Insurance Requirements: Somerset vs Taunton
How do insurance requirements rules compare between Somerset, MA and Taunton, MA?
Somerset has fewer restrictions than Taunton.
Somerset, MA
Bristol County
Massachusetts STR law MGL ch. 64G §15 requires hosts to carry minimum $1,000,000 liability insurance. Platform-provided coverage (Airbnb AirCover, Vrbo) satisfies requirement if it meets the $1M floor. Proof required at DOR registration.
View full Somerset rules →Taunton, MA
Bristol County
Taunton has no separate STR insurance ordinance, but Massachusetts MGL c. 175, § 4F (enacted by 2018 Ch. 337) requires every STR operator to maintain at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance per rental, unless the hosting platform (Airbnb, VRBO) provides equal or greater coverage.
View full Taunton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Somerset | Taunton |
|---|---|---|
| State Minimum | $1,000,000 (MGL ch. 64G §15) | $1,000,000 liability per rental |
| Platform | AirCover/Vrbo generally OK | - |
| Homeowners | Usually excludes STR | - |
| Proof | Required at DOR registration | - |
| Enforcement | Local + state | - |
| Statute | - | MGL c. 175, § 4F |
| Effective | - | July 1, 2019 (Acts 2018 Ch. 337) |
| Platform Carve-Out | - | Equal/greater platform coverage OK |
| Insurer Notice | - | Required to homeowners/renters insurer |
| Local Add-On | - | None in Taunton |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Somerset FAQ
Who enforces insurance requirements rules in Bristol County?
Bristol County's code enforcement division is responsible for short term-rentals ordinances. You can report violations or request information through the Bristol County government website or by calling the main municipal line.
What are typical penalties for violating insurance requirements rules?
Most Bristol County short term-rentals violations start with a written warning followed by escalating civil fines for repeat offenses. Specific dollar amounts and any criminal-misdemeanor exposure depend on the section of code; consult Bristol County's municipal code or staff for the current penalty schedule.
Taunton FAQ
How much liability insurance does a Taunton short-term rental need?
At least $1,000,000 per rental under MGL c. 175, § 4F. Taunton has not added local requirements, so the state floor applies.
Does Airbnb's coverage satisfy Massachusetts' STR insurance law?
Yes, if the platform maintains equal or greater coverage. Airbnb Host Liability Insurance and VRBO Liability Insurance each provide $1M, which satisfies § 4F when the rental is offered through that platform.
Do I need to tell my homeowners insurer I'm running an Airbnb in Taunton?
Yes. MGL c. 175, § 4F requires written notice to any insurer writing your homeowners or renters policy. The insurer may exclude STR claims and has no duty to defend excluded claims.
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