What Happened to Safely?

Safely, operating under the legal entity SafelyStay, Inc., was founded in 2013 with a mission to address critical gaps in the burgeoning short-term rental industry. Co-founder Andrew Bate identified a significant need for robust protection solutions for homeowners and property managers hesitant to rent their properties due to concerns about guest behavior and potential damages. The company positioned itself as a comprehensive solution, combining rigorous guest verification with specialized insurance policies designed for the unique risks of vacation rentals.

Early on, Safely focused on building an ecosystem of trust and data, partnering with insurance carriers, background check providers, and short-term rental technology platforms. This integration allowed for automated guest screening, checking government records, criminal databases, and other watchlists to help property managers make informed decisions before check-in. The insurance policies were crafted to cover scenarios typically excluded by standard homeowners' insurance, such as intentional guest-caused damage, pet damage, and significant liability for guest injuries.

A key turning point for Safely was its ability to secure significant funding to fuel its growth and expand its technological capabilities. The company raised a total of $20 million across three funding rounds, including a Seed round in 2018 and Series A rounds in 2022 and 2023. The $8 million Series A2 round in October 2023, led by Highgate Technology Ventures, was particularly aimed at spurring further growth and international expansion, including into Europe. This funding also supported the development of Safely's own insurance platform as a Lloyd's of London Coverholder, granting it access to over 80 countries.

In the mid-2020s, Safely continued to solidify its market position. By January 2026, it was recognized as a top short-term rental insurance provider, offering up to $1,000,000 in bodily injury liability and up to $10,000 for contents replacement. The company prides itself on a streamlined claims process, with 98% of claims reportedly paid within four to five days. Safely's services are designed to integrate directly with over 30 property management systems, automating the application of insurance and screening for eligible reservations.

As of today, August 31, 2026, Safely remains a fully active and operational company. Its status page indicates no reported incidents as recently as August 3, 2026, reflecting stable service delivery. The company is actively engaged in the market, publishing guides on short-term rental insurance trends for 2026 and promoting its services for upcoming major events, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Seattle, where it helps property managers prepare for increased demand and associated risks. Safely continues to emphasize its role in providing peace of mind and financial security to the evolving short-term rental ecosystem.