Information about Landlord Insurance
As the popular modern proverb goes, “The best investment on land is land”. Most of the times, a property is an asset whose value increases over time. It is no surprise that a lot of people choose to invest their savings in properties. Renting out properties have become the norm since home owners are not always able to occupy the properties that they own. But, the real question is whether the tenant will care for your house as you will do.
A landlord insurance will offer you complete peace of mind as it covers you from all the risks that you might face from renting out your property. In case your rental units become uninhabitable because of minor or major mishaps, a landlord insurance will help you cover the loss of rental income also.
What Does Landlord Insurance Cover
Your insurer may offer you any or all of the following coverage options when it comes to landlord insurance.
- Damage to PropertyThis will cover the damage to the structure of the buildings and the personal property in case of fire, theft, storm, vandalism or tenant damage. In case of a total loss, your landlord insurance policy will ideally cover the replacement costs for your whole property.
- Cover against Loss of IncomeLandlord insurance will help you recompense the loss of income in case your rental property becomes uninhabitable due to an insured loss like storm or fire. The rental reimbursement will prevent you from losing the rental income.
- Liability InsuranceLiability cover under landlord insurance will help you cover the expenses, claims and lawsuits associated with a third-person bodily injury that happens on your property. If you are found responsible for other person’s damage as a landlord, liability insurance will cover you. For example, if you neglect to fix a rusty pipe and it destroys a tenant’s valuable documents, the tenant can file a liability claim can be filed against you. In such cases, a landlord insurance will cover you against the expenses that you will incur.
- Add-On CoverageYou can also opt for additional coverage such as natural disaster insurance, employer liability insurance, rent guarantee insurance and landlord contents insurance. The add-on covers offered can be customized as per your requirements.
Advantages of Landlord Insurance
Some of the benefits of the landlord insurance coverage are listed below:
- If the property is fully damaged because of reasons covered by the policy, the landlord is compensated with the full replacement cost
- In the event of bodily injury to a third party for whom the landlord is accountable, the liability add-on under the policy assists the landlord with the costs incurred due to claims, lawsuits, and other expenses
- This policy allows the landlord to secure the tenant's advance rental deposits.
How to Claim Landlord Insurance Policy
Every insurance company has a set of claim processes outlined in the policy contract, which differs from company to company. However, some general criteria to follow when making claims under the landlord insurance coverage are mentioned below:
- Call the helpline number supplied by the insurance to alert them about the event
- After the caller's (your) confirmation, the claim will be registered with the company's Claims Department
- A surveyor engaged by the corporation investigates the legitimacy of the claim
- The surveyor submits the final survey report to the insurance company after receiving and reviewing all required documentation
- If granted, the claim is resolved according to the terms and conditions of the policy, and compensation is given to the landlord.
Documents Required to Claim Landlord Insurance Policy
When filing the claim, please sure to submit the following documents:
- ID proof of the policyholder (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Driver's License, etc.).
- Address evidence (Aadhaar card, ration card, utility bills, etc.)
- A detailed description of the damage
- Any further documents requested by the company
- FIR and fire brigade reports
- Medical officer's report, etc. (if applicable)
How Much Does Landlord Insurance Cost?
Some of the factors that affect the premium costs for your landlord insurance is described below.
- Size of the property
- Geographical location and known risks in the area
- Number of rental units
- Whether you have installed security systems like burglar alarms
- Type and Coverage amount offered by the landlord insurance policy
As a landlord, you have to prepare for more than a dripping pipe. It is your duty to safeguard your home, your most dear asset against any damage. A landlord home insurance will help you do the same and will also reduce your worry and expenses regarding any damage to the rented property.
Exclusions for Landlord Insurance
Exclusions are cases that do not meet the criteria for a valid claim. Some of those covered by a landlord insurance policy are:
- Property damage resulting from war, invasion, civil war, or nuclear hazards
- Property loss or damage caused by constant use or spoilage
- Loss or damage to any electrical equipment caused by over-running or high pressure.