Insurance for rental property

[Deanthony Quarles]

I’m in the process of purchasing 2 properties both are Duplex and all 4 units have tenants. I’m currently lost on what type of insurance to get. I currently use Liberty Mutual for my home. However I’m hearing things about landlord insurance and umbrella insurance. Would you recommend getting both or do I just need landlord insurance.

Also any companies you recommend for great prices on rates. Both properties are located in Ohio.

Thanks for the help.

[John Mocker]

Deanthony,

I think David meant to say "non-owner occupied" .  The most common name for the policy in the industry is a Dwelling/Fire Policy but it can also have a different name, like Landlord Policy, with some companies.

Ryan's advise is correct, seek out qualified Independent Agents and get quotes of each duplex.  Do not be suprised if one company is better for one duplex but not the other.  Often, age, fire protection, cost to rebuild, prior claim history, etc. can impact what is the best company (coverage & rate) for a property.

Below is some info that I posted in the past. It may be helpful:

Here are some things to look for from an Insurance prospective:

1.Any in-ground tanks (active or inactive)

2.Any Knob & Tube or Aluminum Wiring

3.If built before 1978, does the building have Lead Safe certifications

4.Any wood stoves or secondary heating units. If so, were permits pulled & were they installed by a professional

5.Are any of the homes rented to students

6.Is there a flat roof

7.are there asbestos shingles

The Year that the following were updated (either partially or fully) would be good to know:

- Heating systems

- Roof

- Plumbing

- electrical

Some companies will not write properties with systems that have not been updated.

If the property is solely tenant occupied you will be looking for a Dwelling/Fire Policy (may be called a Landorrd policy or similar name) or a commercial policy such as a Businessowners or Package polciy.

Most dwelliing/fire policies include:

1. Dwelling (Building coverage)

The limit should be based on the Replacement Cost of the building (cost to rebuild with

the same kind and quality excluding the foundation)

2. Contents (Personal Property):

Dwelling/Fire policies requrie that you request a limit for conents.

3. Detached Structures: for other buildings on the property (ie. sheds & detached garages)

Again, there is normally an included limit of that is a percent of the building limit. That can be increased

if needed.

4. Loss of Rents: Many companies have a certain percent included with the policy. Normally that can be increased. Loss of Rents is for your loss of Rental income if the tenants cannot occupy the house after a covered loss.

5. Personal Liability: For claims due to Bodily Injury or Property Damage that you become

Liable for and which is covered under the policy. Companies normally offer limits up to

$500,000 but some offer $1,000,000. Buy the max.

6. Medical Payments: Provides coverage for an injury suffered on the premises. Does not

require proof that you were at fault. Used to keep small loses into becoming lawsuits.

Normally offered up to $5,000 but check to see if higher limits are available.

7. Deductible: This is not a coverage but rather your portion of a claim. Most better policies

will not have a deductible for either the Liability or Medical payments coverage. It will

apply to the other 4 coverages (building, contents, loss of use, detached structures). You can select the amount of the deductible, usually ranges from $500 to $5,000. The higher the deductible the lower your overall premium

but get quotes on all the deductibles you are interested in. Sometimes the incremental

savings from $1,000 to $2,500 or from $2,500 to $5,000 are too small to make the higher

deductible worthwhile.

***depending on how far the house is from the coast, you may

also be required to have a separate Wind or Hurricane deductible. Most times, the

deductible will be 2% to 5% of the building value. That is a significant amount

(on a $500,000 building that comes to $10,000 for 2% or $25,000 for 5%). A policy

with a higher premium may be a better deal if it does not have a wind deductible.

There are many endorsements that are available on the homeowners policy. Without

knowing the details I cannot suggest which would be right to add on.

Several you should pay attention to are:

- Ordinance & Law: Provides additional building coverage to deal with rebuilding cost

Increases due to changes in Zoning or Building laws

- Personal Injury Liability: Libel, defimation of character, wrongful imprisionment, etc.

(normally recommended, especially if you are a landlord)

- Water Backup: For water damage due to the backup of Sewers or Drains.

Good Luck & feel free to PM me if you have any questions.