Ask tenant to get Insurance

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Rental Property Investor · Huntsville, AL · Member since 2013 · 419 posts · 323 votes
9y

Yes, and have yourself listed as additional interest(or third party designee).  That way you get notices of cancellation and/or can inquire directly with the insurer whether the policy is still in effect.

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  • Rental Property Investor · Huntsville, AL · Member since 2013 · 419 posts · 323 votes
    9y

    Yes, and have yourself listed as additional interest(or third party designee).  That way you get notices of cancellation and/or can inquire directly with the insurer whether the policy is still in effect.

  • Investor · Richmond, VA · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    9y

    @Gerry C.

    100% absolutely!   What do you have to lose?   I'd estimate 90% of tenants won't get insurance, but when something happens-- they'll be so thankful they have it!    We require all our tenants to have renters insurance.      

    It's really for their safety and quality of life, stuff happens.. I've heard of cats turning on stoves, a pipe can burst while someone is away, life happens, it's their stuff they are protecting!...   FYI  you will now be seen as "the rich landlord" for people to go after, so it's best if they have a first line of attack to go after the renters.

  • Maple Valley, WA · Member since 2017 · 14 posts · 2 votes
    9y
    @Linda D and Mike S Thank so much for the input.
  • Real Estate Professional · Henrietta, NY · Member since 2016 · 4 posts · 0 votes
    9y

    So do you require the tenant to have the insurance prior to handing over the keys?    If not, how do you handle this?

    Thanks

  • Michele FischerPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Seattle, WA · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    9y

    For another perspective, we recommend (in the agreement) that they carry renter's insurance, and reinforce it at signing, but do not enforce it.  I would try to find topics about how it protects you and if it is worth it.  Maybe a conversation with your insurance agent on what happens in injury scenarios, property seems pretty straightforward.  In my mind it is important to make them aware of what is not covered by your policy and encourage them to get their own, but unless it is the normal in your area to be additional insured, it could reduce your applicant base.  In my area being additional insured does not mean you find out if the policy lapses, it means that a lawyer can't come back and say this situation isn't covered.

  • Member since 2016 · 13k+ posts · 12k+ votes
    9y

    I require tenants show proof of insurance coverage annually. It is a condition of approval for new tenants.

    My priority is liability insurance, 1M minimum. Whether they have renters insurance coverage on their belongings is irrelevant to me. That would be their responsibility to decide.

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