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

Section D4-27.C.2 sets the registration application requirements for every San Ramon short-term rental. Subsection (i) requires "Proof of insurance that demonstrate that the property is insured for the use of a short-term rental." Subsection (j) requires "Acknowledgement of the requirement to hold harmless, indemnify and defend the City and staff against claims and litigations arising from or related to the issuance of the short-term rental registration." The ordinance text does not specify a numeric minimum coverage amount, name the City as additional insured by ordinance, or require a host-protection endorsement; coverage details are reviewed by the Director under D4-27.E, who may impose additional conditions based on site review. Operators must also acknowledge under D4-27.C.2.h that the STR will comply with all D4-27.D Terms of Use, and under D4-27.D.5 are jointly responsible with the owner for compliance with all local, state, and federal health and safety requirements (smoke detectors, fire alarms, fire extinguishers). Beyond city requirements, California homeowner (HO-3) and renter policies commonly exclude losses arising from business or commercial use of the dwelling, which can include paid stays under 30 days; carriers may deny claims for guest injuries, theft, or third-party liability tied to STR use without an endorsement. Platform-provided coverage such as Airbnb's AirCover or Vrbo Liability Insurance is supplemental, has caps and exclusions, and does not by itself satisfy the D4-27.C.2.i proof-of-insurance condition. Registrations are non-transferable (D4-27.D.10), must be renewed annually with a fee set by City Council resolution (D4-27.F), and require a 24-hour local contact who can respond within 30 minutes (D4-27.C.2.d).