Duplex: 1 structure, 2 deeds. Need 2 insurance policies?

[Megan Dwyer]

Buying a side-by-side duplex in Kansas. It is all one physical structure, but is 2 deeds. One unit's front door faces east, while the other front door faces south, so the two units have different street addresses. Given that it is all one physical structure (but there are two deeds), can I do just one landlord policy or do I need two? Getting very mixed answers from different insurance agents. 

[John Mocker]

Megan,

I can understand your confusion.  There are indeed different answers to the question.  First, it depends whether the policy(ies) are in the Personal Lines area.  Dwelling Fire Policies (aka Landlord policies) with different companies may have different underwriting.  Some companies may be able to write multiple locations on the same policy while others need to do separate policies.  One caution on separate policies, write them both with the same company.  You do not want two companies fighting over how much each of their share is.

If you insure it under a Commercial form, there is generally no problem with both locations being on the same policy.