Insurance Requirements: Redmond vs Seattle
How do insurance requirements rules compare between Redmond, WA and Seattle, WA?
Seattle has fewer restrictions than Redmond.
Redmond, WA
King County
Redmond STR hosts must carry at least $1 million in liability insurance under RCW 64.37.030. Coverage can come from a personal STR policy or qualifying platform coverage like Airbnb AirCover.
View full Redmond rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Unincorporated King County sets no STR insurance minimum. Hosts should carry a homeowner or landlord policy with an STR endorsement. Airbnb and Vrbo liability programs only supplement private coverage.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Redmond | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Coverage | $1,000,000 liability | - |
| State Law | RCW 64.37.030 | - |
| Platform Option | AirCover, Vrbo liability | - |
| Direct Bookings | STR commercial policy needed | - |
| Standard Homeowner | Typically excludes STR | - |
| County Minimum | - | None required |
| Recommended | - | $1M liability |
| Homeowner Policy | - | Often excludes STR |
| Airbnb AirCover | - | Up to $1M |
| Vrbo Liability | - | Up to $1M |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Redmond FAQ
How much insurance do Redmond STR hosts need?
At least $1 million in liability coverage under RCW 64.37.030, either through a personal policy with STR rider or through qualifying platform coverage.
Is Airbnb's AirCover enough for Redmond?
AirCover provides $1M host liability per booking, which can satisfy RCW 64.37.030 for platform bookings. Direct bookings require a separate policy.
Seattle FAQ
Does King County require short-term rental insurance?
No. Unincorporated King County does not set a mandatory insurance minimum for STRs. Hosts should still carry appropriate liability and property coverage through a private policy or STR endorsement since standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity.
Is Airbnb host insurance enough coverage for a King County STR?
Airbnb AirCover provides up to $1 million in host liability and damage protection for Airbnb bookings, but it is designed to supplement private insurance and only covers Airbnb bookings. Hosts should maintain a dedicated STR or landlord policy for full protection.
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