Insurance Requirements: Fountain vs Manitou Springs
How do insurance requirements rules compare between Fountain, CO and Manitou Springs, CO?
Fountain and Manitou Springs have similar restriction levels.
Fountain, CO
El Paso County
Fountain requires STR owners to maintain property liability insurance of at least $500,000, or to demonstrate that equal or greater coverage is provided through every hosting platform used. Proof of insurance must be submitted with the permit application under Section 17.29.030(B)(4).
View full Fountain rules →Manitou Springs, CO
El Paso County
Manitou Springs requires every short-term rental permit applicant to carry liability insurance, but the city has not published a specific dollar minimum in its public STR materials. Hosts should confirm the current required amount with the Planning Department at (719) 685-5481 before submitting a permit application; STR carriers commonly write $500,000 to $1,000,000 per-occurrence policies for Colorado mountain markets.
View full Manitou Springs rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fountain | Manitou Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Liability Coverage | $500,000 (property liability) | - |
| Authority | Fountain Zoning Ord. §17.29.040(D) | - |
| Platform Coverage | OK if it equals or exceeds $500,000 | Supplemental only - does not satisfy city rule |
| Proof Required | At application (§17.29.030(B)(4)) | - |
| Annual Inspection | Required before renewal | - |
| Insurance Required | - | Yes, with city STR permit application |
| City-Stated Minimum | - | Confirm with Planning Dept (719) 685-5481 |
| Common Carrier Range | - | $500K-$1M per occurrence (CO market) |
| Permit Term | - | One year, annual renewal |
| State Mandate | - | None - Colorado has no statewide STR insurance law |
| Homeowner Policy | - | Often excludes transient occupancy |
| Code Reference | - | Title 18 vacation rental provisions |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fountain FAQ
Does Fountain, CO require short-term rental insurance?
Yes. Section 17.29.040(D) of Fountain's Zoning Ordinance requires at least $500,000 in property liability insurance, or equivalent coverage provided by every hosting platform the owner uses.
Will Airbnb's AirCover satisfy Fountain's STR insurance requirement?
Only if AirCover (or other platform coverage) provides at least $500,000 in property liability coverage across every platform you list on. Otherwise you need a separate STR liability policy.
Manitou Springs FAQ
How much liability insurance does Manitou Springs require for an STR?
The city's public STR page lists insurance among the permit application items but does not state a numeric minimum. Confirm the current required amount with the Planning Department at (719) 685-5481 before applying.
Does Airbnb AirCover satisfy Manitou Springs' STR insurance requirement?
Platform host-protection programs are supplemental and generally do not replace a primary commercial liability policy. Confirm acceptable coverage with the Planning Department before relying on platform programs.
Will my standard Colorado homeowners policy cover STR activity?
Often no. Standard HO-3 policies frequently exclude or limit transient paid occupancy. Ask your carrier in writing whether short-term rental use is covered, or buy a dedicated STR policy.
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