If you own a short-term rental in Colorado Springs, the end of the year is a smart time to pause and take stock—not just of bookings and revenue, but of whether your home insurance still fits how you’re using the property. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that a standard homeowners policy may not fully cover a property that’s regularly rented out, especially for short stays.
With tourism continuing to drive demand for short-term rentals in Colorado Springs, reviewing your insurance coverage is an important part of year-end planning.
Why Short-Term Rentals Change Your Insurance Needs
Renting your home—even occasionally—can change how insurance carriers view your property. From an insurer’s perspective, a short-term rental often comes with higher risk than a primary residence.
Common coverage gaps for short-term rentals
Some homeowners discover these gaps only after a claim is denied:
- Limited liability protection when guests are injured
- No coverage for guest-caused damage
- Restrictions on business activity in standard home policies
- Loss of income not covered after a covered event
If your policy wasn’t written with short-term rentals in mind, you may be paying for coverage that doesn’t actually apply when you need it most.
Year-End Insurance Review Tips for Colorado Springs Hosts
The end of the year is a natural checkpoint for reviewing your short-term rental setup—especially before peak travel seasons return.
1. Confirm how your property is classified
Insurance coverage depends heavily on how the home is used:
- Primary residence with occasional rentals
- Part-time rental or vacation home
- Full-time short-term rental investment property
Colorado Springs insurers often treat these scenarios very differently. Make sure your policy accurately reflects how often the property is rented and who occupies it.
2. Review liability limits carefully
Liability coverage is one of the most important components for short-term rental owners. Guests are unfamiliar with your property, and accidents happen.
Consider whether your current limits are sufficient for:
- Slip-and-fall injuries
- Dog-related incidents
- Property features like hot tubs, decks, or stairs
- Parking or driveway accidents during winter weather
Increasing liability limits is often more affordable than people expect and can significantly reduce financial risk.
3. Look beyond platform-provided protection
Many rental platforms advertise host protection programs, but these policies are not a replacement for proper insurance. They may include exclusions, coverage caps, or complicated claims processes.
A dedicated insurance policy tailored to short-term rentals provides clearer, more reliable protection—especially for Colorado Springs properties that see frequent turnover of guests.
Colorado-Specific Factors That Matter
Local conditions play a role in how coverage should be structured.
Weather and seasonal risks
Colorado Springs homes face unique exposures, including:
- Heavy snow and ice
- Hailstorms
- Wildfire risk in foothill areas
- Rapid temperature swings that can cause pipe damage
If your rental sits vacant between bookings, certain risks can increase. Ensuring your policy accounts for seasonal occupancy is especially important.
Local regulations and zoning considerations
Insurance carriers may ask about:
- Short-term rental permits
- Local compliance requirements
- Primary residence rules in certain neighborhoods
Making sure your coverage aligns with local rules helps avoid complications during underwriting or claims.
End-of-Year Changes That Should Trigger a Policy Update
As you close out the year, consider whether any of these changes apply:
- Increased booking frequency
- Higher nightly rates
- New amenities added (fire pits, hot tubs, EV chargers)
- Furnishing upgrades
- Transition from occasional to regular rentals
Even small changes can affect coverage eligibility or limits, making a year-end review worthwhile.
How Warrior Insurance Helps Short-Term Rental Owners
Navigating short-term rental insurance doesn’t have to be complicated. Warrior Insurance works with Colorado Springs homeowners to evaluate how properties are actually used and match them with coverage that makes sense—not just on paper, but in real-world situations.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all policy, the goal is clarity: understanding what’s covered, what isn’t, and where adjustments can add meaningful protection without unnecessary cost.
A practical year-end step
If you’re reviewing finances, tax documents, or next year’s goals, adding an insurance check-in to that list is a practical move. A quick conversation can help identify gaps before they turn into surprises.
If you own a short-term rental in Colorado Springs and want to start the new year with confidence, we can help review your current coverage and discuss options that better reflect how your property is used. Call our office or reach out through our website to begin the conversation.