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

Standard homeowner and landlord policies generally do not cover short-term rental activity, and insurance carriers commonly cite undisclosed STR use as grounds for denial of claims or policy cancellation. Murrieta's STR program therefore requires operators to either carry a dedicated short-term rental policy or to procure commercial general liability (CGL) coverage with limits of at least $500,000 per occurrence, with $1,000,000 preferred for larger homes or pool/spa properties. Proof of insurance listing the City of Murrieta as a certificate holder may be required at permit application and annual renewal. Airbnb's Host Damage Protection and Vrbo's $1 million Liability Insurance program provide supplemental coverage but typically exclude communicable-disease claims, intentional acts, and pre-existing wear; they are not recognized as primary coverage by most carriers. Pool, spa, and trampoline properties should carry higher umbrella limits because of attractive-nuisance exposure. STR operators are strongly encouraged to review the policy for specific STR endorsements, since some insurers offer hospitality-specific products (Proper Insurance, Slice, CBIZ) designed for the short-term rental sector.