Include rental homes in the household insurance strategy.

Package the household account

Placing the primary home, autos and eligible rental properties with the same carrier can improve carrier fit and simplify liability coordination. Eligibility depends on the property, occupancy, state, condition, loss history and the rest of the account.

The correct occupancy matters

A tenant-occupied home should not remain on an owner-occupied homeowners policy. Disclose annual leases, vacancies, renovations, seasonal use and any short-term rental activity.

Dwelling and landlord property

Landlord policies can insure the structure and specified appliances or property supplied for tenant use. Tenant belongings require the tenant’s renters policy. Settlement terms, roof provisions and deductibles deserve the same scrutiny as the primary home.

Loss of rents

Covered damage may suspend rental income. Review the time period, limit, waiting period and how continuing expenses are handled.

Premises liability

Landlords face allegations involving maintenance, stairs, railings, lighting, pools, animals and security. Confirm that each location is recognized by the umbrella carrier and meets required underlying limits.

Ownership and property management

Individual ownership, trusts, LLCs, partnerships and property managers create named-insured and additional-insured questions. Insurance should match the legal ownership and management arrangement.

Short-term rentals

Nightly or platform rentals can be treated differently from annual leases and may require a specialized program. Platform protection is not a substitute for reviewing the owner’s policy.