How We're Making Home Swapping Safer

Tips to Build Trust Before You Swap

A little bit of prep can make a world of difference. Here’s how to start strong and swap with confidence:

• Start with a casual chat. Send a few messages back and forth to get to know each other. Look for a natural, responsive conversation.
• Check their profile. Look for clear photos, a personal bio, and complete home listings. Serious swappers take the time to fill these out.
• Review shared links. If someone adds their LinkedIn or other social profiles, take a look to learn more about them.
• Ask questions. How long have they lived in the home? Have they swapped before? Who are they traveling with?
• Check for reviews. Feedback from previous swaps is a strong trust signal.
• Set up a video call. Seeing someone face-to-face (even virtually) builds trust fast. You can also use this moment to do a virtual tour of your homes.
• Request verification if needed. It’s totally okay to ask for ID or proof of ownership if that helps you feel even better about the swap.

Optional Damage Protection with Truvi

Alongside taking smart personal precautions, Swaphouse also offers an optional damage protection service through our partner Truvi.

For $25 per swap, you can add a protection plan that helps protect against accidental damage and includes guest screening before the swap happens. It’s a simple way to add an extra layer of confidence to your experience.

Important: Truvi provides a damage protection service, not an insurance policy.

Choosing Truvi is entirely optional. To get started with the Damage Protection Service, or for more detailed information about the protection exclusions and processes, please visit the Truvi Damage Protection Service page.

A Quick Word About Responsibility

At Swaphouse, we’re building a community based on trust and shared responsibility. Please note that we do not verify users, homes, or profiles, and are not liable for any incidents, damages, or disputes that may occur. Taking smart precautions before confirming a swap is essential, and ultimately your own responsibility.

Handling Your Own Insurance

Members are responsible for arranging their own insurance coverage for liability, home, contents, and travel. Swaphouse does not provide insurance, so it’s important to make sure you have appropriate protection in place before swapping.

When speaking with your insurance provider, it’s helpful to clarify that a home swap is not a commercial rental — it's more like having a friend or acquaintance stay at your home. This can make a big difference in how your coverage applies.

Here’s what we recommend checking:

• Liability insurance: Make sure you’re protected in case you accidentally cause damage while staying at someone else’s home.
• Home insurance: Confirm if your current policy covers temporary guests, or if you need a short-term rental rider or an endorsement for guest stays.
• Travel insurance: Consider a travel insurance plan that includes personal liability coverage when staying in someone else’s home.
• Policy limits: Some insurance policies limit how many weeks per year you can host or swap and still be covered. Make sure to ask about this specifically.
• Premium changes: Be aware that updating your coverage may increase your monthly insurance premium.

Every insurance policy is different, so it’s crucial to review your documents carefully and consult your insurance provider to fully understand your coverage options and any potential exclusions.

Building Trust, Together

At Swaphouse, your safety and confidence are our top priorities. By following a few smart steps, adding optional damage protection, and handling your own insurance properly, you can enjoy all the perks of home swapping with more peace of mind. It’s all about building trust, being prepared, and creating amazing travel experiences—one swap at a time!