Birmingham requires short-term-rental operators to carry general liability coverage of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and to name the city as an additional insured for permit issuance under Ordinance 17-95.
STR applicants must submit a certificate of insurance with the annual permit packet. Coverage must remain continuous; lapses suspend the permit until reinstatement is filed. Platforms such as Airbnb's host-protection program may satisfy the requirement only if the policy lists Birmingham as an additional insured and provides primary coverage. Hosts using condo or HOA units must also confirm that the master policy permits transient occupancy. Birmingham Fire and Rescue may request the certificate during inspections. State law does not preempt this insurance mandate.
Operating without active proof of insurance can suspend or revoke the STR permit and expose the host to personal liability after a guest injury, plus civil fines under Title 7.
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