Jefferson County, CO Short-Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Insurance required
- Yes, mandatory
- Minimum liability
- $500,000
- Coverage type
- STR policy or homeowner rider
- Perils
- Fire, hazard, liability
- No coverage
- Unlawful to operate
Summary
Yes. Section 46 requires every STR to carry fire, hazard, and liability insurance, either through separate STR liability coverage or a homeowner's policy rider covering STRs, with a minimum of $500,000 in liability coverage. Operating without it is unlawful.
An STR must have fire, hazard and liability insurance either through separate STR liability coverage or through a homeowner's insurance policy rider that specifically provides coverage for STRs. The minimum amount of liability insurance shall be a minimum of five-hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).
Full Breakdown
The insurance requirement is a submittal item: an STR must have fire, hazard, and liability insurance, and it is unlawful to operate one without it. Coverage may be a standalone STR liability policy or a homeowner's insurance rider that specifically covers short-term rental use, and the liability limit must be at least $500,000 per the code (the application form states $500,000 per incident). The applicant attests to this coverage on the compliance affidavit. This is in addition to smoke/CO alarm, fire-extinguisher, defensible-space, and wastewater requirements that protect guests and neighbors.
Violations & Fines
Operating an STR without the required fire, hazard, and liability insurance is expressly unlawful and subject to the $500/$1,000 graduated fine schedule and license revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much insurance do I need?
Can I use my regular homeowner's policy?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jefferson County
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