Insurance Requirements: Simi Valley vs Thousand Oaks
How do insurance requirements rules compare between Simi Valley, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA?
Thousand Oaks has fewer restrictions than Simi Valley.
Simi Valley, CA
Ventura County
Simi Valley does not impose STR liability insurance minimums because short-term rentals are not an allowable land use under SVMC 9-22.030.A.1. A 2024-2026 draft ordinance would have required liability insurance, but the Planning Commission voted 4-0 on March 4, 2026 to recommend keeping the prohibition.
View full Simi Valley rules →Thousand Oaks, CA
Ventura County
Short-term rental operators in Thousand Oaks should maintain commercial liability insurance covering rental activities. Standard homeowner's insurance policies typically exclude commercial rental use, and platform-provided coverage is supplemental only.
View full Thousand Oaks rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Simi Valley | Thousand Oaks |
|---|---|---|
| City Insurance Minimum | None (STRs banned) | - |
| Code Section | SVMC 9-22.030.A.1 | - |
| Permit Pathway | Does not exist | - |
| Draft Ordinance | Required liability insurance (not adopted) | - |
| Commission Vote | 4-0 ban recommendation, Mar 4, 2026 | - |
| Long-Term Rentals | Use standard landlord policy | - |
| Recommended Coverage | - | $1,000,000 liability per occurrence |
| Homeowner's Policy | - | Typically excludes rental activity |
| Platform Insurance | - | Supplemental, not primary |
| Code Enforcement | - | (805) 449-2100 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Simi Valley FAQ
How much liability insurance does Simi Valley require for short-term rentals?
None, because Simi Valley does not allow short-term rentals under SVMC 9-22.030.A.1. There is no STR permit to which an insurance requirement could attach.
Did the proposed STR ordinance require insurance?
Yes, the draft would have required liability insurance plus an annual permit and business tax certificate, but the Planning Commission recommended rejecting the program on March 4, 2026.
Does Airbnb's AirCover let me legally host in Simi Valley?
No. Platform host-protection programs do not override the citywide STR prohibition in SVMC 9-22.030.A.1.
Thousand Oaks FAQ
Do I need special insurance for my Thousand Oaks short-term rental?
Yes. Standard homeowner's insurance typically excludes commercial rental activities. Obtain a commercial liability policy or endorsement with at least $1,000,000 per occurrence coverage. Platform-provided insurance is supplemental only.
Does Airbnb's host protection cover my Thousand Oaks rental?
Airbnb and similar platforms provide supplemental coverage but it contains exclusions and should not replace your own commercial liability policy. Gaps in platform coverage may leave you personally liable for guest injuries or property damage.
Can the city request proof of insurance for my STR?
Yes. The city's Community Development Department may request proof of insurance during rental compliance reviews. Operating without adequate coverage may result in enforcement action. Contact Code Enforcement at (805) 449-2100 for requirements.
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