The Obie Blog

Here’s how insurers typically handle vandalized property and what you can do to protect yourself from this costly risk.

As a landlord or real estate investor in rental properties, you may wonder if you need landlord insurance or an umbrella policy. Landlord insurance is a type of property insurance that protects landlords from financial losses due to damage to their rental property or from liability claims made by tenants. Umbrella policies provide additional liability coverage above and beyond what is already provided by your landlord insurance policy. So which one do you need? This guide will help you understand the difference between these two types of insurance and which one is right for you.

You've been a good landlord, providing your tenant with a quality, well-maintained home to live in and offering plenty of notice when you make any changes. But what do you do when it's time to ask them to leave? It can be difficult to tell a renter you need them to vacate the property, and there are many reasons why this may be what's best for you and your business. However, not giving proper notice to vacate can lead to costly legal battles and months of lost rent.

So what is the appropriate amount of coverage? Here's a quick rundown of what landlords need to know about renters insurance, including how much coverage tenants should have.

Commercial property insurance can protect your building and its assets from unexpected losses. With this coverage, you have peace of mind knowing if disaster strikes, your policy can help cushion the blow. As with any insurance coverage, the cost is a chief concern. How much do different policies cost, and how does that impact the coverage they provide? This article discusses the costs associated with commercial property insurance. You’ll learn everything you need to know to make an informed decision about the type and amount of coverage right for your business. Also covered in this guide are the top carriers for commercial insurance and where to find the best commercial property insurance policy options for your needs.

Mixed use property can be complicated for a building owner to insure. Each type of business conducted on the property - retail, office, or residential - has different insurance needs. As a result, landlords must ensure they are properly covered by working with an experienced insurance broker who understands the unique risks associated with mixed use property. So do you need mixed use property insurance? The answer is maybe. It depends on how your property is classified and what type of coverage you need. This blog post will break down everything you need to know about mixed use property insurance so that you can make the best decision for your business.

As an apartment building owner or manager, you know that there are a lot of things to keep track of—from maintenance and repairs to rent collection and lease agreements. One of the most important things on your list should be finding the right insurance for your property. With so many options, it can be tough to know where to start. Don't worry - we’re here to help you make sense of things. This blog post will give you tips on finding the best insurance for your apartment building and share some things to keep in mind as you compare policies. So read on, and rest assured, knowing that you're well on your way to finding the right coverage for your property.

If you're a real estate investor, landlord, or property manager, you're probably always looking for ways to save money on your properties. One way you can do that is by carefully choosing your insurance policy. A vacancy clause (also called an unoccupied property clause) is a rider that can be added to your insurance policy and will exclude or limit coverage for certain types of damage while your property is vacant. In this article, we'll discuss what vacancy clause insurance is, what it covers, and how to decide whether or not you need it.

Are you a landlord wondering if public liability insurance is necessary for your rental property? Many landlords are confused about the difference between public liability insurance and their general or umbrella coverage. While it may seem like just another type of insurance to add to your already growing list, public liability coverage can protect you from certain kinds of lawsuits and damages that fall outside of your general policy coverage. It's important to understand the risks associated with renting out properties and make sure that you have the appropriate coverage in place.

Many investors consider multifamily properties a solid and affordable avenue for venturing into real estate. The increasing demand, which is expected to remain as younger people defer purchasing single-family homes due to high costs, promises attractive returns in the future. To make money in this industry, it is important to consider things that could affect your investment.

A fire in a rental property can have devastating consequences for a landlord. If the right insurance policy is not in place, the landlord could be left with a huge financial burden. The cost of repairing the damage caused by the fire can be high. If the property is left uninhabitable, the landlord may also have to pay for alternative accommodation for the tenants. In some cases, the landlord may even be liable for damages if their negligence caused the fire.

Short-term rentals have taken over the market in the last decade. Many travelers have opted for this accommodation as it offers a feel-at-home vibe at a lower cost than a hotel room and often more amenities. ‍Online accommodation marketplaces alone have properties listed in the millions. For instance, Airbnb currently has over 5 million listings worldwide. The short-term rental market presents an opportunity for property owners to make money, whether you are managing a portfolio of vacation homes or are a homeowner with an extra room looking to make some extra cash on the side.

