Lewis County, WA Short-Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum coverage
- $1,000,000 liability insurance
- Governing section
- LCC § 17.105.050(2)(f)
- State cross-reference
- RCW 64.37.050
- Checked at
- Permit application/renewal
Summary
A Lewis County short-term rental permit application must show valid liability insurance of $1,000,000 or more covering use of the unit, as required by RCW 64.37.050, per LCC § 17.105.050(2)(f). Coverage is checked alongside occupancy, septic, water and tax proof at permit issuance.
§ 17.105.050. Permit issuance. ... (2) To obtain a permit, the property owner or agent authorized to act on the property owner's behalf shall demonstrate that all of the following are met: ... (f) Valid liability insurance of $1,000,000 or more that covers the use of the short-term rental unit as required by RCW 64.37.050.
Full Breakdown
105 short-term rental program (Ord. 1367, 2025). 050. 040 operating standards (occupancy, parking, waste, burn-restriction disclosure), a certificate of occupancy or recent inspection for the structure, a permitted and functioning wastewater system, an approved potable water source, and proof of paid property taxes and fees. 050(3). 20 LCC rather than only a basis to deny the application.
Violations & Fines
Applying for or renewing a short-term rental permit without the $1,000,000 liability insurance required by § 17.105.050(2)(f) results in denial of the permit by Community Development. Operating without a valid permit because this or another § 17.105.050(2) condition is unmet is, from July 1, 2026, processed as a code violation under Chapter 1.20 LCC.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much liability insurance does a Lewis County short-term rental need?
Is insurance proof required every year?
What happens without adequate insurance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lewis County
Compare Lewis County to another location·View the Washington short-term rentals overview
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