Insurance Guide

Condo and Homeowner Association (COA/HOA) Insurance Basics

Insurance Guides

insurance renewal policy

Is Your Insurance Policy up for Renewal? Here’s What You Should Check and Verify

Property insurance policies are normally renewed automatically after one calendar year from when the policy went into effect.

medical expenses coverage

Medical Expenses Coverage in Landlord Insurance

What is medical expenses coverage in landlord and rental property insurance, and how does it differ from general liability coverage?

roof insurance

How Roofs Impacts Your Insurance Policy

The age, type of material, and condition of your roof are all considered when determining the coverages that should apply to your roof.

how to reduce hoa fees

Here’s how you reduce your HOA insurance costs by 40%

By switching to Honeycomb, the COA's surveyed saved on average 40% on their insurance costs, equalling $800 dollars less in yearly HOA fees

Average Cash Flow on a Rental Property

How to Calculate Average Cash Flow on a Rental Property

Calculating cash flow is an essential part of owning a rental property and should ideally be made before the purchase to ensure it’s a viable investment

vandalism coverage insurance

How Is Vandalism Covered by Landlord and HOA/COA Insurance?

Vandalism is a covered peril in most property insurance policies, but there are exclusions such as vacant properties and cyber vandalism

admitted vs non admitted carrier

Admitted vs Non-admitted Carrier: The Practical Differences

An admitted carrier is an insurance company licensed and regulated by the state government in which it operates

rent ledger free template

Rent Ledger: When and How to Use One + Free Template

A rent payment ledger is a vital tool for landlords to keep track of rent payments. You can download our rent ledger template free of charge

mixed use property insurance

What Kind of Insurance Policy Do You Need for a Mixed-Use Property?

If you own a property with rental units and a mercantile such as a beauty parlor or a shop, you need to get a commercial insurance policy

harjeet bhatti

Financing investment properties: Interview with Harjeet Bhatti

Harjeet Bhatti has been working as a loan originator for more than 21 years, and has a lot experience with first time investors and financing

Landlord Insurance in Massachusetts: Everything You Need to Know

Landlord Insurance in Massachusetts: Coverages and Special Considerations

Landlord insurance in Massachusetts is designed for those who rent out their properties to others on a residential, long-term basis.

Massachusetts Landlord-Tenant Laws

Landlord-Tenant Laws in Massachusetts

If you're a landlord, you need to understand the Massachusetts rental laws to ensure your investment is protected and give your tenants the best experience possible

landlord tenant laws utah

Here’s What You Need to Know about the Landlord-Tenant Laws in Utah

If you're a landlord, you need to know the Utah rental laws to ensure your investment is protected and give your tenants the best experience possible.

Best Apps for Landlords To Collect Rent

9 of the Best Apps for Landlords To Collect Rent in 2023

Using an online rent collection app allows you to receive rent in half the time or less compared to traditional rent payment methods

landlord tenant laws in new jersey

Landlord-Tenant Laws in New Jersey

New Jersey's landlord-tenant laws are designed to provide a framework for the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants.

landlord insurance nj

Landlord Insurance in NJ: The Right Coverage for Your Rental Properties

New Jersey is a densely populated state with a thriving real estate market, and there are many opportunities for real estate investors to generate income from rental properties.

solar panels on roof

How to boost your property’s rental value by creating an eco-friendly home

How to boost your property’s rental value by creating an eco-friendly home

investing in a townhouse

Are Townhouses Considered a Good Investment?

Townhouses are often considered to be a good choice as they’re generally less expensive than detached properties, and they may have access to luxury amenities

Rachel Salz

Partner Success Manager: Getting the deal across the finish line

Based out of Austin TX, Rachel Salz collaborates with and educates agency partners on our innovative products for habitational and single-family rental properties.

amazon package delivery

Amazon Key For Business x Honeycomb Insurance

Honeycomb customers can now get a free installation of Amazon Key, an easy and safe way for apartment buildings and condos to receive deliveries

Short-Term Rental Insurance

Short-Term Rental Insurance - Everything You Need to Know

Short-term rental insurance is available for those wishing to lease out their property (or part of their property) to holidaymakers or others

Preventative maintenance for landlords

How to Set Up a Maintenance System to Prevent Costly Repairs

Preventative maintenance is the key to reducing long-term expenses, minimizing tenant complaints, and increasing the lifespan of your property.

mold in rental properties

Mold in Rental Property: Who Needs to Fix It and How to Prevent It

Many landlord insurance policies have a fungi or bacteria exclusion, meaning that they specifically do not provide coverage for issues related to mold.

