Charleston, SC Short-Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements (2026)

Sec. 54-208(b)(4), part of the operational requirements that apply to every Category 1, 2 and 3 STR permit in Charleston, ties the permit to continuous insurance coverage rather than a one-time proof-of-insurance filing at application. 00 per occurrence. Because the requirement runs 'during all times the STR is operated' rather than at permit issuance alone, a lapse in coverage during an active listing period puts the permit itself out of compliance, not just the specific booking during the lapse. The insurance condition sits alongside the other Sec.

54-208(b) operational rules, which require a current guest register of names, addresses, phone numbers and stay dates, compliance with the city, county and state business license and revenue laws, and a rental packet given to guests at booking that includes safety and contact information along with the STR permit number. Renewal applications under Sec. 54-208(c)(2) require the owner to recertify compliance with this section each year, which in practice means the $1,000,000 policy has to still be in place, not just the coverage that existed at initial permitting.