Louisville, KY Short-Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements (2026)

Standard homeowner's policies generally exclude commercial and short-term rental use, so hosts must either obtain a commercial STR endorsement, a dedicated STR policy, or rely on platform-provided coverage that meets the $1,000,000 threshold. The registration application requires a certificate of insurance or equivalent documentation. Coverage should include bodily injury, property damage, and premises liability. Kentucky is a strict-liability dog bite state under KRS 258.235(4), so hosts with pets on site should confirm their policy covers animal-related incidents. Pool, hot tub, and trampoline amenities often require additional endorsements or higher limits. Hosts who operate through a platform exclusively can generally demonstrate compliance by attaching the platform's host protection summary. Hosts who book directly (own website, Houfy, etc.) should carry a dedicated policy. Failing to maintain required insurance can result in registration suspension and personal financial exposure in the event of guest injury. Umbrella policies covering the property are strongly recommended given the high foot traffic of short-term rental use.