Insurance Requirements: El Cerrito vs San Ramon

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 San Ramon require liability insurance for short-term rentals?

Yes. Zoning Ordinance D4-27.C.2.i requires proof of insurance demonstrating the property is insured for STR use, and D4-27.C.2.j requires the operator to hold harmless, indemnify, and defend the City for claims related to the registration.

Is there a minimum coverage amount in the San Ramon ordinance?

The ordinance does not state a specific dollar minimum. The Director reviews each application under D4-27.E and may impose additional conditions. Confirm acceptable coverage with Planning Services at (925) 973-2560 before applying.

Will my homeowner's policy cover an Airbnb in San Ramon?

Most California homeowner policies exclude commercial rental activity. Operators typically need a landlord, business pursuits, or dedicated STR endorsement. Platform coverage like AirCover or Vrbo Liability Insurance is supplemental and does not by itself satisfy the city's proof-of-insurance condition.

What happens if my insurance lapses while I am operating?

Lapsed coverage violates the registration conditions and can trigger code enforcement under Title B and a Zoning Administrator hearing under D4-27.G to revoke the registration; a revoked STR cannot be re-registered for 12 months.