Santa Monica, CA Short-Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum coverage
- $500,000 liability
- Alternative
- Hosting platform coverage of equal or greater amount per transaction
- When required
- Must maintain at all times; proof required with permit application
Summary
Every home-share host must maintain a minimum of $500,000 in liability insurance covering home-sharing, or use a hosting platform that provides equivalent or greater coverage for each transaction.
§ 6.20.020(a)(9) Maintains liability insurance to cover home-sharing with minimum limits of not less than five hundred thousand dollars or conducts each home-sharing transaction through a hosting platform that provides equal or greater coverage.
Full Breakdown
The insurance requirement is self-executing: hosts who transact through a qualifying hosting platform (such as Airbnb's host protection program) can rely on that platform's coverage instead of purchasing their own separate policy. The requirement is specifically for home-sharing activities; standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental use. Proof of insurance must be included in the initial permit application and each renewal.
Violations & Fines
Failure to maintain required insurance is grounds for permit revocation. Operating without a required permit is punishable as an infraction (up to $750 fine) or misdemeanor (up to $1,000 fine and/or up to 6 months in County Jail).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my standard homeowners insurance count?
If I use Airbnb, do I still need my own insurance?
When must I show proof of insurance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
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Insurance Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle insurance requirements.