CBIZ INNKEEPERS INSURANCE BLOG

Insights and liability tips on how to protect your inn or bed & breakfast, giving you and your guests peace of mind.

Ward, Hayden
/ Categories: BLOG Articles

What Defines a Bed & Breakfast?

What is a B&B

When selecting insurance coverage for your Inn, it is important to know if your property is defined as a Bed & Breakfast, event space, or a short-term rental. Each type of property requires unique needs for running and maintaining guest accommodations. Distinguishing between the types of similar properties can be challenging. We are here to help you identify whether your lodging is an Inn by checking off the boxes of these 5 common attributes.

5 Attributes of a Bed & Breakfast:

1. Your Inn Has its Own Website

To be considered a Bed & Breakfast, one should have their own website for potential guests to book their lodging. Listing websites such as Airbnb and VRBO are great to build exposure, but the majority of your bookings should be coming directly from your website. If you are using other listing sites in addition to your own, double-check you are compliant with local and state laws.

All Bed & Breakfast websites should provide a user-friendly booking experience, beautiful images of the property, and a list of services, amenities, and other important information. Don’t be afraid to highlight your cleaning process and how your Inn is handling the precautions of COVID-19. Guests will be expecting a clean stay, but going the extra mile to provide the details will ensure visitors you are doing everything possible to make their stay safe.

As always, when using the Internet to list your Bed & Breakfast, be on the lookout for potential phishing scams that could steal private information.

2. The Majority of Your Profit Comes From Guests’ Stays

Though your Inn may host corporate parties, weddings, bridal showers, and may have a restaurant, the bulk of your profit should come from overnight stays. A true Inn is a lodging establishment that offers overnight stays, may include breakfast, and an innkeeper or owner is present on the property at all times. If you have a functioning restaurant at your Inn, the revenue from the restaurant should be under 50% of your total revenue. What’s a Bed & Breakfast without the bed part after all?

3. Your Inn Operates Year Round

Managing a year-round Inn is something that sets you apart from short-term rentals. Guests love Bed & Breakfasts for that simple reason. No matter what time of year, they can expect an excellent stay. Keep in mind that an innkeeper should be on the premises 24/7 when guests are present.

Bed & Breakfasts typically have 10 or less rooms and private bathrooms. If your property has more, it may require manager referral with the insurance company.

4. Your Inn Has Defined Branding

Your Bed & Breakfast tells a unique story. This can be easily woven into your Inn’s branding. Much more than a simple logo, branding has everything to do with your guests’ impression of your Inn. If your Bed & Breakfast is surrounded by beautiful gardens, try weaving the colors and the flowers you have into your branding efforts.

You can even go as far as including your branding on pillows, robes, and mugs … anything to remind your guests of their luxurious experience.

5. Your Bed & Breakfast Has the Correct Coverage

Bed & Breakfasts are typically privately owned, meaning that your personal assets and income could be at stake. Rest easy knowing you have comprehensive coverage. Speak with one of our CBIZ Innkeepers Insurance experts or request a consultation!

This blog may contain scenarios that are provided as examples only. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued. The information provided is general in nature and may be affected by changes in law or the interpretation of such laws. The reader is advised to contact a professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.

 

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CBIZ Innkeepers Insurance, a division of CBIZ Insurance Services, Inc., is the largest insurer of innkeeper businesses in the United States. As part of an $850 million New York Stock Exchange traded company (CBZ), we developed a specific policy coverage to meet the needs for inns and bed & breakfasts, and the amenities offered by these businesses. Our policy is underwritten by an A.M. Best Rated A++ (Superior) company.

The CBIZ Innkeepers Insurance team knows insurance, specifically the risks and exposures related to beds & breakfasts. We won't confuse you with technical "insurance speak" — our representatives will explain your coverage in simple terms. With hands-on, personal customer service, we guarantee swift communication. As specialists in the industry, we leverage our knowledge and passion to ensure you and your inn are protected.

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