Insurance Requirements: El Cajon vs San Diego
How do insurance requirements rules compare between El Cajon, CA and San Diego, CA?
El Cajon has fewer restrictions than San Diego.
El Cajon, CA
San Diego County
El Cajon does not mandate a specific insurance requirement for short-term rental operators in its municipal code. Operators are encouraged to carry adequate liability insurance. Platforms like Airbnb provide host protection insurance, but separate coverage is recommended.
View full El Cajon 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 | El Cajon | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| City Mandate | No specific insurance required | - |
| Recommended | Liability insurance strongly advised | - |
| Airbnb AirCover | Up to $1M liability | - |
| Homeowners Policy | Often excludes STR activity | - |
| STR Endorsement | Available from most insurers | - |
| 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.
El Cajon FAQ
Does El Cajon require insurance for STRs?
The city does not mandate specific insurance coverage. However, carrying liability insurance is strongly recommended to protect against guest injury and property damage claims.
Does my homeowners insurance cover my STR?
Most homeowners policies exclude commercial activities including short-term rentals. Contact your insurer about an STR endorsement or obtain a separate STR policy.
Is Airbnb's host protection insurance enough?
Platform insurance provides some coverage but has exclusions. Independent STR insurance policies offer more comprehensive protection and are recommended for regular operators.
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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