Short-Term Rental, Cabin & Lake Home Insurance in Tennessee
If you rent your home, cabin or lake house on Airbnb or VRBO, a standard homeowners policy usually won't fully protect it. Most homeowners policies limit or exclude business activity, and short-term renting is business activity. A short-term rental policy, or the right endorsement, covers the building, your furnishings, guest liability and the rental income you lose after a covered claim.
What short-term rental insurance covers
- The dwelling and detached structures like decks, garages and hot tub enclosures
- Furniture, linens, appliances and other contents you provide for guests
- Liability if a guest is injured on the property
- Loss of rental income while the property is being repaired after a covered loss
- Optional coverage for theft or damage caused by guests
Why host protection programs aren't enough
Booking platforms offer host protection programs, but they come with limits, exclusions and claim rules set by the platform, and they only apply while a booking is active. They are not a replacement for an insurance policy written for your property. We'll show you where the gaps are and how to close them.
East Tennessee risks we plan for
- Wildfire exposure for wooded mountain cabins in Sevier County
- Steep driveways, decks and hot tubs that raise liability exposure
- Flash flooding near creeks and lakes, which standard policies exclude
- Freeze damage in cabins that sit empty between bookings
Why Knoxville clients choose Elite Insurance Group
- Independent: we compare carriers like Travelers, Progressive, Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, Erie, Encova, Penn National and Foremost instead of selling one company's policy.
- Claims experience: our team brings 25+ years of insurance and claims experience, so we write coverage with the claim in mind.
- No agency or broker fees: you pay the carrier's premium, nothing extra to us.
- Local: a family-owned Knoxville agency serving Knox, Blount, Anderson, Loudon, Sevier and Roane counties.
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover Airbnb rentals?
Usually not fully. Many homeowners policies exclude or sharply limit losses tied to renting your home to paying guests. You typically need a short-term rental policy or a home-sharing endorsement, depending on how often you rent.
What insurance do I need for a cabin in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?
Most cabin owners need dwelling and contents coverage, liability for guests, loss of rental income, and in many cases a separate flood policy. Wildfire and wind deductibles matter in the mountains, so we review those closely.
Can I insure a lake home I rent part of the year?
Yes. We can write a lake home that's used personally part of the year and rented the rest, along with boats, docks and watercraft.
Get a quote
Tell us what you need and a licensed local agent will follow up. Start your rental property quote or call (865) 687-5140, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.