Animal Liability Exclusion

What Does an Animal Liability Exclusion Endorsement Mean in Landlord Insurance?

Every landlord should understand how canine liability insurance exclusions work in order to protect themselves from unwanted liability.

swimming pools rental property

Pools on Your Rental Property: How It Affects Your Insurance Premiums

Whether you already have a pool on your rental property or you are planning on installing one, be aware that swimming pools can have an impact on your insurance costs.

pest control rental apartment

Pest Control in Rental Properties: Who Has the Main Responsibility?

Pests can be a real nuisance in any home, but who's responsible for getting rid of them? The answer depends on your lease agreement and where you live.

capital gains tax

How to Avoid Capital Gains Tax on Rental Property in 2023

If you’re investing in rental property, make sure you know what to expect and how to avoid capital gains on an investment property.

Jason Marino is an attorney who specialize in helping real estate investors protect their assets and create time and financial freedom.

Q&A with Jason Marino: When and why should a real estate investor consider an LLC?

When and why should a real estate investor consider an LLC?

landlord increasing rent

Raising the Rent: How Much and How Often, What Rules Apply?

Can landlords raise rent as much as they want? Not usually. In addition to rent control laws, landlords must also consider the terms of the lease.

rental income insurance coverage

Will Your Landlord Insurance Policy Cover Loss of Rental Income?

Loss of rental income coverage is an important type of business income coverage for landlords, but it does not provide coverage in all situations.

Knob and tube wiring insurance

Can you get property insurance if you have knob and tube wiring?

Knob and tube wiring is an outdated and potentially unsafe electrical system, leading to high policy premium rates and often refusals to any property with K&T wiring

honeycomb insurance quote estimate

Honeycomb’s Quote Process: Step-By-Step Tutorial

Getting an insurance quote for your rental property or HOA/COA is easy with Honeycomb

umbrella insurance landlords

Do Landlords Need Umbrella Insurance on Top of Their Regular Policy?

An umbrella insurance policy can provide additional coverage for major liability losses.

landlord insurance vs homeowners insurance

Landlord Insurance vs. Homeowners Insurance: 6 Reasons to Get Commercial Coverage

If you’re relying on homeowners insurance to cover your rental property, you’re paying for coverage you don’t need and going without coverage you do need

Jason Bott: Premiums will keep rising 10%-15% through 2023

Honeycomb’s Laura Moseley sat down with Bott to talk about market trends for 2023, the impact out-of-state investors have had in the mid-west, and what he thinks insuretech will do to the industry.

Additional Insured: What Does It Mean for Your Landlord Insurance or HOA/COA Policy?

Additional insured status extends coverage to someone other than the named insured and can be useful in HOA and landlord insurance situations.

normal wear and tear

What Is Considered Normal Wear and Tear? A Landlord’s Guide

Normal wear and tear in a rental refers to the expected amount of deterioration of a rental unit due to a tenant’s everyday use

actual cash value vs replacement cost

Actual Cash Value vs Replacement Cost: What It Means for Your Insurance Payout

Choosing between the two main property valuation methods – actual cash value vs replacement cost – can make a big difference if you ever have to file a claim

how to read your landlord insurance policy

How to Read and Understand Your Landlord Insurance Policy

Knowing how to read your landlord insurance policy can help you verify that you have the coverage you need to protect your property and income.

underinsurance investment property

Is Your Rental Property Investment Underinsured? Here's How You Can Tell

If you don't have the right insurance coverage for your rental property, you may face serious problems if you need to make a claim

buying a house with a tenant

Buying a Rental Property With Existing Tenants - A Good or a Bad Idea?

