Landlord Insurance in NH and CT
Rental Property Insurance: Protecting Your Investment
Need landlord insurance for a rental in New Hampshire or Connecticut? Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance is an independent, family-owned agency based in Portsmouth, NH. We serve Connecticut from our Connecticut office and by phone, email and online. We compare landlord (dwelling) policies from 40+ carriers to cover the building, lost rent and your liability. Requesting a quote doesn’t obligate you to buy anything. Start a landlord quote or call (603) 431-4020.
Why Do You Need Rental Property Insurance?
Renting out your property can be a lucrative investment, but it also comes with unique risks that standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover. Many property owners also confuse homeowners insurance with other forms of protection, such as mortgage insurance, even though they serve very different purposes. Whether you rent your home for a few months or long-term, landlord insurance is essential to protect you from potential financial losses and liability exposures associated with renting out your property.
What Affects the Cost of Rental Property Insurance
What you pay for landlord insurance depends on the property: its location, rebuild cost, age, construction, number of units and claims history, plus the coverage and deductibles you choose. A landlord policy is written for a home you rent out, so it isn’t priced the same way as a homeowners insurance policy on the home you live in. We’ll compare carriers for your rental and show you the options side by side.
How to Buy Rental Property Insurance
Shopping for rental property insurance can be overwhelming, but I’m here to guide you through the process. Here are some steps to consider:
- Determine Coverage Needs: Assess the rebuild value of your property and your liability coverage limits to ensure adequate protection.
- Provide Property Information: Furnish insurers with details about your rental property, such as square footage, roof type, and age.
- Compare Quotes: It’s essential to compare multiple insurance companies to find the best coverage and price. At Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance, we can help you compare various insurers offering landlord insurance.
- Finalize the Details: Once you’ve chosen a policy, we’ll work with you to finalize the details and consider any additional coverage options you may need.
Coverage Provided by Rental Property Insurance
Rental property insurance offers comprehensive coverage for your investment. It typically includes:
- Dwelling Coverage: Protection for the physical structure of your rental property against perils like fire, storms, and more. Understanding what home insurance covers after a fire can help landlords better prepare for one of the most significant property losses.
- Landlord’s Personal Property Coverage: Coverage for items owned by you as the landlord, such as appliances and maintenance tools.
- Liability Coverage: Financial protection against lawsuits if a tenant or visitor is injured on your property.
- Loss-of-Rent Coverage: Reimbursement for missed rental income if your property becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss.
Coverage Exclusions
While rental property insurance provides robust protection, certain exclusions exist. It does not cover:
- Tenant’s Personal Property: Your tenants should obtain renters insurance to protect their belongings.
- Maintenance Issues: Wear and tear or maintenance-related damages are not covered.
- Property Vacancy: If your property is vacant for a specified duration, certain losses may not be covered.
- Flood or Earthquake Damage: Separate flood or earthquake insurance policies are necessary for such events.
Landlord Insurance vs. Homeowners Insurance
Landlord insurance and homeowners insurance have key differences. It’s also helpful to understand how home warranties differ from home insurance, since the two are often confused by property owners. Landowners need rental property insurance to protect their rental properties, while homeowners insurance is designed for those who occupy their homes full-time.
Additional Coverage Options
For enhanced protection, consider adding the following coverage options to your landlord insurance policy:
- Rent Guarantee Insurance: Covers rent payments if a tenant falls behind.
- Flood Insurance: Protects against flood damage, which is typically excluded from standard policies.
- Vacant and Unoccupied Home Insurance: Ideal for properties unoccupied for an extended period.
Landlord insurance in New Hampshire
A rental in New Hampshire faces the same winter problems as any house here: ice dams, frozen pipes and heavy snow on the roof. The difference is that you usually aren’t the one living there. A tenant may not report a slow leak right away, and a unit that sits empty between leases can lose coverage for some losses if it stays vacant too long. Before we compare carriers, we ask about the heat source, roof age, plumbing and how long the place might sit empty. See Manchester, NH landlord insurance.
If your rental is a condo, the association’s master policy covers part of the building and your own policy has to fill in the rest. Our New Hampshire condo insurance guide explains how the two fit together. If you rent by the night or the week, tell us up front, because many standard landlord policies don’t cover short-term rentals. And no landlord policy covers flood, so for a rental near the coast or a river, read our guide to flood insurance in New Hampshire.
Landlord insurance in Connecticut
We insure Connecticut rentals too. Along the shoreline, the big questions are wind and flood: many policies on homes near Long Island Sound carry a separate hurricane or wind deductible, and flood needs its own policy. Inland, many rentals are older two- and three-family homes, where wiring, heating systems and the cost to rebuild to current code all matter. Ordinance or law coverage helps pay for those code upgrades after a covered loss. See Stratford, CT landlord insurance and New Canaan, CT landlord insurance.
