Checkout Shield vs SuperHog
SuperHog screens guests and holds refundable damage deposits before the stay. Checkout Shield captures evidence-grade inspection reports during the stay. They work at opposite ends of the same booking. Here is when each one earns its keep.
Last updated 2026-05-16
Quick verdict
The 30-second answer
SuperHog verifies guest identity, screens against risk databases, and (with their deposit add-on) holds a refundable damage deposit outside the Airbnb payment rails. The work happens before the guest enters the property.
Checkout Shield captures GPS-verified, tamper-evident inspection reports at check-in and check-out. The work happens during the turnover. When damage is found, the report is what makes the AirCover or Resolution Center claim succeed.
The honest answer: the two products solve different problems. Screening reduces the probability that a problem guest gets in. Evidence makes you whole when damage happens anyway - which it will, even with screening.
Note: Checkout Shield and SuperHog solve different problems. Many hosts use both. This page explains where each one fits.
Side by side
Feature comparison
| Feature | Checkout Shield | SuperHog |
|---|---|---|
| Guest identity verification | ||
| Risk-database screening (criminal, fraud) | ||
| Refundable damage deposit collection | ||
| Deposit hold outside Airbnb rails | ||
| Rental agreement / waiver signing | ||
| Pre-stay inspection reports | ||
| Post-stay inspection reports | ||
| GPS-verified photos | ||
| Tamper-evident timestamps | ||
| Public verification link for AirCover | ||
| Side-by-side check-in / check-out view | ||
| Chain of custody preserved end-to-end | ||
| Helps when damage actually occurs | ||
| Helps prevent damage from occurring |
Choose by use case
When each one is the right call
Choose Checkout Shield when
Damage is already happening and you keep losing the claim.
- You filed AirCover and the guest disputed the timestamps. You lost.
- You see legitimate damage often enough that prevention alone is not the answer - you need recovery.
- You want a tool you actually use on every single turnover, not just risky bookings.
- You do not want to add friction at booking (deposits and screening can hurt conversion).
Choose SuperHog when
You want to keep problem guests out in the first place.
- You are in a high-stakes market (luxury, party-prone areas, high-value home).
- You have had repeat issues with guest identity or fraudulent bookings.
- You want a refundable damage deposit on hold to deter casual damage.
- Adding a screening step at booking is acceptable for your audience.
Use both when
You run a high-value listing or portfolio where every stay matters.
- SuperHog reduces the probability of a problem guest making it through.
- Checkout Shield makes sure that when damage does occur, you recover it.
- Combined, you reduce risk on both ends - prevention and recovery.
- For luxury STR operators, both tools together are the industry standard.
Checkout Shield vs SuperHog FAQ
01Does SuperHog's deposit replace AirCover?
Does SuperHog's deposit replace AirCover?
No. AirCover is always available on Airbnb bookings. SuperHog's deposit is an additional layer - it holds funds outside Airbnb so you can recover damage faster without going through the Resolution Center. The two coexist.
02Why would I need Checkout Shield if I already collect a SuperHog deposit?
Why would I need Checkout Shield if I already collect a SuperHog deposit?
Because a deposit is only as collectable as the evidence behind it. To deduct from a SuperHog deposit, you still need to prove damage occurred during the stay. That requires a pre-stay baseline and a post-stay comparison. Without evidence-grade reports, deposit deductions get disputed by guests just as often as AirCover claims.
03Does SuperHog do inspection reports?
Does SuperHog do inspection reports?
SuperHog's product is focused on guest verification, screening, and deposit collection - the pre-stay side. They do not produce the GPS-verified, tamper-evident inspection reports that Checkout Shield does at check-in and check-out.
04Is screening worth the friction at booking?
Is screening worth the friction at booking?
Depends on your market. For luxury, large-group, or high-value listings, yes - the screening filter pays for itself. For mid-market urban listings where booking conversion matters more, screening can hurt revenue. Evidence-grade inspections (Checkout Shield) carry no booking friction.
05What does SuperHog cost vs Checkout Shield?
What does SuperHog cost vs Checkout Shield?
SuperHog typically charges a fee per booking (paid by host or guest depending on configuration). Checkout Shield Pro is $24.99 per month flat. For a 5-property host doing ~100 bookings per year, Checkout Shield is materially cheaper. For a 50-property luxury operator, both make sense.
Screening filters risk. Evidence wins disputes.
SuperHog catches problem guests before they book. Checkout Shield catches damage after they leave. Both are useful. Only one is needed every single turnover.
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