Buying a rental property with tenants is a unique situation that comes along with its own set of pros and cons, so make sure you know what they are.

Insurance Rates Going Up

Why Have Insurance Rates Gone up So Drastically in Recent Years?

Why are insurance premiums going up? Inflation, claims, and other factors are leading to higher insurance costs, but there are ways to keep the costs down

10 Tips to Control Landlord Insurance Costs

10 Tips for Keeping Your Rental Property Investment Insurance Costs Down

Don’t overpay for insurance. Keep your landlord insurance costs down by preventing claims and selecting the right coverage terms.

Winter Property Management Tips for Landlords

Winter Is Coming: Make Sure Your Rental Property Is Ready for the Cold Season

Cold weather brings a new set of challenges for landlords. Make sure you follow best practices to prepare your rental unit for the winter

Can Landlords Require Renters Insurance

Is Renters’ Insurance a Legal Requirement, or Can a Landlord Demand That a Tenant Gets It?

As a landlord, it’s important to know whether renters’ insurance is mandatory and why you may or may not want to require it yourself.

certified terrorism

Certified Terrorism Insurance Coverage

Landlords, HOAs, and other businesses have access to terrorism insurance coverage under TRIA. This can cover property damage and certain other losses.

website to list rentals

The Best Websites To List Your Long-Term Rental Units

The best way to get your property in front of lots of eyes and find new tenants is to list it on one or more of the many rental platforms out there. 

Hired and Non-Owned Auto Coverage

What Is Hired and Non-Owned Auto Coverage?

Hired & non-owned auto insurance provides coverage for the rented or personal vehicles you use for business. It may be important for your HOA.

landlord tax deductions

What Kinds of Tax Deductions for Landlords Are There?

Make sure you know all the rental property tax deductions you’re eligible for as a landlord to maximize your income.

Changing the Locks on Your Rental Unit

Changing the Locks on Your Rental Unit: When and Why You Should Do It

When should landlords change locks for new tenants and when shouldn’t they? The answer isn’t always so simple

Landlord-friendly States

Landlord-friendly States: What Are the Best States To Be a Landlord in 2023?

The best states to be a landlord are those that meet certain requirements which make them landlord friendly— make sure you know what they are!

tenant damage

Does Landlord Insurance Cover Tenant Damage?

Tenant damage can be costly to repair. The cause and nature of the damage will determine whether tenant damage insurance provides coverage.

Landlord-Tenant Laws in Georgia

Landlord-Tenant Laws in Georgia

If you own or manage a rental property in Georgia, you need to know about the landlord-tenant laws in Georgia.

The Most Common COA and HOA Issues

The Most Common COA and HOA Issues - And How to Deal With Them

HOA and COA complaints can arise from a variety of situations, so it’s important for HOA boards to know how to deal with them

Landlord Insurance in Texas: Securing the Coverage You Need

Landlord insurance in Texas provides valuable protection against natural disasters, property damage and third-party liability.

How Much Rent Should You Charge?

How Much Rent Should You Charge?

Determining what to charge in rent can be tricky. You want to run a profitable, but you also want to give tenants a fair deal that they can comfortably afford.

Equipment Breakdown Coverage

Equipment Breakdown Coverage in Landlord Insurance / HOA Insurance

As an add-on to your property insurance, equipment breakdown coverage covers unexpected equipment failures and is important for landlords and HOAs

California Landlord Insurance

California Landlord Insurance: Your Guide to Coverage

Landlords in California face specific natural disaster risks and legal requirements. Protect your rental property with landlord insurance tailored for California

The BRRRR method

The BRRRR Method: What Is It and What's the Best Strategy?

The BRRRR strategy can be a lucrative way to make passive income by investing in multiple rental properties.

The Landlord's Checklist for Tenants Who Are Moving Out

The Landlord's Checklist for Tenants Who Are Moving Out

Tenant moving out? Here's a free, printable tenant move-out checklist saves you time and streamlines so you can get your rental unit filled again immediately

Firearms in Rental Property

Firearms in Rental Property: Can Landlords Prevent You From Having a Weapon?

