fit

What STR Insurance Covers That Your HO Policy Doesn't

Short-term rental activity changes your risk profile in ways a standard policy isn't designed for.

⚖️ Guest Liability

If a guest is injured on your property and sues, your standard HO liability won't respond to a claim arising from a commercial rental activity. STR insurance provides dedicated liability for paying guests.

🏠 Property Damage by Guests

Guest-caused damage — intentional or accidental — is often excluded from standard HO policies. STR coverage extends protection to damage caused by short-term renters.

💰 Loss of Rental Income

If a covered event makes your property unavailable, STR insurance can replace the rental income you lose — something a standard HO policy doesn't provide at all.

🔒 Theft by Guests

Theft by a guest is typically excluded from homeowners policies. Proper STR coverage addresses this gap — protecting your belongings when strangers have access to your home.

Finding the Right STR Coverage for Your SC Property

The right policy depends on how you rent — occasionally, frequently, or year-round.

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Occasional Rental (Under 14 Days/Year)

Some HO policies allow limited short-term rental with an endorsement. If you rent infrequently, a home-sharing endorsement added to your existing policy may be the most cost-effective solution.

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Regular Rental (14–180 Days/Year)

If you rent regularly but also occupy the property yourself, a standalone short-term rental policy or a hybrid home/STR policy is usually the right fit. We assess your specific rental pattern.

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Full-Time Rental (180+ Days/Year)

Properties rented year-round as STRs are generally treated like investment properties. A commercial dwelling policy or specialized STR policy provides comprehensive protection for full-time hosts.

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Lake Murray Waterfront Properties

STR hosts on Lake Murray face additional considerations — dock liability, watercraft access, and flood exposure. We make sure all waterfront exposures are properly addressed alongside your rental coverage.

STR Insurance FAQs

AirCover is Airbnb's host guarantee program — not an insurance policy. It has significant exclusions, coverage caps, and a claims process entirely controlled by Airbnb. It does not replace proper liability insurance, doesn't cover all types of property damage, and provides no protection for incidents that Airbnb disputes. It should be considered a supplement to, not a replacement for, real STR insurance.
Potentially — and the consequences can be serious. If you file a claim and your carrier discovers you were operating a short-term rental without disclosure, they can deny the claim and non-renew your policy. The right approach is to disclose the rental activity and get properly covered, which is often less expensive than most homeowners expect.
Cost varies based on the property value, rental frequency, location, and coverage limits. For most SC short-term rental properties, properly endorsed or standalone STR coverage runs $800–$2,000/year. Given the liability exposure from hosting paying guests, this is one of the highest-value insurance decisions a host can make.
Yes — even occasional rental creates liability exposure that standard HO policies exclude. A guest injured during a single rental weekend can generate a lawsuit that your HO policy won't cover. The good news is that endorsements for occasional rental are typically very affordable — often just $100–$300/year added to your existing policy.

Get Your SC Short-Term Rental
Properly Covered.

One conversation and we'll assess your rental situation and find the right coverage. No pressure — just honest advice from a local Lexington agent.

📞 Call 803-920-8827 💬 Text Us Request a Free Quote

Ben Mauldin  |  803-920-8827  |  ben@mauldininsurancegroup.com

📞 Call 803-920-8827 💬 Text