Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller is offering important consumer tips for both guests and hosts of home sharing sites like Airbnb, as use of these sites may rise in Pennsylvania with the state hosting two major national events, the U.S. Open Golf Tournament and the Democratic National Convention, this summer.

"With thousands of visitors from around the world coming to Pennsylvania for these two major events, homeowners may find an opportunity to rent their homes and attendees may need a place to stay as hotel rooms will fill quickly, leading to much greater use of sites such as Airbnb," Commissioner Miller said. "While these are great ways for people to make extra money or find a room if hotels are full, both hosts and guests should keep important insurance considerations in mind when using Airbnb or similar sites."

The U.S. Open Golf Tournament will be played at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, near Pittsburgh, from June 13-19. The Democratic National Convention will be in Philadelphia from July 25-28. Visitors for these events will be in addition to the many thousands who come to Pennsylvania each summer, for events such as Philadelphia's 4th of July celebration, to enjoy the state's great outdoor areas for activities such as fishing, hiking, and boating, as well as to visit historic sites such as Gettysburg. Erie County's Presque Isle State Park, which attracts up to 4 million visitors annually, in March was voted the country's best freshwater beach in a contest sponsored by USA Today.