As a real estate owner, you need to know about building insurance coverage. Sure, you may have property or rental insurance for your tenants, but what happens if there's a huge windstorm or fire that damages the actual structure of your building?

In this article, we'll break down the key differences between the two types of coverage so you can decide which policy fits your unique situation.

When you're a landlord, there are a lot of risks that come with the territory. Fires, theft, natural disasters, and even lawsuits can all be potential hazards. That's why it's important to have adequate insurance coverage in place. But how much is enough? And what kind of policies should you be looking for?

In this article, we'll explore how landlord insurance can (and can't) help if your rental property is unoccupied for an extended period.

Many landlords and property managers mistakenly believe that a standard landlord policy will adequately cover them in the event of a loss. But that isn’t always the case. Depending on your coverage, you may be exposed to unexpected costs in the event of a significant loss. ‍That's why protecting your apartment building with the right insurance is one of the smartest decisions you can make. But what type of insurance should you buy? And how much does it cost?‍In this article, we’ll break down the basics of insuring a 5-unit apartment building. You'll learn about the different types of coverage available and how to decide on the amount of insurance necessary to protect your investment.

Are you a rental property owner who needs to file an insurance claim? ‍Filing a property insurance claim can be daunting, but don't worry! Knowing where to start is often the most challenging part of filing a claim.‍In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to successfully file an insurance claim for your rental property.

Whether you need to calculate rental income and expenses, estimate renovation costs, or calculate mortgage payments, these calculators can provide quick and accurate answers. With many offering additional features such as loan comparison and amortization schedules, these calculators are essential tools for any real estate professional. Check out Obie’s list below and find the best calculator for your needs.

Obie is excited to announce a new partnership with Flock, a tech-enabled real estate platform offering the retirement solution for landlords.

The insurtech industry has grown from innovation and automation in the insurance process with a greater goal of improving the customer experience for real estate investors. Obie, a Chicago-based insurtech, plans on utilizing proprietary advances in automation to not only improve the insurance process for real estate investors, but also to support independent insurance agents. This is a first in the space of landlord insurance, with automation becoming a benefit to the independent insurance agent.

Obie is partnering with PeerStreet to streamline the insurance process for lenders and real estate investors.

You don't want your insurance to fall short when you need it most. So why do you need landlord insurance versus some other kind? Let's dig in.

Triplexes can be a great real estate investment or a place for family members to live close to one another. This article explains the kind of insurance triplexes require.

Obie is partnering with RL Property Management Group to improve the insurance experience for Ohio-based property managers.

A fourplex can be a great investment, but they require specific insurance. This article will explain what you need to know about how to insure your fourplex.

Landlord liability insurance can help protect you from all kinds of problems. Explore what the coverage provides and how much it typically costs

A duplex can be a great real estate investment, but they require specific insurance. This article will explain what you need to know about duplex insurance.

Co-founder and CEO of Obie, Ryan Letzeiser, discusses many topics around landlord insurance, including embedded insurance, partnerships with proptech and fintech companies, distribution through independent agents, and why insurance is such a tough business.

Did you know that at least half a million properties in the U.S. face a risk of flood water damage? To make matters worse, flood risk is growing. New maps indicate flood damage will increase by at least 26% in the next three decades, thanks partly to climate change. But, perhaps, the most worrying takeaway for real estate investors is that their standard landlord insurance would not cover any damages caused by a flood. Yes, you read that right!

It’s not uncommon for landlords to make lapses in getting the right types of coverage for their properties. Often, it’s not their fault. Understanding the ins and outs of insurance has typically been a complicated process that makes it hard for property owners to figure out what they really need in a policy. These are 8 important things to consider when looking for landlord insurance.

As a landlord, you are responsible for ensuring that your rental property is safe for tenants. This includes ensuring that there are no potential hazards that could cause tenant injury. Unfortunately, accidents can happen even when all safety precautions have been taken. You could be held liable if a tenant is injured on your property. For example, if a tenant trips and falls on a step, they could try and hold you responsible for their injuries. Similarly, if a tenant is injured by what they claim is a defective appliance or piece of furniture, you may be held liable if it can be shown that you were aware of the issue and failed to repair it.

