Is liability insurance mandatory for your accommodation? Spain (Andalusia), Portugal, Italy and Greece (2026)

Updated: 9 November 2026

If a guest falls on the stairs or a leak damages the flat below, someone pays. Liability insurance covers that kind of damage to others. It is mandatory in some countries and not in others, but in all of them you may have to pay. This is what we checked in each country's official gazettes and government websites (links at the end). This is not legal advice: where we could not confirm something we say so, and you should check it with your adviser or insurance broker.

Andalusia (Spain): mandatory only for campsites

The Andalusian tourism rules we read do not require insurance for hotels or holiday homes:

Holiday homes (viviendas de uso turístico): Decree 28/2016, in the regional government's consolidated text including Decree 31/2024, does not require insurance. Its art. 4 says the operator is answerable to the authorities and to guests.
Hotels: Decree 47/2004 has been repealed. It was replaced by Decree-Law 13/2020, which does not impose liability insurance either.
Tourist apartments: Decree 194/2010 (consolidated up to Decree 31/2024) does not require insurance.
Campsites: yes. The Andalusian Tourism Act 13/2011 (art. 39) requires adequate professional liability insurance or an equivalent guarantee for campsites, adventure tourism and travel intermediaries, before opening and registering.
National rules: Royal Decree 1312/2024 on the single rental register does not mention insurance (and the Supreme Court struck down several of its articles in 2026).
Municipal bylaws, your building's community rules or your mortgage may ask for more: we have not checked this; ask your adviser.

Portugal: mandatory for local accommodation

Art. 13-A of Decree-Law 128/2014, as amended by Decree-Law 76/2024 (in force since 1 November 2024), says:

The operator must take out and keep valid third-party liability insurance covering damage to guests and third parties.
Minimum cover: EUR 75,000 per claim. Other terms (excess, exclusions, periods) are set by Ordinance 248/2021.
If the unit is in a building under horizontal property, fire damage insurance is also required.
The operator is jointly liable with guests for damage they cause to the building.
Without valid insurance, the municipality may cancel the registration. If it asks for proof, you have 3 days to provide it.
You must upload proof of insurance before starting and whenever you renew or change it. Turismo de Portugal publishes your policy's expiry date.
Hotels and other tourist developments (empreendimentos turísticos): we have not confirmed this; ask your adviser or broker.

Italy: we found no general obligation

Art. 13-ter of Decree-Law 145/2023 (the CIN code) requires combustible gas and carbon monoxide detectors and portable fire extinguishers in every unit let as a tourist or short-term rental. Fines run from EUR 600 to 6,000 per breach. It does not mention insurance.
Hotels and regional rules (for example Tuscany or Campania): we have not confirmed this; ask your adviser, your Comune or your broker.

Greece: mandatory for short-term rentals since 1-10-2025

Law 5170/2025 (art. 3) requires short-term rental properties to have civil liability insurance for damage or accidents. It applies from 1 October 2025.
The law sets no minimum amount.
The same list requires fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, a residual-current device, exit signage, an electrician's declaration, a first-aid kit, pest control and a guide with emergency numbers.
The Ministry of Tourism inspects. The fine is EUR 5,000; it doubles if repeated within a year and quadruples after that.
Hotels: we have not confirmed this; ask your accountant or broker.

What it generally covers

Liability insurance pays for damage your business causes to others: a guest's injury, damage to their belongings or to a neighbour. It does not cover your own losses (your roof, your furniture): that is property or multi-risk insurance, bought separately or in the same package. Every policy has different limits and exclusions: read them.

What to ask your broker

Does it cover tourist or short-term rental use? Many home policies do not.
What is the cover per claim and per year? In Portugal, is it at least EUR 75,000?
What excess do I pay per claim?
Does it cover damage guests cause to the building and neighbours?
Does it cover a pool, garden, bikes, breakfast or activities you offer?
Does it cover your staff and legal defence?
Can you give me a certificate with validity dates for the register?

10-minute check

Find your policy and note the cover, excess and expiry date.
Check it expressly mentions tourist or short-term rental use.
In Portugal, check your proof is uploaded and valid; in Greece, that you have had a policy since 1-10-2025.
Set a calendar reminder one month before expiry.
If in doubt, send these questions to your broker today.

How iQuota helps

iQuota does not sell insurance or advise on policies. We publish your property in AI assistants with direct booking and payment at the property. Keeping your insurance and licences up to date is part of a serious offer: nothing should stand in the way of a booking or an inspection.

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Frequently asked questions

Is insurance mandatory for a holiday home in Andalusia?

Not under the tourism rules we read (Decree 28/2016 with Decree 31/2024). You may still be liable for damage: talk to your broker.

What minimum cover does Portugal require for local accommodation?

EUR 75,000 per claim (art. 13-A of Decree-Law 128/2014, as amended by Decree-Law 76/2024).

What is the fine in Greece without insurance?

EUR 5,000 under Law 5170/2025, art. 3; it doubles if repeated within a year.

Sources

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