Washington Statewide Rule

Washington State Short-Term Rental Liability Insurance

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Washington (2026)

Washington requires short-term rental operators to maintain at least $1 million in primary liability insurance, or to operate through a platform providing equivalent coverage, under RCW 64.37.050. This statewide requirement applies regardless of local rules.

Key Facts

Statute: RCW 64.37.050
Minimum coverage: $1 million liability
Coverage type: Primary liability
Platform alternative: Equal or greater coverage

Source: Washington State Legislature

Full Breakdown

Under RCW 64.37.050, every short-term rental operator must maintain primary liability insurance covering the rental unit in an aggregate amount of at least one million dollars. Alternatively, operators may conduct each rental through a short-term rental platform that provides equal or greater primary coverage. The coverage must be primary, meaning it pays before any other applicable insurance. This protects guests and third parties from injury 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 64.37.050, 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 64.37.050, operators can rely on that coverage instead of obtaining their own.