Insurance Requirements: East Providence vs Foster Center

How much liability insurance do I need for an East Providence Airbnb?

Neither Rhode Island law nor East Providence's Section 19-103 Temporary Use Permit sets a minimum. The RI Department of Business Regulation confirms that R.I. Gen. Laws 42-63.1-14 contains no insurance requirement. Carrying a dedicated short-term rental policy or relying on platform host-liability coverage is strongly recommended but not legally required.

Will my East Providence homeowner policy cover Airbnb guests?

Usually no. Standard Rhode Island homeowner and condominium policies typically exclude business or short-term rental activity. Most hosts add a short-term rental endorsement, buy a dedicated landlord or STR policy, or rely on Airbnb's $1M AirCover or Vrbo's $1M Liability Insurance, even though East Providence does not require it.

Does Airbnb's insurance satisfy Providence's STR insurance requirement?

Generally no. Providence Code Chapter 14.5 requires the host to carry their own commercial general liability policy naming the host as insured, with $1,000,000 minimum. Platform-provided coverage is supplemental and does not replace this requirement.

Do I need insurance for a short-term rental in Rhode Island?

Yes in Providence ($1M minimum) and many other cities. Even where not locally required, standard RI homeowner policies exclude commercial rental activity, so a commercial rider is strongly recommended to avoid personal liability.