Some landlords assume their homeowners insurance policy will cover damages to their rental properties as well. ‍Unfortunately, this isn't usually the case. In fact, many homeowners policies specifically exclude rental properties from coverage.‍Protecting your investment is a top priority, and with the right insurance policy in place, you can rest easy knowing that you're covered in case of the unexpected. This article will explain the types of coverage available for landlords and how to make sure your property is protected.

Sometimes, becoming a landlord takes you by surprise. If you’re an accidental landlord, this article will detail what kind of insurance you need.

If you own a rental property in the Badger State, this article will explain what you need to know about landlord insurance in Wisconsin.

Do you own or are you considering buying rental property in The Great Lakes State? This article will tell you what you need to know about landlord insurance in Michigan.

BusinessInsurance.com recently recognized the industry’s top insurance companies to work for in 2022, placing Obie on the list. Recognitions like this don't come easy, however.

Whether you’re new to real estate investing or have been an investor for a long time, Stessa is probably a tool you’ve heard about from a friend or being mentioned online. In this article, we’ll break down what Stessa is, who it’s for, and what features you get with your Stessa account.

Do you own or are you considering buying rental property in the Keystone State? This article will tell you what you need to know about landlord insurance in Pennsylvania.

There are many types of insurance policies. This will explain if rental dwelling policies and landlord insurance are the same type of policy.

Do you own or are you considering buying rental property in the Hoosier State? This article will tell you what you need to know about landlord insurance in Indiana.

Multifamily rental properties are a different animal to single-family homes. These are the best multifamily insurance providers in 2023.

Are you wondering what landlord insurance covers? This article will give you a quick overview of landlord insurance and the cost.

An LLC can help protect your assets. The right insurance policy for your LLC-held rental properties can help protect your investment.

Obie, an industry-pioneer in the insurance and proptech space, earned a spot on the 2022 Inc 5000 list at number 685.Obie is an insurtech company focused on bringing speed and transparency to real estate investors during the process of obtaining insurance. Obie has identified several strategic ways to do this which has helped the company catapult itself to being a leader in insurance.

Obie is partnering with Green Doors Property Management to provide simple and transparent insurance quotes for investors. Green Doors users can get instant insurance quotes without leaving the Green Doors platform.

Obie is partnering with LoanBase to streamline insurance for lenders, borrowers and brokers.

If you own or are considering buying rental property in California, you’ll need landlord insurance. This article will explain what you need to know about landlord insurance in The Golden State.

Obie is partnering with Backflip to create a seamless experience for real estate investors. Backflip is a real estate and fintech startup improving how entrepreneurs invest in residential properties.

If you own or are considering buying rental property in Colorado, you’ll need landlord insurance. This article will explain what you need to know about landlord insurance in The Centennial State.

Real estate investors have begun to see insurance premiums rise due to inflation. There are several factors at play and a few practical ways to avoid unnecessary increases.

It’s confusing to know which types of insurance policies give you the coverage you need. This article will explain the finer points of a DP1 policy.

Landlords have a lot of choices when it comes to insurance, and it can be quite confusing. This article will explain the difference between DP1, DP2, and DP3 policies.

In this article, we’ll cover the details of DP3 policies and what they cover so you can better understand if it’s something you need for your property.

Curious what DP2 insurance policies are and what they cover? This article will explain the details of this policy.

If you're a landlord in Illinois, it's essential to know how insurance for rental property works and how to find the best coverage for your needs. This blog post will take a closer look at landlord insurance in Illinois to help you make an informed decision about which policies are best for you and your rental property.

This blog post will discuss what landlord insurance is and why you need it, and some of the specific coverage options available. So if you're thinking about buying or renting out a property in Ohio, be sure to read on!

By the end of this article, you will better understand how to insure multiple properties and where to find the best landlord insurance.

Learn more about finding the best landlord insurance and some of the top companies to consider when purchasing insurance for a rental property. At the end of this article, we'll cover some of the frequently asked questions real estate investors have about landlord insurance for rental property.

This article will delve deeper into the meaning of short-term rental insurance, how it works, why you need it, and some of the best insurers you can use.

This article will discuss the main types of landlord insurance coverage, how landlord insurance differs from homeowners insurance, and the best places to find landlord insurance for rental property.

