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AirCover for Airbnb Hosts

Updated over 3 months ago

This provides a structured template and process for responding to Airbnb when a Host Damage Protection (Aircover) claim is denied or undercompensated. It helps ensure your communication is professional, assertive, and policy-backed to increase the likelihood of a favorable resolution.


Why This Matters

Airbnb hosts count on AirCover to protect their properties when something goes wrong during a stay. But sometimes claims get denied, or the reimbursement doesn’t fully cover the damage. When that happens, having a well-organized and evidence-based response is essential.

A strong response not only improves your chances of receiving proper compensation, it also protects trust in Airbnb’s system and keeps your hosting operations running smoothly.


What You Need

Important things to note before submitting a claim.

  • A filed AirCover claim within Airbnb’s required timeframe
    ➝ Must be filed within 14 days of check-out

  • Claim submitted through the Resolution Center
    ➝ airbnb.com/resolutions

  • Penalty fees must be clearly stated in your House Rules
    ➝ Ex: extra guests, smoking, pets, late checkout

  • Documentation of damages, any type of violations, or case ID from the Airbnb support when the incident was reported.

Documentation Needed

  • Photos and/or videos of damage

  • Receipts, invoices, repair estimates

  • Screenshots of communication with the guest

  • Copy of your house rules (screenshot acceptable)

  • Airbnb’s decision message or resolution email

Step-by-Step: How to Prepare & Respond

Step 1: Gather All Documentation

  • Collect photos, videos, invoices, and time-stamped communication.

  • Confirm each item is clearly documented and easy for Support to understand.

  • Screenshot your House Rules, especially penalty fees or restricted behaviors.

Step 2: Ensure the Claim Was Filed Properly

  • Claims must be submitted via the Resolution Center.

  • Must be filed within 14 days of checkout.

  • Choose the correct claim category:

    • Extra Services (extra guests, pets, violations, fees)

    • Damages (damage, missing items, stolen items etc.)

If any step was missed, correct it immediately before contacting Support.

Step 3: Reach out to Airbnb Support

Timing rules:

  • You may contact Airbnb anytime after 24 hours from claim submission.
    Alternatively, wait 72 hours, then select “Involve Airbnb” in the Resolution Center.

Content:

  • Attach all supporting evidence

  • Damage/ Violation Description

  • Item Value/Repair Cost

  • Guest Admission (if applicable)

  • Host's Shortfall Amount

Contact methods:

  • Resolution Center “Get Airbnb Support”

  • Chat, Phone, or Message thread

Step 4: Send Follow-Up (If Needed)

If there is no reply from Support within 48 hours, send a polite follow-up message through the Airbnb platform.

Step 5: Escalate the Case

If Support is unresponsive or the claim is denied without clear justification:

  • Escalate via Airbnb phone or chat

  • File an appeal and calmly state that you want a re-assessment, and legal routes may follow if no resolution is provided

Common Issues/ Reason for Unapproved Claims

  • Claim submitted late → automatic rejection

  • Missing receipts → Support cannot validate value

  • House rules not visible in listing → penalties invalid

  • Guest admission not attached → missed opportunity for approval

  • Incorrect claim category selected → delays or denial

  • Insufficient photos or unclear timestamps

  • Response Template for Underpaid Claims

  • Response Template for Denied Claims

  • Template for Missing Item Claims

  • Template for House Rule Violation Claims

  • Template for Escalation Messages

  • Template for Follow-Up Messages

Damage Claim Dispute Template Messages

Hello [Airbnb Support/Representative Name],

I am writing to address the recent decision by Airbnb regarding our damage claim. While we appreciate the effort made in reviewing our submission, the outcome does not align with Airbnb's Host Damage Protection policy, nor does it reflect the actual losses we have incurred.

To reiterate, [briefly describe the issue — e.g., the guest caused significant damage to the couch and additional professional cleaning was required]. According to Airbnb’s policy, damages to [item type] are covered, and this incident falls squarely within the outlined terms.

The amount reimbursed falls short by [$XXX], despite the item(s) being in pristine condition before the stay. These were recently purchased and lightly used depreciation in this case should not apply.

We followed all required steps:
- Submitted the claim within the timeframe
- Provided clear photographic evidence and receipts
- Supplied cleaning invoices and before/after documentation

We request that Airbnb reassess our claim and provide full reimbursement as per the Host Damage Protection policy.

We prefer an amicable resolution and believe this is consistent with Airbnb’s commitment to supporting hosts. However, if the decision remains unchanged, we will consider alternate actions, including:
- Sharing our experience on public forums and social media
- Requesting arbitration as outlined in Airbnb’s terms
- Seeking legal advice to pursue reimbursement

We trust that Airbnb values its hosts and will respond fairly. We appreciate your reconsideration and await a positive resolution.

Thank you,
[Your Name]

Hi Airbnb Support Team,

I hope you’re doing well. I’m reaching out regarding my AirCover claim for reservation [Reservation Code]. Thank you for reviewing the documentation and issuing a partial reimbursement. After reviewing the outcome, I’d like to request a re-evaluation of the claim amount.

The reimbursement issued ($[Amount Paid]) does not fully cover the actual cost of the [damaged item/missing item/cleaning/repair], which totals $[Actual Total]. I’ve attached clear evidence supporting this amount, including:

-Photos/videos of the damage
-Invoices/receipts totaling $[Actual Total]
-House rules outlining penalties (if applicable)
-Relevant communication with the guest

Based on the documentation, the correct reimbursement should be $[Requested Amount].Could you please take another look at this claim and review the updated evidence? I appreciate your help in ensuring a fair resolution.

Thank you for your time and support.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]

Hello [Recipient's Name],

I am writing to address the recent decision by Airbnb regarding our damage claim. While we recognize and appreciate the initial efforts made in processing our claim, the outcome is unfortunately not in alignment with the expectations set by Airbnb's Host Damage Protection Terms, nor does it adequately compensate for the losses we have incurred.

To reiterate, [Describe the aircover claim you want to claim and what needs to be done. Damaged items? Extra cleaning? etc] Under the Host Damage Protection policy, we are entitled to full coverage for such losses and damages. The policy clearly states coverage for damage to [Specify the type of items], which directly applies to our situation.

The reimbursement offered falls short by [Amount in dollars]. This is a significant amount, especially considering the items were in pristine condition and now have to be replaced. It is imperative to recognize that depreciation should not apply to items of such recent purchase and minimal usage.

We followed all the necessary protocols, documenting the damages and filing the claim within the stipulated timeframe. Our adherence to these procedures was done with the understanding that Airbnb's policy would provide the necessary protection and support in such scenarios.

In light of this, we must firmly request a reassessment of our claim, with a view to receiving the full amount initially requested. It is not just a matter of financial reimbursement but also of trust in Airbnb's commitment to its hosts. As a platform that we rely on for our business, it is critical that these policies are upheld and applied fairly.

We wish to resolve this matter amicably and swiftly. However, should there be no revision to the current decision, we feel compelled to explore further actions. This includes, but is not limited to, publicizing our experience on social media platforms, initiating arbitration proceedings, and considering legal action to seek full reimbursement. These steps, while not our preferred course of action, may become necessary to protect our interests and ensure that the terms of the Host Damage Protection policy are fully honored.

We trust that Airbnb values its relationship with its hosts and will reevaluate our claim in light of the policy terms and the documentation provided. We await your prompt and positive response.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Next Steps / Related Reading

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