Renters Ins; LL listed as Addl Interest, not notified of cancel

[Brian Hinkle]

Hello,

I am running into something right now that I didn't think I would have to deal with. Each of our leases indicate that the property owner must be listed as additional insured. Some insurance companies do not allow this, so they list us as an Additionally interested party. We are fine with this outcome because we basically just need to know whether or not the policy has been cancelled/renewed.  

I was under the impression that it is the insurer's responsibility to notify us that the policy has been cancelled due to non-payment. Once we get word of cancellation, we can implement tenant liability insurance (where the property is covered, but their belongings are not). 

A resident had a small kitchen fire in late December that would absolutely be covered by renters insurance, but she apparently let her coverage lapse in October. The insurer never contacted us to let us know of the cancellation, so the costs of the damage will be out of pocket as the damages are not higher than the deductible for our large liability policy. I understand that I have every right to go after the resident for payment, but I want to know if I have any leg to stand on when it comes to the insurer.

I appreciate your feedback!

Sincerely,

BH