North Bergen, NJ Short-Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements (2026)

Ordinance 706-26 lists insurance documentation as a required component of the annual STR permit application package, together with proof that the owner resides at the property as their principal residence and a safety inspection. The Township, through its Building, Code Enforcement and Zoning Department (4233 Kennedy Boulevard, 201-392-2000), reviews coverage at the time of application and renewal. The North Bergen public release of Ordinance 706-26 does not publish a uniform minimum-limit dollar amount in the press release excerpt; applicants should confirm the current minimum acceptable policy form and limit with the Department before purchasing or binding coverage. As a practical matter, two separate insurance regimes apply: (1) the Township-required coverage that must be filed with the STR permit; and (2) any platform-imposed host-protection or host-liability program operated by Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, or similar marketplaces, which typically advertise a minimum of $1,000,000 in host liability protection but exclude many losses (intentional acts, certain personal property, business activities), and do not substitute for a personal homeowner or landlord policy. New Jersey's standard homeowner's policy (HO-3) commonly excludes business pursuits including transient rental, so STR operators typically need a short-term rental endorsement, a dwelling/landlord policy, or a commercial liability policy to maintain valid coverage during paid stays. Where the property is a condominium, the unit owner's HO-6 policy plus the master association policy must be reviewed to confirm STR use is not excluded. The Township's permit insurance filing is in addition to, not in place of, applicable platform requirements and any condominium association rules under Ordinance 706-26's eligibility provisions for condo units.