Building Insurance vs Landlord Insurance
Learn why you should have both building and landlord insurance policies for your investment property. This article explains the differences between the two policies and why they are necessary for complete coverage. Keep reading to learn more.
What is building insurance?
Some property investors mistakenly think that they only need standard home and contents insurance to protect their property. However, these policies are designed to protect owner-occupiers from loss and damage caused by things such as weather events, burglary and theft, and other accidents. In contrast, building and contents insurance for property investors protects you from damage to your property plus any of the fixtures and fittings inside it while it is tenanted or vacant.
Building insurance provides residential building protection, plus it also provides cover for garages and sheds, fences and gates, built-in swimming pools and spas, and infrastructure such as the supply of electricity, gas, water, internet and phone. Contents insurance for property investors covers all the fixtures and fittings inside your property, such as carpets, curtains and internal blinds, furniture, white goods, and non-in-built swimming pools and spas. With a building and contents policy taken out, you are protected from any accidents that may cause damage to your property and the fixtures inside it, whether these were intentional or not.
What is landlord insurance?
While building and contents insurance for property investors may protect your physical property, it doesn’t cover you for the other risks that are associated with property investment. The key risk you need coverage for in a landlord insurance policy is rent default and loss of rent due to repairs. For example, you have an excellent, long-term tenant who has a change in circumstances such as job loss or illness. They can no longer pay the rent and fall behind. The outcome may be they face eviction, or you may find the property has extensive damage once they’ve vacated - you could be looking at thousands of dollars in lost rent and repairs. An adequate landlord insurance policy should protect you in these circumstances, providing coverage for lost rent due to default and if your property needs to remain vacant for repairs. Landlord insurance will also cover you for legal liability, which provides protection if a tenant injures themselves in your property and you were negligent in ensuring the property is safe.
Even if you have a Property Manager ensuring a tenancy runs smoothly, and have great tenants, accidents can happen so it’s best to be safe and ensure you have full insurance coverage for your property, what’s inside it and protection from the financial risks of being a landlord. And if you’re unsure of what level of coverage is right for you, make sure you speak to an insurance specialist to assess your unique situation.
Remember, this article is general in nature and is not financial or legal advice. Please consult your professional financial and legal advisors before making any decisions for yourself.