The number of units changes the conversation in both states. A one- to four-unit rental can usually go on a dwelling or landlord policy. Buildings with five or more units are written by a much shorter list of carriers, and that list is shorter still in Connecticut. If you own a larger building, call us well before your renewal so we have time to shop it.
What are some of the landlord insurance companies in New Hampshire?
Below are some of the insurance companies we work with for landlord insurance in NH and CT.
At Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance, we represent all of the carriers below (and more) and compare their landlord policies side by side for our clients:
- The Andover Companies
- Concord Group Insurance
- The Hanover Insurance Group
- Openly
- Liberty Mutual
- Safety Insurance
- Vermont Mutual
Here are five carriers we often work with for landlord insurance in NH and CT:
The Andover Companies is one of the largest and longest-standing mutual insurance groups in the Northeast. They specialize in personal & business property coverage. They’re made up of three distinct subsidiaries, Merrimack Mutual, Cambridge Mutual, and Bay State Insurance and they only work with independent agencies (like us at Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance).
Why we work with Andover for landlord insurance
- We love working with Andover Companies because they specialize in landlord dwelling, home & umbrella insurance – they do not write auto insurance in New Hampshire but they do give an auto/home credit if you carry your auto insurance within the same agency.
- Andover also offers an “Account Credit” – meaning if you happen to carry an umbrella or landlord dwelling policy with Andover as well, you’ll actually receive an additional discount on your home insurance if you bundle together.
- Andover offers great coverage options like Guaranteed Dwelling Coverage, Water Backup, Service Line Coverage, Ordinance or Law, Personal Injury, Equipment Breakdown, and many more.
- We’re able to write dwelling fire, home, umbrella & business insurance with Andover in NH, ME & MA.
- Andover may consider homes & dwelling fire properties in New Hampshire with netted trampolines, homes with professionally installed woodstoves and inground pools with a fence & locking gate.
How to get a quote
Andover works exclusively with select independent insurance agencies like ours at Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance. Just reach out to our team at Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance & we’ll see if Andover is a good fit for you & your home.
Hanover has been in business since 1852, making them one of the oldest insurance companies in the country. They’re based out of Worcester, MA which is great for our clients located in New Hampshire & New England, however they write insurance in almost all states across the country. Hanover has an “A” Financial Strength Rating by AM Best.
Why we work with Hanover for landlord insurance
- Hanover can be very competitive on landlord insurance policies when you bundle your home & auto together with your rental properties.
- Hanover is very competitive in almost all of the states where we do business, including NH, ME, MA, NY & CT.
How to get a quote
Hanover works exclusively with select independent insurance agencies like ours at Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance. Just reach out to our team at Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance & we’ll see if Andover is a good fit for you & your home.
Liberty Mutual is one of the largest property & casualty insurers in the country. They work with local independent agents (like us) & specialize in home, auto, umbrella & specialty lines (boat, motorcycle, personal watercraft, etc.). The company has financial strength ratings of A (Excellent) from the A.M. Best Company
Why we work with Liberty Mutual for landlord insurance
- We’ve been working with Liberty Mutual for almost 20 years now & they’ve consistently been one of our top insurance carriers for all those years.
- Liberty Mutual offers many tailored landlord insurance coverage options like water backup, extended dwelling coverage, ordinance or law, loss of rent.
- Liberty Mutual has a strong reputation for claims service, especially in New Hampshire where we’ve seen first hand how they service & settle claims in a professional manner.
- We have also partnered with Liberty Mutual’s Gold Service Center – this provides our Liberty Mutual clients with live customer service 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The Gold Service Center can help with the following:
- Process policy changes.
- Billing questions.
- Claims questions.
- Quote & write new policies
How to get a quote
Liberty Mutual works with select independent insurance agencies like ours at Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance. Just reach out to our team at Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance & we’ll see if Safety is a good fit for you & your home.
Safety Insurance was founded in 1979 with a belief that they would succeed as a company if customers were given the best possible service. Over the years they’ve grown and expanded their product line to include a full range of property and casualty insurance products including home, auto, umbrella & business. Today, Safety is one of the leading providers of Home & Auto Insurance in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. Safety has an “A” Financial Strength Rating by AM Best.
Why we work with Safety for landlord insurance
- Safety is often competitive in New Hampshire on landlord, home, auto & umbrella policies.
- One of Safety’s best discount in our opinion is the “Renewal Discount” – Safety provides a discount for the number of years you’re insured with them. Most insurance companies don’t offer this type of discount, whereas Safety seems to appreciate & reward loyalty – we love that!
