Indio, CA Short-Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum coverage
- General liability of not less than $1,000,000 aggregate (§ 37.005(F))
- Platform alternative
- Booking platform providing equal or greater coverage qualifies
- When proof required
- At initial permit and at every renewal
- Duration
- Must remain in effect for the full annual permit term
- Lapse consequence
- Failure to maintain insurance results in permit suspension
- Related requirements
- Indemnification/hold-harmless agreement + perjury affidavit (§ 37.005)
Summary
Indio requires every short-term rental owner to carry general liability insurance covering the rental in an aggregate sum of not less than $1,000,000, or to show each booking runs through a platform providing equal or greater coverage (Section 37.005(F)). Proof is required at initial permit and renewal; lapsing the insurance results in permit suspension.
The owner shall provide proof of general liability insurance that covers the rental of the property as a short-term rental in the aggregate sum of not less than $1,000,000. Alternatively, the owner can provide evidence that each rental occurs through a platform that provides equal or greater insurance coverage. Proof of insurance shall be provided at the time of both initial permit and renewal permit issuance and shall remain in effect for the duration of the annual permit. Failure to maintain liability insurance shall result in suspension of the permit.
(G) The permit application shall be accompanied by a consent to inspection form signed by the owner of the property by which the owner agrees and consents to a building, fire and health and safety inspection in addition to the inspection fee in the amount established by resolution of the City Council. No inspection shall occur that is inconsistent with an individual's fourth amendment rights under the United States Constitution or otherwise in violation of rights guaranteed by law.
Full Breakdown
005(F) of the Indio Municipal Code requires the owner to provide proof of general liability insurance that covers the rental of the property as a short-term rental in the aggregate sum of not less than $1,000,000. As an alternative, the owner may provide evidence that each rental occurs through a platform (such as Airbnb or VRBO) that provides equal or greater insurance coverage. Proof of insurance must be provided at the time of both initial permit issuance and every renewal, and the coverage must remain in effect for the entire duration of the annual permit.
The ordinance is explicit about the consequence of a lapse: failure to maintain liability insurance results in suspension of the permit. 005(E) requires an affidavit signed under penalty of perjury that the owner maintains full responsibility for lawful operation. Because Indio is a high-volume festival rental market, the $1,000,000 floor is a meaningful underwriting requirement that owners must verify with their carrier or confirm through their booking platform's host protection program before listing.
Violations & Fines
Failure to maintain the required liability insurance results in suspension of the short-term rental permit under Section 37.005(F). Submitting false proof of insurance is a false statement of material fact that can lead to denial, suspension, modification, or revocation under Section 37.016, and operating a suspended or revoked permit is a violation of Section 37.019 enforceable as a misdemeanor or administrative citation under Chapter 12.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much insurance do I need for an Indio short-term rental?
What happens if my STR insurance lapses?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Indio
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How other cities in Riverside County handle insurance requirements.