Insurance Requirements: El Cerrito vs Walnut Creek

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 Walnut Creek require liability insurance for short-term rentals?

No, because Walnut Creek does not list short-term rental as a permitted use and does not issue STR permits. The city has no STR-specific insurance minimum.

Will my homeowner's insurance cover an Airbnb in Walnut Creek?

Most California homeowner policies exclude commercial rental activity, so claims arising from a paid stay under 31 days may be denied. Operating one in Walnut Creek also remains a zoning violation regardless of insurance status.

Can I run an STR out of my ADU if I have insurance?

Short-term rental in an accessory dwelling unit requires a Conditional Use Permit from Walnut Creek Planning, and insurance alone does not authorize the use. Contact DutyPlanner@walnut-creek.org before listing.