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How to Choose the Best AirBNB / Short-Term Rental Insurance in Jacksonville FL

If you’re a short-term rental property owner in Jacksonville, Florida, protecting your investment with the right insurance is essential. Whether you’re renting out a vacation home, apartment, or any other property type, short-term rental insurance provides the coverage you need to safeguard against potential risks. With several options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which insurance provider is the best fit for your needs. To help you make an informed decision, here’s a breakdown of some of the top short-term rental insurance providers in Jacksonville and their pros and cons.

1. Proper Insurance

Proper Insurance specializes in providing comprehensive coverage for short-term rental properties. This company is endorsed by Vrbo, a leading vacation rental platform, which adds credibility to its offerings.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive coverage tailored specifically for short-term rentals.
  • Endorsed by Vrbo, offering additional credibility.
  • Coverage includes guest-caused damage, liability for amenities like pools and hot tubs, and theft protection.
  • Customizable to fit individual needs.

Cons:

  • Can be more expensive compared to traditional homeowners insurance.
  • Exclusively focuses on short-term rental properties.

Why it’s great for Jacksonville owners: Proper Insurance offers in-depth protection that covers common short-term rental risks, including guest damage, which is a crucial feature for those hosting on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo.


2. Steadily

Steadily offers affordable, fast, and customizable short-term rental insurance. With a focus on ease of use, they provide an online platform where property owners can get quotes and manage their policies.

Pros:

  • Quick and affordable coverage options.
  • User-friendly online platform that allows easy management of policies.
  • Customizable policies to fit individual needs, including coverage for natural disasters—important in Florida.
  • Covers rental periods as short as one night.

Cons:

  • May not offer as extensive coverage as some providers specializing in short-term rentals.
  • Primarily focuses on short-term rental properties, with less flexibility for other types of properties.

Why it’s great for Jacksonville owners: Steadily’s quick and affordable options make it a great choice for property owners who need coverage for short-term rentals without extensive paperwork or high upfront costs.


3. Varsity Insurance Group Inc.

Varsity Insurance Group is a Jacksonville-based insurance agency that offers specialized short-term rental insurance policies tailored to the unique needs of property owners in the area.

Pros:

  • Specializes in short-term rental insurance in Jacksonville and the surrounding Duval County area.
  • Offers comprehensive coverage, including property damage, liability, and theft protection.
  • Personalized customer service for local property owners.

Cons:

  • Limited to the Jacksonville area and may not provide coverage for properties outside of this region.
  • Less specialized in short-term rentals compared to other providers.

Why it’s great for Jacksonville owners: Varsity Insurance Group provides personalized service and coverage that is specific to the Jacksonville area, making it a solid choice for those who want local expertise.


4. Fudge Insurance

Fudge Insurance has over 15 years of experience insuring short-term rental properties in Florida. This company offers specialized policies that address the unique risks of vacation home rentals.

Pros:

  • Over 15 years of experience in the short-term rental insurance industry.
  • Provides policies that cover issues specific to vacation home rentals, such as damage caused by guests or weather events.
  • Covers a wide range of properties in Florida.

Cons:

  • May not offer as comprehensive coverage as some specialized short-term rental providers.
  • Primarily serves short-term rental properties, limiting flexibility for other types of property owners.

Why it’s great for Jacksonville owners: Fudge Insurance offers years of experience and a strong understanding of Florida’s unique risks, making it an excellent choice for those looking for tailored coverage.


5. Raulerson Insurance Group, Inc.

Raulerson Insurance Group offers short-term rental insurance for properties in Jacksonville and Fernandina Beach. This insurance provider specializes in ensuring homes during rental periods.

Pros:

  • Specializes in short-term rental insurance for properties in Jacksonville and Fernandina Beach.
  • Offers protection for homes while they are being rented out, ensuring peace of mind for absentee owners.
  • Personal service with a focus on the local market.

Cons:

  • Limited to Jacksonville and Fernandina Beach areas.
  • May not offer as extensive coverage as other specialized providers.

Why it’s great for Jacksonville owners: Raulerson Insurance Group’s focus on Jacksonville and Fernandina Beach makes it a good choice for those located in or around these areas. It provides solid protection during the rental period.


Ranking the Providers

When selecting an insurance provider for your short-term rental in Jacksonville, it’s important to consider factors such as coverage comprehensiveness, cost, customer service, and local experience. Here’s how we rank the providers from best to worst:

  1. Proper Insurance: Offers the most comprehensive coverage tailored to short-term rentals, including guest-caused damage and liability for amenities.
  2. Steadily: Fast, affordable, and customizable with a user-friendly online platform for easy management.
  3. Varsity Insurance Group Inc.: Specializes in Jacksonville-area rentals, providing comprehensive coverage with a focus on local expertise.
  4. Fudge Insurance: With over 15 years of experience, Fudge Insurance addresses vacation home rental-specific risks.
  5. Raulerson Insurance Group, Inc.: A local provider with solid coverage for properties in Jacksonville and Fernandina Beach, but with limited geographical coverage.

Conclusion

Choosing the best short-term rental insurance in Jacksonville depends on your unique needs, property type, and budget. Whether you’re looking for comprehensive coverage, affordability, or a specialized focus on local risks, each provider offers distinct benefits. By understanding the pros and cons of each, you can make an informed decision that best protects your short-term rental property and ensures a worry-free experience for you and your guests.