Washington short-term rental regulations
Washington cities, particularly Seattle, have enacted strict short-term rental regulations. Most require STR owners to obtain a business license or permit, limit the number of STRs per neighborhood, and impose annual registration fees. Seattle, for example, caps primary-residence STRs and prohibits investor-owned STRs in certain zones. Rules vary by city and county, so confirm local requirements before listing a property.
Why homeowners insurance does not cover STRs
Standard homeowners and landlord policies exclude regular commercial short-term rental use. If you rent out your home or a vacation property on Airbnb, Vrbo, or similar platforms, your homeowners insurance likely does not cover guest injuries, property damage caused by guests, or liability claims. This leaves you personally exposed to potentially six-figure claims.
What STR insurance covers
Short-term rental insurance (often sold as a “host protection” or “hosting coverage” endorsement) is designed specifically for Airbnb/Vrbo and similar commercial rental use. Coverage typically includes:
- Guest liability. covers injuries to guests and their belongings, up to your chosen limit
- Host liability. covers injuries to third parties (neighbors, service providers) and property damage they suffer
- Property protection. covers damage to your home or rental contents caused by guests
- Loss of income (business interruption). reimburses lost rental income if your property becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss
- Optional additions. some carriers add theft, vandalism, pet liability, or event cancellation riders
Wildfire-smoke and seasonal disruption risk
Washington's late-summer wildfire season can disrupt STR operations. Heavy smoke makes properties undesirable for guests, and some guests may cancel last-minute. While most standard STR policies do not cover cancellations due to weather or air quality alone, some carriers offer optional event-cancellation riders. Discuss wildfire-season exposure with Maru when choosing your coverage.
Airbnb and Vrbo platform protection
Airbnb and Vrbo offer basic host protection programs that cover some guest damage. However, their coverage limits are often low, may not cover liability for guest injuries, and can have high deductibles. These programs are a starting point, not a replacement for comprehensive STR insurance. Maru helps you close the gaps between platform coverage and your actual risk.
Why buy STR insurance through Maru
STR insurance is specialized and not all carriers offer it in Washington. Maru finds carriers that write STR policies for Seattle, coastal, and mountain properties, explains host liability and loss-of-income coverage, and helps you build a policy that protects your rental income and your personal assets. A licensed local advisor handles the process at no added cost.
Frequently asked questions
Is short-term rental use allowed in my Washington city?
Does my homeowners policy cover Airbnb or Vrbo guests?
What is loss-of-income coverage in STR insurance?
Do I need STR insurance if I only rent out my home a few weeks a year?
Licensed independent insurance agent · WA & FL
Written and reviewed by a licensed Maru advisor. Maru Insurance is an independent agency (WA License WAOIC #1365574, FL License #G363233) representing multiple A-rated carriers across Washington and Florida.
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