Ventura County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements (2026)

Insurance is a mandatory condition of every Temporary Rental Unit permit in unincorporated Ventura County. Under Section 8109-4.6.9.6 of the Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance, the owner must maintain an insurance policy that includes coverage for commercial/business general liability with a minimum limit of $500,000 per occurrence for claims of personal injury or property damage. Proof of that insurance coverage must be provided with each permit application and must be made available to the Planning Director or designee upon request. Because permits are issued for a maximum one-year term and renewed annually, the insurance documentation effectively must be current at each renewal. The insurance requirement sits alongside a related risk-shifting provision: Section 8109-4.6.9.7 requires all owners to execute a defense and indemnification agreement holding the County and its officials harmless from third-party claims arising out of the permit or the operation of the TRU. Insurance is one of several items that must be in place before a permit can be issued under Section 8109-4.6.7, together with payment of fees, a code compliance deposit, manager contact information, the compliance affidavit, proof of business tax and transient occupancy tax compliance, and the homeowner's exemption for homeshares. Operators should confirm the policy names the correct insured and meets the County's per-occurrence minimum before applying.