Residential investment properties can provide both short-term revenue and long-term appreciation, but they can also come with various risks. Rental property insurance can help Massachusetts investors protect their properties and their businesses, helping maintain short- and long-term finances even when a covered incident happens.
Rental property insurance has specialized commercial coverages for investors with residential properties. The insurance is similar to home insurance in some ways, but also has notable differences.
Most investors who own residential properties in Massachusetts should have rental property policies. This includes solo investors and larger residential investment businesses.
In many cases, investors and investment businesses are required by loan terms to carry certain rental property coverages. Many lenders include language to this effect in their loans, as an assurance that their financial interest in financed investment properties is protected.
Rental property policies can come with various coverages, and most investors choose policies that combine several coverages together. Some of the more notable coverages that policies may offer are:
Investors who have vehicles that are used exclusively for work also may need commercial auto coverage, which is generally used to insure work vehicles. Commercial vehicle coverage is a common feature in multiple rental property insurance policies, and usually can be obtained through any rental property policy.
An insurance agent who specializes in single and multiple rental property insurance policies can help investors find a policy that has the coverages they need.
The coverages included in rental property policies typically extend only to investors, and not to tenants. Tenants may purchase their own renters insurance policies.
Rental property policies and homeowners insurance policies are similar in that they both generally protect a property and its contents. Beyond this, however, the policies largely diverge.
Most rental property policies provide different coverages that protect against lost revenue. Homeowners insurance policies are unlikely to have rental guarantee or loss of income coverage, for example.
Most homeowners insurance policies provide personal liability coverage, which may cover legal costs associated with a host of liability lawsuits. Although rental property policies usually have rental liability coverage, this usually is limited to property-related lawsuits. It’s not the same as personal liability that protects against non-business risks.
Premiums for rental property policies can vary dramatically. While multiple rental property insurance policies tend to cost more than comparable single rental property policies, there are many factors that impact cost. Insurers frequently consider:
For help insuring one or more rental properties located in Massachusetts, contact the independent insurance agents at Roger Keith & Sons Insurance. Our agents can help you with multiple rental property insurance policies or single rental property insurance policies, and we can show you the best options from a variety of insurers since we’re an independent agency.
1575 Main Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Phone: (508) 583-1106
Fax: (508) 583-8478
PO Box 608 — 153 Front Street, Marion, MA 02738
Phone: (508) 748-0194
Fax: (508) 748-3655
328 Bedford Street
Lakeville, MA 02347
Phone: (508) 947-3460
Fax: (508) 947-6844