Columbia, MO Short-Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies in
- City of Columbia, Missouri
- County
- Boone County
- Coverage
- Bodily injury + property damage
- Proof required
- Certificate of insurance on file
- Cancellation notice
- City notified within 10 days
Summary
Columbia, Missouri requires every licensed short-term rental operator to carry liability insurance covering bodily injury and property damage from rental activities.
Every person licensed to engage in the activities of a short-term rental shall maintain during the time the license is in effect business liability insurance or a short term rental insurance as an endorsement or a rider to homeowner policy covering both bodily injury, including accidental death, and property damage, to cover all claims arising from short-term rental activities. No license to engage in the activities of a short-term rental shall be issued unless the applicant provides the business license administrator a certificate of insurance prepared by the insurance company which includes a provision requiring the city to be notified within ten (10) days of cancellation of the policy.
(Ord. No. 25710, § 1, 7-15-24)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 138).
Full Breakdown
Columbia Code of Ordinances § 13-260.7 requires anyone licensed to run a short-term rental to maintain business liability insurance, or a short-term rental endorsement or rider on a homeowner's policy, covering bodily injury (including accidental death) and property damage arising from the rental. The city won't issue a license until the applicant gives the business license administrator a certificate of insurance requiring the city be notified within ten days if the policy is cancelled.
Violations & Fines
Operating a short-term rental in Columbia, Missouri without the required insurance in place is grounds for license denial or revocation and is a misdemeanor under the division's general penalty, § 13-260.9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Columbia require insurance for short-term rentals?
What happens if my STR insurance lapses in Columbia?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbia
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