Coverage for homes and investment properties you own but don't personally occupy — structure, liability, and lost rental income.
Also called Dwelling Fire policies, landlord insurance covers homes and properties you own but do not personally occupy. A standard homeowners policy requires the owner to live in the home — if you rent it out or leave it vacant, you need a different form of coverage.
Dwelling Fire policies are ideal for:
The physical building is covered on an open-perils basis — similar in scope to a standard homeowners policy. Covered perils include wind, hail, fire, and falling objects. Earthquakes and flooding are excluded by default but can be added as separate endorsements.
Sheds, detached garages, fences, and other buildings on the property are also covered on an open-perils basis. Coverage applies to structures you own as part of the insured property.
If a tenant or visitor is injured due to a known or discoverable property defect — deteriorated stairs, hazardous surfaces, failing infrastructure — liability coverage applies. This protects you from claims and lawsuits arising from injuries on the property.
If a covered loss forces tenants to vacate the property during repairs, you're reimbursed for the rental income you would have collected during the restoration period. This keeps your investment income intact while the property is being restored.
Important note for landlords: This policy protects you as the property owner — it does not cover your tenants' personal belongings or their personal liability. Encourage all tenants to carry their own renters insurance policy. Many landlords now require it as part of the lease agreement.