Insurance Requirements: Chula Vista vs San Diego
How do insurance requirements rules compare between Chula Vista, CA and San Diego, CA?
Chula Vista and San Diego have similar restriction levels.
Chula Vista, CA
San Diego County
Short-term rental operators in Chula Vista must maintain adequate liability insurance as required by CVMC Chapter 5.68. Property owners must ensure their insurance policies cover short-term rental activities and potential guest injuries.
View full Chula Vista rules →San Diego, CA
San Diego County
San Diego's STRO ordinance requires hosts to maintain active Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificates and Rental Unit Business Tax accounts. Hosts who are not property owners must also hold a Business Tax Certificate and provide a right-to-occupy document. Liability insurance is strongly recommended though specific minimum coverage amounts are governed by platform requirements rather than the municipal code.
View full San Diego rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chula Vista | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance Required | Liability coverage for STR activities | - |
| Recommended Minimum | $1M liability (CA DOI recommendation) | - |
| Homeowner Policy | May exclude STR activities — verify coverage | - |
| Platform Insurance | May not substitute for own coverage | - |
| Code Reference | CVMC Chapter 5.68 | - |
| TOT Certificate | - | Active certificate required for all hosts |
| Business Tax | - | Rental Unit Business Tax account mandatory |
| Non-Owners | - | Business Tax Certificate + right-to-occupy document |
| Licensing | - | Non-transferable; one license per host |
| Effective Date | - | Licensing required since May 1, 2023 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chula Vista FAQ
Do I need special insurance for my Chula Vista short-term rental?
Yes. Standard homeowners insurance often excludes short-term rental activities. You should verify with your insurance provider that your policy covers STR use or obtain a separate STR insurance policy.
Does Airbnb's insurance cover my liability?
Platform host protection programs provide some coverage but may not fully substitute for your own liability insurance. The California Department of Insurance recommends $1 million in liability coverage.
Will my STR permit be revoked if I don't have insurance?
The city may suspend or revoke STR permits for non-compliance with operational requirements, which includes maintaining adequate insurance coverage.
San Diego FAQ
What insurance do I need to operate an STR in San Diego?
The STRO ordinance requires TOT and business tax compliance. Most hosting platforms provide host liability coverage, but additional landlord or short-term rental insurance is recommended.
How much are STRO license fees?
As of March 2025, application fees range from $33-$41 plus licensing fees of $193-$1,129 depending on the tier.
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