Key Things to Check on your Landlord Insurance Policy

Landlord insurance policies vary so it's important that you check that your policy covers all of your requirements and meets your needs. We've put together a list of questions for you to ask potential insurance providers so you can find out if you're buying insurance that's right for your circumstances.

Damage, injury and breakdown

Are you covered if someone is injured at the property?
Are you covered for accidental damage by tenants?
Are you covered if the tenants ruin the property or leave it in a poor state of repair?
What are you covered for if there is an escape of water at your rental property?
Is your property insured for storm and other weather-related damage?
Can you claim for broken glass?
Are you covered for damage to drains?
Are you insured for damage to another property caused by something happening at your property?
Is damage caused by public authorities and emergency services insured?
Are there any flat roof conditions?
Are fences, walls, outbuildings and other garden-related items covered by the policy?

Policy

How long does your policy last?
Can you cancel your policy and what is involved?
What is excluded from the policy?
Who needs to be named on the landlords building insurance policy document?
Do you need to inform your insurance provider of your convictions?
When do you need to inform your insurance company of changes to you or the property's circumstances?
What would make the insurance policy void or voidable?
Will you still be insured and to what extent if you have insurance with two providers?

Claims

What level of cover is provided?
What is the applicable excess in the event of a claim?
What is the procedure when you need to make claim?
What documents will you need to make a claim?
Is there a limit to the number of claims you can make?
Are there any time limits for making a claim?
Do you need to inform anyone other your insurance provider if you need to make a claim?

Tenants

Are any particular types of tenants excluded from the policy?
Are you covered in the event of a legal dispute with your tenant?
Do you need to inform your insurance provider of your tenants' convictions?
If temporary accommodation is required for tenants, will this be covered?

Security

Are you insured if your rental property is unoccupied?
What are the minimum security requirements for your property?

This list of questions should go some way to help you determine whether you are purchasing appropriate insurance. The list is not exhaustive. If you have more questions then don't be afraid to ask your insurance provider before taking out landlord insurance.

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Dealing with problem tenants

General landlord information (DIY, Inventories and more..)

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Buying a buy-to-let property (auctions, location etc)

Insurance for landlords

Using letting agents

Mortgage information for landlords

The information contained within this article is for general information purposes only, it does not constitute advice. Direct Line for Business endeavours to keep the information up to date and correct but does not make any representation or warranties of any kind about its completeness, accuracy, reliability or suitability. Any reliance you place on the information is strictly at your own risk. Direct Line for Business will not be liable for any direct or indirect loss or damage arising out of or in connection with the use of this information.