Rental Abritrager's in San Diego - Need Your Feedback!

Rental Abritrager's in San Diego - Need Your Feedback!

Member since 2019 · 3 posts · 3 votes

For anyone utilizing arbitrage in San Diego..

What are your homeowners doing for insurance? I am arbitraging an older property that Proper would not cover. I found C-Biz, one of the only providers that would write a policy for an arbitrage scenario. My homeowner informed his carrier I would be subleasing and his agent told him he would not be covered if the company found out he was subleasing. C-Biz is also writing a policy for him, but it is double the cost his traditional policy (which I understand is to be expected) and he'd like me to pay the difference. 

I have asked this question in other forums but I can't seem to get a straight answer. Some of the agents I spoke to advised the homeowner would simply stick with a landlord policy since his contract with me is technically long-term. Other agents advised regardless of who is running the business out of the home, this changes the scenario to commercial, which requires a different type of policy. 

In terms of the arbitrage model, homeowners having to pay double in insurance is significant downside, so how are other people getting along? Are homeowners keeping landlord policies only and taking a chance? Has this come up for anyone else?

Any and all feedback is welcome! Thank you!


 

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  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    2y

    Someone would need to have a STR commercial policy.

    He could have a landlord policy and you cary the STR policy.

    Check with the insurance companies to confirm

    Try Proper or Foremost.

  • Sarah KensingerPro Member
    Real Estate Consultant · OH · Member since 2023 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    I only knew of Proper offer arbitrage insurance, particularly for the arbitrager. From my understanding the owner would just need a typical landlord policy, then the arbitrager would have their special policy and with Proper the homeowner automatically had additional coverage. Since Proper wouldn't cover the property, it might be a good idea to give them a call again and get clear on what you need and what the homeowner needs, then shop around. Proper knows the laws and best way to cover STR if litigation comes along.

  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    2y

    The problem @Claire Baltodano if I read what you wrote correctly is that they have already been told they would not be covered.

    So i wouldn't, if I was the owner, stick with the lower cost insurance. It isn't a chance, it is a certainty they will be denied if there is a claim. It will be really easy to find out what is going on when an adjuster gets involved.

    Arbitrage is a tough row to hoe. There are always regulations changing, owners changing their minds and insurance issues. You have to roll with the punches and roll that cost into your calculations.

  • Rental Property Investor · Washington DC · Member since 2023 · 61 posts · 26 votes
    2y

    Navigating insurance for short-term rental arbitrage can indeed be complex. Typically, standard homeowners' policies might not cover commercial activities like subleasing for short-term rentals. The shift from residential to commercial use due to subleasing often requires a different insurance policy.

    Some homeowners might opt to continue with landlord policies, assuming the risk of potential coverage gaps. However, this choice involves risks since insurance companies might deny claims if they discover the property is used for commercial purposes without appropriate coverage.

    In such cases, it's crucial to consult insurance professionals specializing in rental property or short-term rentals. Exploring specialized insurers or brokers experienced in this niche might offer better coverage options or clarify the requirements for a scenario like yours. While some homeowners might opt for higher insurance costs, others might seek more affordable specialized policies designed for short-term rental properties.

    Discussing the situation with multiple insurance agents or brokers who understand the intricacies of short-term rental arbitrage could provide tailored insights and potential solutions, helping homeowners make informed decisions about coverage that aligns with their risk tolerance and financial considerations.

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