Insurance for Rental Units in Cincinnati

What’s covered by the Dwelling Fire Special Form in Cincinnati?

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

This policy is the best coverage form you can obtain for your rental properties in Cincinnati. Unlike DF-1 and DF-2 policy forms this policy form offers all risk coverage under coverage A and Coverage B except for losses excluded in Section I – Property Protection Exclusions.

To find a company offering low-priced premiums for landlord insurance policies in Cincinnati click here.

If you recall the DF-1 and DF-2 policy forms only extend coverage for what is named in the policy.  If something happens to your rental and the peril is not listed in the policy you have no coverage available.

Keep in mind the DF-3 does not provide unlimited coverage for all situations. Exclusions, limitations of coverage and terms and conditions of coverage are listed, read the entire policy carefully.  Additionally do not assume that each DF-3 policy is identical to other companies DF-3 policy form. (READ YOUR INDIVIDUAL POLICY)  Click here to review typical coverage exclusions for the DF-3 policy form in Cincinnati.

Because this coverage is the broadest of the three policy forms it’s also the most expensive. Additionally to obtain the DF-3 policy form requires you to insure your Cincinnati rental property to 80-100% of the replacement cost of the building.  This option may require you to insure your property for an amount much greater than what the market dictates.  This is particularly true with some of the older homes found in the Cincinnati area.

To find a company offering the best premium rates for rental insurance policies in Cincinnati Click here.

Or if you have a question please feel free to contact me directly by calling 513-662-7000 or sending a quick email to jack@pathwayinsurance.net

 

What’s covered by the Dwelling Fire Broad Form in Cincinnati?

Monday, October 19th, 2009

To find a company offering the lowest premiums for landlord insurance policies in Cincinnati click here.

This policy form is similar to the DF-1, yet offers expanded perils that are insured against.  Bear in mind like the DF-1 policy form, this policy also names the perils that the company insures against.  If a claim occurs to your Cincinnati rental and that peril is not listed on your policy contract, you likely have no coverage available for your loss in most instances.

Additionally there are certain restrictions of coverage and exclusions that may limit coverage so take time to read your policy carefully so you understand what is, and more importantly what isn’t covered.  The worst time to learn something isn’t covered is right after the claim occurs.

Click here to review typical coverage exclusions for this policy form in Cincinnati.

To obtain the DF-2 policy form you may be required by the insurance company to insure your Cincinnati rental property to 80-100% of the replacement cost of the building.  This option may require you to insure your property for a significantly greater amount than the true market value of your property.  Especially is that true with some of the older homes found in the Cincinnati area. (Check for further details by contacting us directly.)

Below you will find a list of covered perils typical of the standard DF-2 policy form:

1. Fire or Lightning

2. Windstorm or Hail

This does not include loss:

A. Caused directly or indirectly by frost, cold weather, ice other than hail, snow or sleet whether driven by wind or not;

B. To the interior of a building, or property within, caused by rain, snow, sand, sleet or dust unless the building is first damaged by the direct force of wind or hail, creating an opening through which the rain, snow, sand, sleet or dust enters; or

C. To the following when outdoors:

(1) Radio, or television antennas or aerials including their lead-in wiring, masts or towers;

(2) Watercraft and their trailers, furnishings, equipment and motors;

(3) Lawns, trees, shrubs, or plants; or

(4) Awnings, canopies and signs.

3. Explosion

4. Riot or Civil Commotion

5. Aircraft, including self-propelled missiles and spacecraft.

6. Vehicles, meaning impact by a vehicle.

This peril does not apply to loss to fences, driveways and walks caused by vehicles owned or operated by you or an occupant of the insured premises.

7. Smoke, if the loss is sudden and accidental.

This peril does not apply to loss caused by smoke from agricultural smudging or industrial operations.

8. Vandalism or Malicious Mischief

This peril does not apply to loss:

A. By theft, burglary or larceny; or

B. At the insured premises if the covered dwelling has been vacant for more than 30 consecutive days immediately before the loss. A dwelling under construction is not considered vacant.

9. Burglars

This peril does not apply to loss to property:

A. Taken by burglars; or

B. At the insured premises if the dwelling has been vacant for more than 30 consecutive days immediately before the loss. A dwelling under construction is not considered vacant.

10. Falling Objects

This peril does not apply to loss to:

A. The interior of the building or to property within a building unless the falling object first damages the exterior of the building;

B. Outdoor radio and television antennas and aerials, including their lead-in wiring, masts or towers; or

C. Outdoor equipment, awnings, canopies and fences. We do not cover damage to the falling object.

11. Weight of ice, snow or sleet which damages a building or property in the building.

This peril does not include loss to an awning, fence, patio, pavement, swimming pool, hot tub or spa, including their filtration and circulation systems, foundation, retaining wall, bulkhead, pier, wharf, or dock.

12. Collapse of a building or any part of a building.

A. We cover direct physical loss to covered property caused by the complete collapse of a building or any part of a building.