This article sheds more light on how much landlord insurance costs, the factors affecting the annual premium for landlord insurance, and the different coverage options available. Let’s begin by discussing the three main risk categories covered by landlord insurance.

In this article, you will learn about the different types of insurance for real estate investors so you can decide which ones are right for your specific needs.

Obie has partnered with proptech company Flock, better enabling investors to purchase fractional shares of real estate by simplifying the insurance process. This new partnership enables Flock to obtain insurance for their high volume of properties through Obie, meaning a more efficient process and the most competitive rates for coverage.

Obie and Here have partnered to enable real estate investors to more easily expand their portfolios into the vacation rental market.

Obie has partnered with New Silver to make getting insured simple and quick for real estate investors who have leveraged New Silver’s lending technology. Investors can now get approved and close on a loan with New Silver in 7 days and insure their asset instantly with Obie.

Obie and Fund That Flip are working together to eliminate the insurance headaches associated with closing on a loan on your investment property.

Obie is teaming up with Roofstock to help streamline investment property transactions.

Obie Partners With Baselane to Simplify Landlord Finances

We've been hard at work in 2021. See how we've grown, what we've done, and where we're headed in our year- end review.

Have a vacant rental property in the winter? Don't fret. Follow these six tips to attract and keep tenants in the cold winter months.

Protect your rental property this holiday season. Be prepared for these 7 home disasters and know what your landlord insurance will cover.

Looking to invest in real estate? Here's how you can buy rental property and become a landlord.

Obie announces partnership with Fractional — a social platform for real estate investing with others. Through this partnership, investors can buy rental property and get coverage all in one place.

Wondering how much to charge for rent? We'll walk you through how to calculate rental income in this handy guide. Learn how to turn a profit and more.

Obie has partnered with Belong to help provide new landlords with rental property insurance. Instead of spending hours (or days!) shopping around for property management companies and insurance, this partnership provides the convenience and ease of getting both in one place.

Obie is proud to announce a partnership with Doorvest —a full service real estate investing platform that helps everyday people buy and own rental homes completely online.

Keep your tenants happy. Check out these top tenant complaints and how you can fix them for increased tenant happiness.

Obie is partnering with NestEgg, a property management company that takes the stress out of being a landlord. Learn more about the partnership and NestEgg.

As tenants come and go through your property, they may either intentionally or accidentally damage your property. See what's covered by insurance vs a security deposit.

Moving properties and not sure whether to rent or sell your first home? Here are some key considerations to help you make a decision.

Have some questions on your mortgagee billing? See how you can set up your mortgagee billing, switch carriers mid-policy, and more.

Clogged gutters can cause problems like mold, flooding, wall damage, and much more. Identify the signs of clogged gutters before your property is damaged.

Renting out your first property can yield passive income as you settled into your second property. Learn how to rent out your house in our definitive guide.

Catch water damage early and you could save thousands in repair costs. Here's how you can spot water damage on your property before it gets worse.

What is a DP1 policy? A DP3? And which one is best for your property? We've got your questions answered.

With many tenants unable to pay rent due to COVID-19, the eviction moratorium was enacted to help. What does this mean for landlords though? Do landlords qualify for rental assistance? Read on to find out.

Prepare for winter with this ultimate fall maintenance checklist. Landlords with rental properties, follow this list to reduce damage to your property and keep your tenants safe and warm.

As a landlord, you may wonder if you should be inspecting your property regularly. What should you be looking for and how often should you be looking? Find out here.

Learn what landlords can be held liable for. Protect yourself and your rental property with landlord insurance.

Landlord and homeowners insurance are not the same things! This article will explain the differences and show you which you need.

Learn the top tips to help you thrive as a landlord.

Obie closes $10.7M Series A funding to reinvent the insurance process for landlords and real estate investors.

Navigating the complexity of landlord insurance can be tough. We've created a handy guide to help you and answer any of your landlord questions.

After natural disasters, scammers and fraudsters try making money off unsuspecting landlords. See common red flags and how to avoid falling for a scam.

Get information on what’s covered in an umbrella insurance policy, how much umbrella policies cost, and more with this helpful guide.

Learn how best to approach insurance for buildings under construction with this guide. Explore types of available policies and what they cover and make the best decision for your business.

Learn what earthquake insurance coverage includes and what types of plans are typically available.