My insurance Agent (American Family) just dropped insuring 8 unit rental property building in an LLC. I have never filed a claim. Are there recommended insurance companies in Milwaukee? Also, should I get replacement cost or actual cash value?
Real Estate Broker · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2020 · 306 posts · 209 votes
1y
@Devron Morris-Brooks Sorry to hear that—unfortunately, some carriers are tightening up on rental properties held in LLCs. In Milwaukee, you might want to check out providers like State Farm, Auto-Owners, or local brokers who specialize in multi-family investments. Replacement cost is usually preferred for better protection, though it may cost more upfront. A good broker can help you compare both and find the right fit.
Investor · Milwaukee - Mequon, WI · Member since 2010 · 5k+ posts · 7k+ votes
1y
For a MF I would check with Robertson Ryan, talk to Matt Frank.
What level of insurance is right for you is a risk profile question. I am fine with market value, because I am not really expecting a building to burn to the ground and if it happens, so be it. But if that concerns you, go with replacement cost. You can even include lost income.
If you are looking for professional networking, consider joining the RPA (Rental Property Association of Wisconsin, a 51-year-old nonprofit) - next in person meeting is May 19 in Tosa, there are usually 100+ people there, mostly MF investors. RPAWI.org
Real Estate Broker · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2020 · 306 posts · 209 votes
1y
@Devron Morris-Brooks Sorry to hear that—unfortunately, some carriers are tightening up on rental properties held in LLCs. In Milwaukee, you might want to check out providers like State Farm, Auto-Owners, or local brokers who specialize in multi-family investments. Replacement cost is usually preferred for better protection, though it may cost more upfront. A good broker can help you compare both and find the right fit.
Real Estate Broker · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2020 · 306 posts · 209 votes
1y
@Devron Morris-Brooks That's frustrating, especially with a clean claim history. In Milwaukee, you might want to check with providers like State Farm (commercial division), Liberty Mutual, or National Real Estate Insurance Group—they often work well with LLC-held multifamily properties. As for coverage, replacement cost is generally the better option for long-term protection, as it covers rebuilding at today’s prices, whereas actual cash value factors in depreciation. Always best to get quotes and compare both options with a broker familiar with investment properties.
Real Estate Broker · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2020 · 306 posts · 209 votes
1y
@Devron Morris-Brooks Sorry to hear that happened! It's actually becoming more common for some insurers to limit or drop coverage for LLC-owned multi-units. In Milwaukee, many investors have had good experiences with companies like State Farm, Farmers, or specialty insurers like Proper Insurance or Foremost. As for coverage, replacement cost is usually the better option—it ensures your property can be rebuilt to its original state without depreciation, offering stronger protection in the long run. Always compare quotes and ask each agent about experience with multi-family properties.
Real Estate Broker · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2020 · 306 posts · 209 votes
1y
@Devron Morris-Brooks sorry to hear about that! For multi-unit rental properties in Milwaukee, you might want to check out State Farm, Liberty Mutual, Farmers, or local brokers like HNI Risk Services and Ansay & Associates—they’re familiar with investment property coverage.
As for Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value—go with Replacement Cost if you want full protection. It covers the cost to rebuild without depreciation, which is key for long-term asset value.