Insurance Requirements: Bellevue vs Seattle
How do insurance requirements rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Seattle, WA?
Seattle has fewer restrictions than Bellevue.
Bellevue, WA
King County
Bellevue requires STR operators to carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance under LUC 20.20.800. Platform-provided host protection like Airbnb AirCover may satisfy the requirement.
View full Bellevue rules βSeattle, WA
King County
Unincorporated King County sets no STR insurance minimum. Hosts should carry a homeowner or landlord policy with an STR endorsement. Airbnb and Vrbo liability programs only supplement private coverage.
View full Seattle rules βKey Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Coverage | $1,000,000 | - |
| Coverage Type | Liability per occurrence | - |
| Platform Coverage | Counts if limits match | - |
| Proof | May be required | - |
| Code | LUC 20.20.800 | - |
| County Minimum | - | None required |
| Recommended | - | $1M liability |
| Homeowner Policy | - | Often excludes STR |
| Airbnb AirCover | - | Up to $1M |
| Vrbo Liability | - | Up to $1M |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
Do I need special insurance for my Bellevue Airbnb?
Yes. LUC 20.20.800 requires at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage. Platform-provided coverage such as Airbnb AirCover typically satisfies the requirement if the limits match.
Does my homeowner policy cover short-term rental claims?
Standard homeowner policies usually exclude commercial short-term rental activity. You should confirm with your insurer and add a commercial rider or separate STR policy if needed.
Seattle FAQ
Does King County require short-term rental insurance?
No. Unincorporated King County does not set a mandatory insurance minimum for STRs. Hosts should still carry appropriate liability and property coverage through a private policy or STR endorsement since standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity.
Is Airbnb host insurance enough coverage for a King County STR?
Airbnb AirCover provides up to $1 million in host liability and damage protection for Airbnb bookings, but it is designed to supplement private insurance and only covers Airbnb bookings. Hosts should maintain a dedicated STR or landlord policy for full protection.
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