Newbie investor questions on Indy insurance policies

[Mark DelRosario]

Hello fellow BPer's

I am a new investor from CA looking to invest in Indianapolis (also KC/Memphis) and have been shopping around my local banks for property insurance for investors. I am pretty new so I am looking for recommendations on where to find good policies for single family houses in the range of 70k-95k?

Any advice on whom to ask? I feel like just asking the banks I have a relationship with is limiting my options, and I have nothing to weigh their rates against so I am not sure if I am getting a good deal or not.

Also, when dealing with homes in those price ranges and in these mid west markets which don't appreciate like homes on the coasts... which policy is best? Seems like actual cash value (purchase price) would be my best bet?

Thanks in advance everyone!

[Neil Goradia]

Hey @Mark DelRosario,

We use a company called Westfield Insurance (based out of Cincinnati) and they've been pretty good with investors. There is another company called Foremost which I've heard is good for vacant properties. A third one I've used is called Shepherd insurance. Try to stay away from the big guys like State Farm, they will drop you as soon as you file your first claim. 

I always do a standard liability and dwelling (fire) coverage at cash value. On some nicer homes or ones that I have mortgages on I get replacement value, but you won't need to do that on most of them. Good luck!