Insurance Requirements: El Cerrito vs Richmond

Does unincorporated Contra Costa County require STR hosts to carry liability insurance?

No. Chapter 88-32 and the county's published STR application materials do not set a minimum host liability insurance amount as a condition of issuance. Some California cities require $500,000 or $1,000,000 minimums, but the Contra Costa County unincorporated rule does not.

Does Airbnb or Vrbo coverage substitute for a county requirement?

There is no county requirement to substitute for. Airbnb AirCover for Hosts and Vrbo Liability Insurance both provide $1 million in host liability coverage at the platform level, authorized in California by Insurance Code Section 1758.9. These are platform-level, not county-mandated, programs.

Could my homeowners policy or HOA still require STR coverage?

Yes. Standard homeowners and dwelling fire policies often exclude or limit coverage for paid short-term rental activity, and HOA CC&Rs or lender covenants may require a named-insured endorsement or commercial general liability coverage independent of the county ordinance. Check your policy and CC&Rs before listing.

Does Richmond, CA require a specific liability insurance amount for STRs?

No dollar minimum is specified in the published STR program. Operators must still hold a business license, pay 10% TOT, and pass a safety inspection.

Will my homeowners policy cover short-term rentals in Richmond?

Usually no. Standard homeowners policies exclude commercial rental activity; most carriers require a short-term rental endorsement or a dedicated STR policy.

What licensing does Richmond require before I can list?

A Class E business license per property, a Transient Occupancy Tax registration certificate, Home Occupation Authorization, and a passing property safety inspection.