Bellevue, WA Short-Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum Coverage
- $1,000,000
- Coverage Type
- Liability per occurrence
- Platform Coverage
- Counts if limits match
- Proof
- May be required
- Code
- LUC 20.20.800
Summary
Bellevue requires STR operators to carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance under LUC 20.20.800. Platform-provided host protection like Airbnb AirCover may satisfy the requirement.
A short-term rental operator must maintain primary liability insurance to cover the short-term rental dwelling unit in the aggregate of not less than one million dollars or conduct each short-term rental transaction through a platform that provides equal or greater primary liability insurance coverage. Nothing in this section prevents an operator or a platform from seeking contributions from any other insurer also providing primary liability insurance coverage for the short-term rental transaction to the extent of that insurer's primary liability coverage limits.
Full Breakdown
Under LUC 20.20.800, every short-term rental operator in Bellevue must maintain liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence covering injuries and property damage arising from the use of the dwelling for transient stays. The insurance can be carried directly by the operator through a dedicated short-term rental policy or commercial liability rider, or it can be provided by the hosting platform. Airbnb AirCover for Hosts (primary liability coverage up to $1 million) and VRBO Liability Insurance (up to $1 million) are generally recognized as satisfying the requirement, provided the operator lists exclusively on a platform offering this coverage. Operators should verify that standard homeowner policies do not typically cover commercial short-term rental activity and may be voided if used for STRs without a commercial rider. Bellevue may require proof of insurance as part of Registration Notice submission and renewal. The city may also require the operator to provide certificate of insurance upon complaint or for verification.
Violations & Fines
Operating without required insurance: registration denial or revocation and fines up to $1,000 per day under BCC 1.18.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special insurance for my Bellevue Airbnb?
Does my homeowner policy cover short-term rental claims?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellevue
Compare Bellevue to another location·View the Washington short-term rentals overview
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Insurance Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle insurance requirements.