B. Collapse, as used in this coverage, means an abrupt falling down or caving in of a building or other structure or any part of a building or other structure with the result that it cannot be occupied for its intended purpose. A building or other structure or part of a building or other structure is not considered in a state of collapse if it is standing:

(1) But not in imminent danger of falling down or caving in;

(2) But has separated from any other part of the building; or

(3) Even if it shows signs of settling, cracking, shifting, bulging, sagging, bowing, bending, leaning, shrinkage, or expansion.

C. The collapse must be sudden and accidental and caused by one or more of the following:

(1) Perils We Insure Against in this policy;

(2) Hidden decay;

(3) Hidden insect or vermin damage;

(4) Weight of contents, equipment, animals or people;

(5) Weight of rain which collects on a roof; or

(6) Use of defective material or methods in construction, remodeling or renovation if the collapse occurs during the course of the construction, remodeling or renovation.

D. We do not cover loss to an awning, fence, patio, deck, pavement, swimming pool, underground pipe, flue, drain, cesspool, septic tank, foundation, retaining wall, bulkhead, pier, wharf or dock under items 12. c. (2) through 12. c. (6) above, unless the loss is a direct result of the collapse of a building.

E. This coverage does not increase the limit of liability applying to the damaged covered property.

13. Sudden and accidental tearing apart, cracking, burning, bursting or bulging of a steam or hot water heating system, air conditioning system or automatic fire protection sprinkler system or a water heater.

This peril does not apply to loss to the system, or water heater, or loss which is caused by or results from freezing except as provided by the peril of Freezing in this policy.

14. Sudden and accidental discharge or overflow of water or steam from within a plumbing, heating, air conditioning or automatic fire protection sprinkler system, water heater, or household appliance.

We will also pay the cost of tearing out and replacing any part of the covered building necessary to repair the system or appliance from which the water or steam escapes.

This peril does not apply to loss:

A. To the system, water heater, or household appliance from which the water or steam escapes;

B. Due to continuous or repeated seepage or leakage of water, steam or moisture which occurs over a period of weeks, months or years and results in deterioration, corrosion, rust, or fungi;

C. Caused by or resulting from freezing except as provided by the peril of Freezing in this policy;

D. At the insured premises if the dwelling has been vacant for more than 30 consecutive days immediately before the loss. A building under construction is not considered to be vacant; or

E. On the insured premises caused by accidental discharge or overflow which occurs off the insured premises. In this peril, a plumbing system does not include a sump, sump pump or related equipment.

15. Freezing of a plumbing, heating, air conditioning or automatic fire protection sprinkler system, water heater, or household appliance.

This peril does not include loss on the insured premises while the dwelling is vacant, unoccupied or being constructed, unless you have used reasonable care to:

A. Maintain heat in the building; or

B. Shut off the water supply and drain the systems, water heater, and household appliances of water. In this peril, a plumbing system does not include a sump, sump pump or related equipment.

The information we have considered here is only one aspect of the dwelling fire policy. It’s important for you to take time to read your individual policy for further understanding of coverage terms, options and exclusions.

If you have a question please feel free to contact me directly by calling 513-662-7000 or sending a quick email to jack@pathwayinsurance.net

If you would like Pathway Insurance to find a low cost option for you on rental insurance policies in Cincinnati click here.

 

What’s covered by the Dwelling Fire Basic Form in Cincinnati?

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

To find insurance companies offering the best premium rates for landlord insurance policies in Cincinnati click here.

A  DF-1 policy is a basic policy with very limited coverage. The DF-1 is a named perils policy, but also the least expensive coverage option for Cincinnati landlords.  Only what is named in the policy would be covered.

Click here to review typical coverage exclusions for this policy form in Cincinnati.

Additionally the DF-1 settles claims on an actual cash value basis, meaning specifically that depreciation is deducted for any claim written under the DF-1 policy form.  (Click here to learn what an ACV loss settlement means to you.)

Take time to read your policy carefully so you understand what is, and more importantly what isn’t covered under this policy form. There are many gaps in coverage when you select this policy form.  The worst time to learn something isn’t covered is right after the claim occurs.

What perils are typically covered by the DF-1?

The insurance company will cover direct physical loss to property insured under Coverage A – Dwelling and Coverage B – Other Structures caused by:

1. Fire or Lightning

2. Windstorm or Hail

This does not include loss:

A. Caused directly or indirectly by frost, cold weather, ice other than hail, snow or sleet whether driven by wind or not;

B. To the interior of a building caused by rain, snow, sand, sleet or dust unless the building is first damaged by the direct force of wind or hail, creating an opening through which the rain, snow, sand, sleet or dust enters; or 

C. to the following:

(1) radio, or television antennas or aerials including their lead-in wiring, masts or towers;

(2) watercraft and their trailers, furnishings, equipment and motors;

(3) lawns, trees, shrubs, or plants; or

(4) awnings, canopies and signs.

