New Jersey Landlords, Who insures your properties?

[Steve Wilcox]

I have been working with Affinity Group Management for a few years and have been happy with everything so far (never had a claim so not sure how much that's worth), however I am closing on a new property this week and their cost to insure it has gone up over 20% because of 'new underwriting policies'. 

I am curious what insures others use, how much you pay, ect.

I previously paid $120 for occupied properties, and $140 for vacant for coverage up to $150K for all the basic stuff. Now Affinity is asking for over $180 for vacant under renovation, and I think I should be able to do much better. 

P.S. They insure my properties in Newark which is a high risk area

[Darren Sager]

I recommend WH Roddy in Bloomfield. They're insurance brokers.   I work with Jay Hall there.   What Jay has done is match the best carrier for each type of property that either I or my clients have to save the most money.  I respectfully disagree with going with Farmers or State Farm, as they are generic insurers.  What Jay was able to do was find the specific carrier that specialized in duplex's and get me the best rate on that type of house. Each carrier in insurance has a core competence of what they like and do best.  It doesn't matter if is a two, 3 family, new construction, large apartment, mixed use, etc.  Match up with the one who likes what you have the most and you'll get the best coverage at the lowest amount.   You will not find that if you go to Farmers, State Farm, Allstate, etc.   You'll probably find a nice person there however you'll overpay for what you need.