State laws vary regarding whether apartments can ban guns, so make sure you know what your local laws say about firearms in rental properties.

Damage to Premises Rented to You

Damage to Premises Rented to You

"Damage to premises rented to you” is not a separate insurance policy. Rather, it is a type of coverage typically found in general liability insurance policies.

deductibles landlord insurance

Landlord Insurance 101: Deductibles

Landlord insurance deductibles can make a significant difference in the cost of your insurance. Here’s why you may want a high deductible.

business income insurance coverage

Business Income Insurance Coverage for Landlords: How Does It Work?

What is business income insurance for landlords? It covers loss of income resulting from damage to physical property – protecting your rental income.

pet policy rental agreement

Pet Policy in Rental Agreements: Can Landlords Ban Support Animals?

Are you allowed to ban pets or regulate what kind of pets your tenants can have? Does this apply to emotional support animals as well?

insurance water damage coverage

Landlord Insurance 101: Water Damage Coverage

Landlord insurance typically provides limited water damage coverage. However, some loss types, including flooding, are commonly excluded

Tips for first time landlords

9 Essential Tips for First-Time Landlords

Before renting to tenants, make sure you study these must-know landlord tips that others in the rental business wish they had known before starting.

HOA budget best practices

HOA Budget: Best Practices To Keep Your Budget Balanced

Setting a new HOA budget is something you have to do annually. Using some HOA budget best practices will help keep your budget balanced every year

LLC for Rental Property

Pros and Cons of Setting up an LLC for a Rental Property

If you own a rental property, you need to know the benefits and disadvantages of setting up an LLC for rental properties.

windstorm insurance

Wind and Hail Coverage: Why Landlords Need Windstorm Insurance

Wind and hail insurance provides important protection. For homeowners and landlords, roof replacement is one of the largest property expenses you can incur.

Landlord-Tenant Laws in Michigan

Landlord-Tenant Laws in Michigan

If you own rental property in Michigan, you need to know about the landlord-tenant laws in Michigan, including eviction rules and lease requirements.

Landlord-Tenant Laws in Wisconsin

Landlord-Tenant Laws in Wisconsin

If you own rental properties in Wisconsin, you need to know the landlord-tenant laws in Wisconsin, including eviction rules, lease requirements and more.

Maintenance Checklist for Landlords

Maintenance Checklist for Landlords

Maintaining your rental property can be expensive and time-consuming, but failing to maintain it is even worse and can expose you to liability lawsuits

What Is A Coinsurance Clause

Landlord Insurance 101: What Is A Coinsurance Clause?

The coinsurance clause is a common feature in many landlord insurance policies, and it can lead to costly penalties when you file a claim

home replacement cost calculator

Calculating Home Replacement Costs: A Landlords Guide

Your home or rental property’s replacement cost is not the same its market value. Learn how to determine the replacement cost of your home or multi-family complex.

Does a Landlord Have To Tell You if Someone Died on Their Property

Does a Landlord Have To Tell You if Someone Died on Their Property?

Laws regarding disclosing death in rental property vary from state to state. Make sure you know what your obligations as a landlord are.

cash for keys

Cash for Keys: What Landlords Need To Know

Entering into a cash for keys agreement can get delinquent tenants out of your property fast and save you money in the long run.

lead based paint disclosure

Lead Based Paint Disclosure - What Every Landlord Should Know

When do you need a lead based paint disclosure? Lead paint is a common hazard in older builders, and landlords need to know their duties under the law.

Ordinance or Law: ABC Coverage

Ordinance or Law: ABC Coverage

Ordinance or law is a type of coverage that protects you when you need to rebuild your property according to updated building codes, ordinances and laws

Illinois Landlord-Tenant Law

Illinois Landlord-Tenant Law

State tenant laws for landlords in Illinois often favor landlords but provide fair rights, duties, and regulation for both tenants and landlords

Arizona Landlord-Tenant Law

Arizona Landlord-Tenant Law

Arizona is generally viewed as a state that favors landlords. Arizona has the lowest property tax rate in the country and flexible eviction laws.

