As the real estate market heats up in the spring, many first-time investors and seasoned landlords want to acquire new properties. While analyzing deals and securing financing are top priorities, one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is insurance. The right coverage (through a company like Steadily) can make or break an investment, protecting landlords from financial pitfalls.
Here’s what investors need to know about landlord insurance this spring.
1. Don’t Rely on Homeowner’s Insurance
New investors, even those employing house-hacking strategies, often assume their standard homeowner’s insurance policy will cover rental activities. However, homeowner’s insurance is designed primarily for owner-occupied properties and may not provide adequate coverage when portions of the property are rented out. Landlord insurance, on the other hand, is specifically tailored to address the unique risks associated with rental properties.
Key differences between homeowner’s and landlord insurance include:
- Property coverage: While both policies cover property damage from events like fire or storms, landlord insurance typically extends to structures used for rental purposes and may include coverage for appliances or equipment provided for tenant use.
- Liability protection: Landlord insurance offers coverage related explicitly to tenant injuries or legal claims arising from the rental property, which may not be adequately covered under a standard homeowner’s policy.
- Loss of rental income: If a covered event renders the rental unit uninhabitable, landlord insurance can provide compensation for lost rental income during the repair period.
Consult with your insurance provider to ensure you have the appropriate coverage for you. This proactive approach can prevent costly surprises and effectively protect your investment.
2. Stricter Lender Insurance Requirements
As lending standards evolve, many lenders now require higher liability limits and additional endorsements before approving loans for rental properties. Key insurance requirements include:
- Property insurance: Coverage must meet or exceed the property’s insurable value, often requiring an “all-risk” policy.
- Liability coverage: Higher limits protect against potential lawsuits.
- Flood & endorsements: Flood insurance is mandatory in designated zones, and ordinance coverage may be required to meet updated building codes.
- Deductibles: Lenders may set a maximum deductible limit, typically 2% or less of the insured value.
Check with your lender early to ensure compliance and avoid closing delays. Nothing is worse than finding out that your insurance costs need to change leading up to closing day, and you may not qualify now.
3. Short-Term vs. Long-Term Rental Coverage
Investors exploring different rental strategies must understand the insurance implications of each. Short-term rentals (such as Airbnb and Vrbo) often require specialized policies, as standard landlord insurance may exclude coverage for frequent guest turnover, liability risks, and property damage caused by short-term guests. Some insurers require an additional STR endorsement or a separate vacation rental policy to ensure complete protection.
With Steadily, short-term rental investors can access customized insurance solutions for Airbnb and vacation rental hosts. Whether you’re operating a full-time STR or renting your property occasionally, ensuring the right coverage now can save you from significant financial risks later.
4. Inflation and Replacement Costs
Materials and labor costs have surged over the past few years, leading many insurers to adjust policy pricing. If you haven’t reviewed your replacement cost coverage recently, now is the time. Ensuring your policy reflects current construction costs can prevent underinsurance issues if there’s a loss. Investors should also look into inflation protection riders to keep their coverage in line with market conditions.
5. Use an Insurance Calculator for Smarter Deal Analysis
While evaluating a potential investment property, it’s essential to factor in insurance costs as part of the overall deal analysis. The Steadily x BiggerPockets Insurance Calculator helps investors estimate landlord insurance costs upfront, ensuring they accurately project expenses, cash flow, and ROI before purchasing a property.
Final Thoughts
Spring presents an exciting opportunity for real estate investors, but success goes beyond simply acquiring a property. Having the right landlord insurance policy from Steadily protects your investment from unexpected financial setbacks. Whether purchasing your first rental property or expanding your portfolio, understanding these key insurance considerations will help you mitigate risks and maximize returns.
