Insurance Requirements: Oakley vs San Ramon

Does Oakley require a specific amount of liability insurance for a short-term rental?

Oakley Municipal Code Chapter 5.15 does not set a specific dollar minimum for STR liability insurance. The chapter instead makes the owner personally responsible for all guest and occupant conduct, so most hosts carry an STR-specific policy or rely on a hosting platform that provides primary host liability coverage (commonly up to $1,000,000).

Will my regular homeowner's policy cover my Oakley short-term rental?

Usually not. Standard homeowner's and renter's policies typically exclude short-term/transient rental activity. California state law requires hosting platforms to advise hosts to review their policy for short-term rental restrictions, and most Oakley hosts add a short-term rental endorsement, a landlord policy with STR coverage, or rely on a platform's host liability insurance.

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.