A first-time landlord is about to let out a flat they inherited. They have questions: Is normal home insurance enough? Do I need cover for the tenant's belongings? What happens if the flat is empty between tenants? Can I insure against the tenant not paying rent? They look at a local broker's website, which lists "home insurance" and nothing else.
Landlords have specific insurance questions. Brokers who answer them clearly win landlord clients.
Why landlords need specific answers
Letting a property changes the insurance picture. Standard home insurance may not apply. Landlords need to think about buildings cover, their own contents, liability, loss of rent and empty periods. Many do not know what to ask. Explaining cover options in general terms is covered in explaining cover options without giving advice.
What landlords ask
- Do I need landlord insurance, or is home insurance enough?
- What does landlord insurance usually include?
- Is rent guarantee cover available?
- What happens if the property is empty for a while?
- Does it cover damage by tenants?
- Does it cover several properties on one policy?
- Does the type of tenant matter?
Example conversations
These scripts use information a broker might publish. Your answers should come from your own pages.
Landlord: Is my normal home insurance enough if I let my flat? Assistant: The landlord insurance page explains that standard home insurance is usually designed for owner-occupied homes, so landlords often need specialist cover. A broker can check what's right for your flat.
Landlord: Can I get cover if the tenant stops paying rent? Assistant: The page explains that rent guarantee cover is available with some landlord policies. The terms vary, so a broker can go through the options with you.
Landlord: Would my policy cover damage caused by a tenant? Assistant: That depends on the specific policy, so it's a question for your broker. If you share your details, I'll pass it on.
Portfolio landlords
Landlords with several properties may benefit from a single policy. Capturing the number and type of properties lets a broker respond with relevant options.
Renewals
Landlord policies renew like any other, and landlords compare prices at renewal. The renewal conversation is covered in the renewal questions every insurance broker hears.
Working with property managers
Many landlords use property managers, who see insurance issues first hand, such as repairs and claims after tenant damage. Tenant-side questions are covered in tenant questions that swamp property managers. A good relationship between brokers and local property managers can bring a steady flow of landlord clients.
Service area
Landlords often own property in several areas. Brokers should say clearly where they can arrange cover. Area questions are covered in answering service area questions.
Holiday lets and short stays
Landlords letting through holiday platforms have different needs from those with long-term tenants. Explaining whether the broker can arrange cover for holiday lets, and what information is needed, helps these landlords find the right route quickly. It also filters out enquiries the broker cannot help with, which saves both sides time.
Answering at any hour
SpideyChat for insurance agencies answers general landlord insurance questions from your own pages at any hour and captures details for a broker. It does not give advice.
A landlord insurance page
Write a landlord insurance page explaining the general types of cover, rent guarantee, empty periods and portfolio options, and let landlords ask questions when they are planning. Try SpideyChat on your own site, or read about capture on the features page.