 3. Explosion

This peril does not apply to loss by explosion of steam boilers, steam pipes, steam turbines or steam engines owned by or leased by you or operated under your control.

Explosion does not mean:

A. Electric arcing;

B. Breakage of water pipes; or

C. Breakage or operation of pressure relief devices.

 4. Riot or Civil Commotion

 5. Aircraft, including self-propelled missiles and spacecraft.

 6. Vehicles, meaning impact by a vehicle.

This peril does not apply to loss to fences, driveways and walks caused by vehicles owned or operated by you or an occupant of the insured premises.

7. Smoke, if the loss is sudden and accidental.

This peril does not apply to loss caused by smoke from fireplaces or from agricultural smudging or industrial operations.

8. Vandalism or Malicious Mischief

This peril does not apply to loss:

A. By theft, burglary or larceny. This peril does apply to damage to the covered dwelling or covered other structures which is caused by burglars;

B. At the insured premises if the covered dwelling has been vacant for more than 30 consecutive days immediately before the loss. A dwelling under construction is not considered vacant; or

C. To glass or safety glazing material which is part of the covered dwelling or covered other structures, except for glass building blocks.

The DF-1 is the least expensive option for Cincinnati rentals but also offers limited coverage. Additionally losses are settled on an actual cash value method of loss settlement.  This means a deduction for depreciation will be taken into consideration for loss settlements, unlike a tradition homeowner’s policy or a Df-2 or Df-3 which may provide replacement cost coverage with no deduction for depreciation.

The information we have considered here is only one aspect of the dwelling fire policy. It’s important for you to take time to read your individual policy for further understanding of coverage terms, options and exclusions.

If you have a question please feel free to contact me directly by calling 513-662-7000 or sending a quick email to jack@pathwayinsurance.net

Pathway insurance has available a variety of companies that offer the DF-1 with very low prices for investors who own rental properties with 4 units or less in Cincinnati. Click here.

 

Insurance for Rental Units in Cincinnati

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

If you own rental real estate in Cincinnati you cannot insure that property under a typical homeowner’s insurance policy.  In the event a standard home policy is purchased for a property that you do not maintain as your primary and principal residence the insurance company will likely refuse to pay any claims associated with that property, so it’s vitally important that you purchase the correct policy.

The most common policy type available for Cincinnati landlords with 4 rental units or less is the dwelling fire policy. Agents will sometimes refer to such polices as a landlord policy.   If you own a building with more than 4 units a commercial property policy form will be necessary.  

You can receive a quote from our agency if you live and or own investment property in the states of Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana, or through our network of agents we work with in all 50 states. Click here to begin your online landlord policy quote request. Please email me at jack@pathwayinsurance.net  if you need quotes for apartment buildings with 5 units or more.

Let’s discuss your options for landlord policies in the Cincinnati area. The landlord policy is available in 3 different policy forms:

DF-1 Basic Form- Click here to see what typically is covered under the DF-1

DF-2 Broad Form- Click here to see what typically is covered under the DF-2

DF-3 Special Form- Click here to see what typically is covered under the DF-3

It is important for you to understand the benefits and or limitations of each policy form.  If you select a DF-1 policy for your Cincinnati rental because it’s the least expensive option and your roof collapses because of the weight of snow or ice there is no coverage under this policy form.  Or let’s assume a water pipe breaks and ensuing damage is caused, no coverage is available under the DF-1.  (Read what is covered under the DF-1)

Carefully select the policy that is best for your circumstances and budget.  The DF-1 is the least expensive but has the most limitations of coverage while the DF-3 policy offers all risk on your Coverage A (and replacement cost coverage in most cases) in comparison to the DF-1 which only covers 8 different perils. Check your individual policy for complete details. Vandalism or Malicious Mischief may not be automatically covered under the DF-1 with all insurance companies offering rental insurance policies in Cincinnati but may need to be added as an option.

Additionally the DF-1 policy form is settled on an actual cash value basis (ACV) meaning that a deduction for depreciation is taken into consideration when settling your claim.  

What does a deduction for depreciation signify?  Generally it means the insurance company will determine the value of the property based on an estimated amount of the destroyed item at the time of loss.  For instance, if your insurance company considers the life expectancy of a roof to be 20 years and your roof is 10 years old at the time of a loss the insurance company will (in addition to your deductible) subtract 50% from the loss amount!

So if the cost to replace a roof is $8,000 the insurance company subtracts $4,000 because of depreciation and then subtracts your deductible from that figure. (Ouch)

A replacement cost loss settlement only subtracts the deductible.  So as you can see replacement cost is a superior option, but the cost is more for this coverage so you should choose your coverage wisely to fit your budget and your circumstances. 

To find an insurance company offering low premium rates for landlord insurance policies in Cincinnati click here.

Or if you have a question please feel free to contact me directly by calling 513-662-7000 or sending a quick email to jack@pathwayinsurance.net