Get An Immediate Quote Online For Landlord Or Buy-To-Let Insurance
Extensive Cover Against Fire, Subsidence, Water Damage, Vandalism And More
Landlord Contents Cover Provided Free In Certain Cases
Public Liability Cover Included In Every Policy
Cover For All Types of Tenants
TALK TO AN EXPERIENCED UK-BASED SPECIALIST
COVER FOR ALL TYPES OF TENANTS
AWARD-WINNING INSURANCE PROVIDER
"I was looking to renew my building and contents insurance. With the main home and a second home it is not that straight forward as we sometimes let out the second home. Emerald were swift and to the point when I spoke to them. I couldn't believe that they managed to save me approximately 25% on my policy! Amazing. Everything was so straight forward and I recommend them very highly." - Rex Chalmers, Property Developer
If you’re a landlord looking to protect your investment, finding the best landlord insurance is essential. This guide is designed to help property owners and buy-to-let landlords compare top landlord insurance providers, understand what coverage is available, and make an informed decision based on their needs and budget.
Landlord insurance is specifically designed to cover rental properties, unlike standard home insurance. Standard home insurance policies typically do not cover rental properties, which can lead to significant financial loss if a claim is needed.
When choosing the best landlord insurance provider, it’s important to consider customer satisfaction and service quality, as these factors can make a big difference if you ever need to make a claim. The best landlord insurance policies are often award-winning, recognized for their coverage quality and high customer service ratings.
Our top picks highlight providers recognized as the best landlord insurance provider, based on a combination of coverage options, customer satisfaction, and industry awards. Use this guide to find the right policy for your rental property and ensure you’re fully protected.
To determine the best landlord insurance providers, we conducted an independent analysis using data from industry reports, financial strength ratings, and policy details. We also considered customer satisfaction ratings and feedback from customers, as well as industry awards, in our evaluation process. Our data sources include public filings, insurer websites, and a survey of over 2,000 policyholders.
A landlord insurance policy is a specialized type of insurance designed to protect property owners who rent out their homes, flats, or other properties to tenants. Unlike standard home insurance, which typically does not cover rental or tenant-occupied properties, landlord insurance is specifically needed for rental properties to provide coverage for risks unique to letting or leasing.
It is important to note that landlord insurance is not a legal requirement; however, most buy-to-let mortgage lenders will require you to have it in place before tenants move in, making it a legal obligation in practice for many landlords. Landlord insurance covers risks associated with letting or leasing a property—such as property damage, loss of rent, and liability issues—that standard building and contents insurance may not cover.
Additionally, landlord insurance typically does not cover properties that have been rented out under standard home insurance policies. Relying solely on home insurance may leave landlords unable to make a claim if an incident occurs while the property is let to tenants.
Landlord insurance policies can include buildings cover (for structural damage), contents cover (for the landlord’s furnishings and appliances), and liability cover (for injury or damage claims made by tenants or visitors).
Landlord insurance offers essential protection for property owners, safeguarding your rental property against a wide range of risks. With a comprehensive landlord insurance policy, you can protect yourself from financial losses caused by property damage, loss of rent, and legal disputes with tenants. Specialist landlord insurance is specifically designed to address the unique challenges landlords face, providing tailored cover for buildings insurance, contents insurance, and liability insurance. By choosing the right insurance policy and provider, landlords can ensure their investment is protected, their rental income is secure, and they are prepared for unexpected events that could otherwise result in significant costs. Whether you own a single property or a portfolio, landlord insurance is a smart way to manage risk and maintain peace of mind.
When searching for the best landlord insurance, it’s important to compare leading landlord insurance providers not only on price and coverage, but also on customer satisfaction and service quality. These factors are key in evaluating which insurance provider will best meet your needs as a landlord.
Below, we list some of the top landlord insurance providers in the UK, including the Alan Boswell Group, a leading and award-winning landlord insurance provider known for its expertise, tailored solutions, and strong reputation in the buy-to-let market. Several of these providers have received awards for best landlord insurance provider, reflecting their excellence in coverage and high levels of customer satisfaction.
Keep in mind that the level of coverage and features can vary significantly between landlord insurance providers, so it’s important to compare policies carefully to ensure you get the protection you need.
When searching for the best landlord insurance, it’s important to understand what landlord insurance cover typically includes. Standard policies usually protect the building, fixtures, and equipment, but many providers also offer a range of optional add-ons such as legal expenses, loss of rent, and home emergency cover. The level of coverage and features can vary significantly between providers, so landlords should review policy options carefully to ensure they get the protection that best suits their needs.
Buildings insurance covers damage to the property’s structure, including the walls, roof, floors, and permanent fixtures. This type of insurance protects landlords against various unexpected events such as fire, flood, and burst pipes. Some policies offer cover for these specific risks, so it is important for landlords to check the policy details to ensure comprehensive protection and to be aware of any exclusions that may apply.
Common exclusions to check include damage caused by wear and tear, poor maintenance, or acts of war. Always review your policy to understand exactly what is and isn’t covered.
Landlord contents cover protects the items you provide in your rental property, such as furniture, carpets, and appliances. A contents insurance policy is especially important for landlords who let out a furnished property, as it safeguards your furnishings and fittings against damage or loss. This type of policy covers the cost of repairing or replacing fixtures and fittings such as carpets, furniture, and electrical items that you own and provide for tenants.
When choosing the sum insured for contents, make sure it reflects the total value of all the items you provide in the property. This ensures you’re adequately covered if you need to make a claim.
Loss of rent cover is different from rent guarantee insurance. Loss of rent cover provides protection for lost rental income during a claim if the property isn’t habitable, for example, after a fire or flood. This ensures you are not out of pocket while repairs are being made and the property cannot be let.