How to Evict Tenants: A Landlord’s Guide

The Eviction Process: What's the Best Way to Handle It?

Evictions can be difficult for both tenants and landlords. To avoid legal complications and disputes, landlords must strictly adhere to the eviction process

California Landlord-Tenant Law

California Landlord-Tenant Law

Californian landlord-tenant laws and regulations tend to be tenant-friendly, but still provide good opportunities to resolve matters fairly for all sides

Texas landlord-tenant law

Texas Landlord-Tenant Law

Texas, in most cases, is generally landlord-friendly. TX landlord-tenant laws are straightforward though may be slightly different for each county.

Residential Lease Agreement: What to Include and Template

The Landlord-Tenant Residential Lease Agreement

Residential lease agreements are essential for starting the landlord and tenant relationship on the right foot.

State Tenant Laws For Landlords | Ohio

Ohio Landlord-Tenant Law

In OH, landlords need to adhere to federal, state, city laws and their own property rules when leasing to tenants

State Tenant Laws For Landlords | Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Landlord-Tenant Law

PA landlord-tenant laws tend to be landlord lenient, even friendly. From limits on late fees to entry notices, landlords do not have stringent rules

Hoa Meeting Protocol:  Successful Meeting Tips + Free Template

Hoa Meeting Protocol: Successful Meeting Tips + Free Template

Need an HOA meeting protocol template? Here’s a sample you can customize along with key considerations to make your HOA meetings more successful.

Landlord Notice of Nonrenewal

Landlord Notice of Nonrenewal

Terminating a Rental Lease? Here’s what landlords need to know to avoid potential tenancy problems, along with a sample termination of rental lease letter.

How HOAs Can Deter Squatters

How HOAs Can Deter Squatters

Squatters can cause problems for HOAs. Here’s what HOAs can do to deter squatters.

Squatters’ Rights: What Landlords Need to Know

Squatters’ Rights: What Landlords Need to Know

Squatters can cause damage and impede rental income, but landlords still need to follows laws regarding squatters’ rights. Here’s how to evict a squatter.

The Landlord Tenant Checklist for New Tenants

The Landlord Tenant Checklist for New Tenants

A landlord-tenant move-in checklist is a good way to set a clear standard while outlining your expectations for your landlord-tenant relationship.

14 of the Best Landlord Software for 2022

14 of the Best Landlord Software for 2022

We’ve put together a list of 14 of the best landlord software on the market to help you stay organized

California Rent Control

How California Rent Control Works: What Landlords Need to Know

In California, landlords cannot increase rent by more than the sum of 5% plus the local inflation rate (or 10%, whichever is lower).

landlord insurance illinois

A Complete Guide to Illinois Landlord Insurance

Landlord insurance isn’t mandatory in Illinois, but it's a great way to safeguard your property against damage and liability.

multifamily financing

Complete Guide to Multifamily Financing: What to Know Before You Apply

This guide focuses on your loan options, borrowing limits, down payment amount, and other key elements you need to know about multifamily financing

HOA insurance

HOA Fees 101: What HOA Boards Should Know

Having a sound budget for your HOA is a critical part of a successful community. It’s also essential for facilitating the management of your HOA’s property.

Deed restricted communities

Landlord's Guide to Deed Restricted Communities

Deed-restricted communities are not necessarily a bad thing, even for landlords. Restrictions may actually help maintain the value of your property

HOA insurance

Choosing an HOA Management Company: Key Considerations

Volunteering on an HOA board can be a miserable and sometimes isolating experience, and that's where an HOA management company can really help you

HOA insurance

General Liability Basics: How to Avoid the Most Common Lawsuits

Apartment owners operate in an extremely litigious environment. That’s why robust landlord liability insurance is crucial.

building

Better coverage is closer than you think

  • Tell us about your property
  • Get an instant, personalized quote
  • Enjoy up to 40% savings