Washington Statewide Rule

Washington State Short-Term Rental Liability Insurance

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Washington (2026)

Washington law requires short-term rental operators to maintain primary liability insurance of at least $1 million or operate through a platform that provides equivalent coverage. This statewide requirement applies regardless of local rules.

Key Facts

Statute: RCW 64.37.020
Minimum Coverage: $1 million liability
Coverage Type: Primary liability
Platform Alternative: Equal or greater coverage

Source: Washington State Legislature

Full Breakdown

Under RCW 64.37.020, every short-term rental operator must maintain primary liability insurance to cover the rental unit in the aggregate amount of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000). Alternatively, operators may conduct rental activity through a short-term rental platform that provides equal or greater coverage. The coverage must be primary, meaning it pays before any other applicable insurance. This protects guests and third parties from injuries or damage during the rental period and applies to all hosts statewide.

Violations & Penalties

Operating without required insurance violates RCW 64.37 and may result in civil penalties and inability to legally rent the property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my homeowners insurance count?

Standard homeowners policies typically exclude commercial activity. You generally need a specific short-term rental endorsement or commercial policy meeting the $1M primary requirement.

Are platform-provided policies sufficient?

Yes, if the platform provides primary liability coverage of at least $1 million per RCW 64.37.020, operators can rely on that coverage instead of obtaining their own.

Sources

RCW 64.37.020 - Insurance Required

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Washington State Short-Term Rental Liability Insurance

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Washington (2026)

Full Breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my homeowners insurance count?

Standard homeowners policies typically exclude commercial activity. You generally need a specific short-term rental endorsement or commercial policy meeting the $1M primary requirement.

Are platform-provided policies sufficient?

Yes, if the platform provides primary liability coverage of at least $1 million per RCW 64.37.020, operators can rely on that coverage instead of obtaining their own.