Legal expenses cover is also important. It pays for legal costs if you need to take action against a tenant, such as for eviction or recovering unpaid rent. Legal expenses cover includes the costs associated with a range of legal matters, including contract disputes and eviction of squatters. Always check the policy limits to make sure you have enough cover for potential legal fees.
When considering the best landlord insurance, it’s important to understand how much does landlord insurance cost and what drives those costs. Landlord building insurance starts from £185 per year, but prices vary depending on factors such as your chosen level of cover, claims history, property age, and construction. The amount you’ll pay for landlord insurance also depends on a whole host of factors, including your claim history, the age and history of the property itself, the property type, and the number of tenants.
For example, annual quotes can range from £185 to over £500, depending on these variables. Adjusting the excess on your policy can lead to a higher premium, so it’s important to balance your excess with what you can afford to pay in the event of a claim.
Many companies offering cheap landlord insurance may limit cover and increase excesses to reduce costs, so landlords should review policy details carefully to ensure they are adequately protected. Choosing a higher excess might lower your upfront premium, but could result in higher out-of-pocket costs if you need to make a claim.
If you own more than one rental property, many insurers offer portfolio or multi-property landlord insurance policies. These policies are specifically designed to cover rental properties, allowing you to insure multiple residential properties under a single policy. You can add extra properties to the same landlord insurance policy, which may help consolidate renewal dates and provide peace of mind. Insurers may also offer multi-property discounts, making it more cost-effective to insure several properties together. Be sure to check eligibility requirements and consider the benefits of managing all your properties under one policy for easier administration.
Many insurance providers go beyond standard cover to offer exclusive benefits designed specifically for landlords. These can include discounted premiums, enhanced insurance cover options, and access to dedicated customer support teams who understand the needs of property owners. Some insurers provide a 24/7 legal advice line, giving landlords immediate access to expert guidance on legal matters, from tenancy disputes to property maintenance issues. Additionally, exclusive benefits may extend to a network of trusted tradespeople, making it easier and more affordable to arrange repairs and maintenance for your rental property. These added perks can help landlords save money, increase their protection, and manage their properties more efficiently.
Having access to a 24/7 legal advice line is a significant advantage for landlords, providing immediate support whenever issues arise. Whether you’re dealing with property damage, questions about rent arrears, or a dispute with a tenant, expert legal guidance is just a phone call away. This service can help you navigate complex legal situations, make informed decisions, and avoid costly mistakes. With round-the-clock access to legal advice, landlords can confidently manage their properties, knowing they have professional support available whenever they need it.
When reviewing your insurance policy documents, it’s crucial to understand exactly what your cover includes and any limitations that may apply. Pay close attention to the levels of buildings insurance, contents insurance, and liability insurance provided, as well as any exclusions or special conditions. Check the policy’s excess—the amount you’ll need to pay towards any claim—and the maximum sum insured, which is the highest amount your insurer will pay out for a claim. Understanding these details ensures you have the right level of cover for your rental property and helps prevent any surprises if you need to make a claim. Always review your insurance policy carefully to make sure it meets your needs and provides comprehensive protection for your property, contents, and rental income.
Is landlord insurance a legal requirement?
No, landlord insurance is not a legal requirement. However, most landlords choose to insure their rental properties to protect against damage or theft, as standard home insurance typically does not cover rental activities.
Do mortgage lenders require landlord insurance?
Yes, most mortgage lenders will require landlords to have landlord building insurance before tenants move in. This specialized policy helps protect the property against risks such as fire, flooding, and subsidence, and is often a condition of the mortgage agreement.
Does landlord insurance cover tenant belongings?
No, landlord insurance does not cover tenant belongings. Tenants should arrange their own contents insurance to protect their personal possessions. Landlord contents insurance only covers items owned by the landlord, such as furniture or appliances provided with the property.
If you are a landlord then you will want to protect your investment in a let property with landlord insurance.
That covers damage to the property and in certain cases where you are unable to let the property and receive rental income. Insurance cover for landlords is different from standard home insurance for a wide variety of reasons and because of this you cannot buy standard home insurance for a let property and assume it will cover you.
That also means that you may need to change your insurance product if your property ceases to be your main home and becomes a buy-to-let property.
If you have to make a claim and you haven't told your insurer that the property is let then you may find they will refuse to pay out.From the insurer's perspective there is a higher risk for the cover as you are not at the property and are instead relying on tenants to look after it. Tenants are often seen as higher risk than someone who owns their own home. Obviously as a matter of good practice it is always wise to be careful when selecting tenants. Even where you do make a claim under an insurance policy, the premium may well rise each time, so better tenants are cheaper in the long run! Also often an insurance premium will vary depending on the type of tenant you have, or want.
When you want to compare landlord insurance you should look carefully at what is covered.
Some insurers provide accidental damage cover and cover for things like loss of rent if your tenant is unable to pay, or you are unable to let out your property.
Accidental damage cover can help with things like broken windows or damaged carpets. These again are often more likely in a rented property. Cover for loss of rent is also an important consideration if you are dependent on the income from your property or are paying for finance on your buy-to-let property.
Landlords insurance can also be split into landlords building insurance and contents insurance. Buildings insurance covers the physical structure of the building and is usually required if you have a mortgage on the property. This is to cover and protect the value of the property to your lender in case of a disaster like fire or flooding.
If your property is a flat or apartment, then there is usually a communal buildings insurance policy with the costs divided between the flatowners. If your flat is in Scotland, then there is a form of buildings insurance available, with each flatowner insuring separately.
Even if you don't have a mortgage buildings insurance for landlords can be a wise idea to protect your own investment in the home. Like any insurance policy, you should compare landlord insurance paying close attention to your needs.
