Massachusetts STR law MGL ch. 64G Β§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.
Under MGL ch. 64G Β§15 (the 2019 short-term rental law), every Massachusetts STR operator must maintain at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance covering each stay. Platform insurance from Airbnb (AirCover), Vrbo, or Booking.com generally meets this threshold and can be used in lieu of a separately purchased policy. Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes short-term commercial rental activity, so hosts operating outside a major platform usually need a commercial or endorsement policy. Proof of insurance is part of the state-level registration with the Department of Revenue and is checked by local boards of health and inspectional services in Fall River and New Bedford. Operating without the required coverage is a violation of state law separate from any local permit.
Operating without $1M coverage: state-law violation, registration suspended, local permit denied. Uninsured claims: host personally liable. Failure to provide proof at inspection: permit revoked.
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