- Safety also has many competitive options when it comes to home insurance, some of these same endorsements are available on a landlord policy as well. They have several coverage packages available but the one we quote most often is the “Safety Supreme Plus” endorsement, which includes the following:
- Guaranteed Replacement Cost for home & contents
- All Risk Contents Coverage
- Special increased limits for jewelry, and silverware
- Personal Injury Coverage
- Additional $100,000 of Liability Coverage
- 100% Ordinance or Law Coverage
- Water and Sewer Back Up Coverage of $5,000
- Service Line Coverage up to $10,000
How to get a quote
Safety works exclusively with select independent insurance agencies like ours at Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance. Just reach out to our team at Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance & we’ll see if Safety is a good fit for you & your home.
Vermont Mutual’s roots go all the way back in 1828, making it one of the oldest property and casualty insurers in the country. Today, Vermont Mutual has over 300,000 policyholders & is a Ward’s Top 50 performing property & casualty insurance carrier for the past 13 consecutive years. Vermont Mutual has an “A+” Superior Financial Strength Rating by AM Best.
Why we work with Vermont Mutual for landlord insurance
Vermont Mutual has a strong reputation throughout New England for home & auto insurance, and we’ve found them easy to work with.
Not only are they competitive on home & auto, they also offer a wide range of business insurance options including condo associations (Master Condo Policies), dwelling fire (landlord policies), multi-family homes, umbrella, secondary/seasonal home insurance, short-term rental and much more.
How to get a quote
Vermont Mutual works exclusively with select independent insurance agencies like ours at Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance. Just reach out to our team at Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance & we’ll see if Safety is a good fit for you & your home.
Own rentals in the Upper Valley? See our guide to landlord insurance in Hanover.
Own a rental outside New Hampshire? See landlord insurance in Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont and Connecticut.
Landlord insurance FAQs
Is landlord insurance required in New Hampshire?
No New Hampshire law requires landlord insurance. If the property has a mortgage, though, the lender will almost always require coverage on the building, and a regular homeowners policy usually won’t cover a home you rent out. Even without a loan, a landlord policy is what pays to repair the building, replaces lost rent after a covered loss and covers your liability if a tenant or guest is hurt.
Is landlord insurance required in Connecticut?
No state law requires it in Connecticut either. A lender will require coverage on a mortgaged rental, and if the unit is in a condo association, the bylaws may require you to carry your own policy as well.
Does landlord insurance cover my tenant’s belongings?
No. A landlord policy covers your building, your own property kept there, such as appliances, and your liability. Your tenant’s furniture, clothes and electronics need their own renters insurance policy, and many landlords require it in the lease.
Does a landlord insurance quote obligate me to buy?
No. A landlord or dwelling quote doesn’t obligate you to buy anything.
Does landlord insurance cover lost rent?
Most landlord policies include loss of rent (fair rental value) if a covered loss makes the unit unlivable. Check the limit and how long it pays.
What our clients say
From our client surveys. Comments are lightly edited for typos only.
Jon is super helpful and amazingly communicative. He responds fast with well thought out answers making the process of getting insurance for my home and car super simple.
Very informative, responsive, and helpful with answering any questions we had. Helped us get the best deal and coverage, explained the differences between coverage options, and let us choose what worked best for us. Highly recommend!
Excellent guidance on insurance options and fantastic quoting and onboarding experience. We trust their recommendations and feel that we have best coverage for peace of mind at best possible cost.
Let Us Help You Secure Your Investment
At Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance, we specialize in rental property insurance, and we’re committed to finding the best coverage to suit your unique needs and budget. Whether you own rental properties in NH or CT or any other state we serve, we’re here to provide personalized solutions and ensure your investments are well protected.
If you’re looking for assistance and recommendations on landlord insurance, we’re happy to help you compare your options. If you also own recreational vehicles or other seasonal assets, you may find our RV insurance guide helpful as you review your overall insurance portfolio. You’re welcome to contact us at 603-431-4020.
Or you can also email us at insure@portsmouthatlanticins.com or fill out the form on this page to get started. Be sure to follow us on Facebook & Instagram to stay up-to-date on the latest news and tips in the insurance industry.
Don’t leave your rental property vulnerable; choose Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance for expert guidance and comprehensive coverage. Let us be your trusted partner in securing your investment for a profitable renting experience with fewer worries
By Jon Merwin, Founder and CEO
Jon founded Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance in 2005. We are a family-owned independent agency licensed in 10 states, we compare coverage from 40+ carriers, and we are New Hampshire’s highest-rated agency on Google, with 1,000+ Google reviews and over 2,000 testimonials. Meet our team.