Specialist Landlord Insurance
McClarrons arrange specialist landlord insurance for individual landlords, portfolio owners and managing agents, providing tailored cover across a wide range of property types and portfolios.
Insurance for Landlords, Managing Agents and Property Owners
From tenant-related risks and structural damage to legal disputes and loss of rent, landlord insurance can play a vital role in protecting your property investment. Whether you are an individual landlord, portfolio owner or managing agent, having the right cover in place can help safeguard both your assets and your income against the unexpected.
At McClarrons, we support landlords across the full spectrum, from single buy-to-let properties to complex, multi-property portfolios across the UK. We provide tailored insurance solutions to suit a wide range of ownership structures and property types, as well as working closely with managing agents and estate management companies who require specialist protection for their responsibilities.
With access to a broad panel of insurers and specialist schemes, we focus on understanding your specific risks and arranging cover that reflects the realities of your property ownership and management.
Landlord insurance what does it cover?
Buildings insurance
Buildings insurance is central to any landlord insurance arrangement. Its purpose is to protect the structure of the property against risks such as fire, flood, storm damage, subsidence and malicious damage. Given the significant cost involved in rebuilding or repairing a property, ensuring that your buildings insurance reflects an accurate rebuild value is essential. Contact Us
Landlord Contents insurance
Contents insurance for landlords can provide protection for items that you supply within the property. Even in properties that are not fully furnished, this can include carpets, curtains, appliances and fixtures. Damage or loss of these items can quickly become costly, particularly across multiple properties, making contents cover an important consideration. Contact Us
Loss of Rent insurance
Loss of rent insurance for landlords is designed to protect your income stream. If a property becomes uninhabitable due to an insured event, such as a fire or flood, this cover can help ensure that you do not suffer a loss of rental income while repairs are carried out. In some cases, it can also cover additional costs, such as providing alternative accommodation for tenants. Contact Us
Employers' Liability insurance
Employers’ liability insurance becomes necessary where you employ staff, whether directly or in certain contracted arrangements. The legal requirements surrounding employment status can be complex; this cover can help to ensure that you are protected in the event of workplace injury or illness claims. Contact Us
Property Owners Liability insurance
Property owners’ liability insurance addresses the legal responsibilities that come with owning property. If a tenant, visitor or member of the public suffers injury or property damage connected to your property, this cover can respond to claims made against you. It typically includes both legal defence costs and any compensation awarded. Contact Us
Legal Expenses insurance
Legal expenses insurance can provide support in managing disputes, which are not uncommon in property ownership. Whether dealing with tenant issues, boundary disputes or regulatory matters, legal costs can escalate quickly. Having cover in place could help you to pursue or defend claims without bearing the full financial burden. Contact Us
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Other landlord insurance covers to consider
Management Liability can be a beneficial insurance for landlords; it is designed to protect your business, as well as its directors, officers and senior managers, against legal action arising from the way the organisation is run. For landlords, property companies and managing agents, this exposure can extend beyond the physical risks associated with property ownership and into areas of governance, decision-making and regulatory compliance.
Landlord insurance claims can arise from a variety of situations, including alleged wrongful acts, mismanagement, breach of duty or errors in decision-making. For commercial landlords in particular, this may include contract disputes with tenants or suppliers, employment-related claims, or investigations by regulatory bodies such as HMRC. The cover can respond to legal defence costs, settlements and awards, helping to protect both personal and corporate finances.
As property portfolios grow and operations become more complex, Management Liability insurance provides an important layer of protection against the increasingly litigious and regulated environment in which landlords and property professionals operate.
There are a number of misconceptions we come across when it comes to Management Liability policies, we recommend reading our blog for more information.
As reliance on digital systems has grown, so have the associated risks that come with having data online. For landlords, managing agents and property professionals handling tenant data, payment systems and online platforms, this could create a significant exposure.
Cyber Liability insurance for landlords is designed to protect your business against risks such as data breaches, ransomware attacks and other cybercrime. Incidents involving the loss or theft of sensitive tenant or client information can lead to regulatory investigations, reputational damage and substantial financial costs. This cover can respond to expenses such as data recovery, business interruption, legal defence, regulatory fines (where insurable) and notification costs.
Loss Recovery insurance for landlords provides access to an independent loss adjuster who works on your behalf in the event of a claim, rather than representing the insurer. For landlords and property professionals, navigating a complex or high-value claim can be time-consuming and challenging, particularly when dealing with extensive property damage or business interruption.
This landlord insurance cover helps to provide additional expert support throughout the claims process, from the initial assessment through to final settlement. The appointed loss adjuster can assist in preparing and presenting your claim, advising on appropriate remedial actions and negotiating with insurers to achieve a fair outcome.
What makes us different?
Specialist policies
Every landlord insurance policy we recommend is carefully selected to suit your specific requirements and is backed by reputable insurers. In addition, we offer access to our own specialist property owners’ insurance scheme, underwritten by AXA, which provides protection tailored to landlords. This policy includes enhanced cover features and extensions not always available through standard market policies, with the aim of giving you broader and more flexible protection for your property portfolio.
In-house claims support
In the event of a claim, our dedicated in-house claims team is on hand to support you from start to finish. The team can act on your behalf, liaising with insurers, loss adjusters and third parties to help ensure the process is handled efficiently and fairly. Our focus is on achieving practical resolutions while minimising disruption so you can return to normal as quickly as possible.
Expert team
With decades of experience in insurance for landlords and property owners, our team understands the complexities of managing property risks. We can provide clear, informed advice tailored to your portfolio, helping you secure appropriate cover and identify any additional protections that may be beneficial.
Landlord Insurance Multiple Properties
As property portfolios grow so does the complexity of managing risk. Standard landlord insurance policies are not always designed to accommodate multiple properties with varying uses, tenant types and exposures.
Landlord insurance for multiple properties can allow cover to be consolidated under a single, structured policy. This not only simplifies administration and renewals but also helps to ensure that each property – whether residential, commercial, mixed-use or HMO – is protected to an appropriate level. Policies can be adapted to reflect differing sums insured, tenant profiles and occupancy arrangements, providing flexibility as your portfolio evolves.
For those working with managing agents or operating through a management structure, additional considerations may apply. Cover can be extended to reflect the involvement of third parties responsible for day-to-day oversight, helping to ensure that your portfolio is protected against both property-related risks and the operational complexities that come with managing multiple assets.
Landlord Insurance for Flats and HMOs
Flats and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) present distinct risks that differ from a standard single-let property. From shared facilities to higher tenant turnover, these property types bring additional responsibilities and exposures that need to be properly accounted for within your cover.
Landlord insurance for HMOs is designed to address the increased risks associated with multiple tenants living under one roof. This can include greater wear and tear, a higher likelihood of accidental damage and stricter regulatory requirements. Policies can be tailored to reflect the number of occupants, tenancy arrangements and any licensing obligations.
Landlord insurance for flats and blocks of flats must also consider shared spaces such as hallways, stairwells, communal spaces and external areas, along with the associated liability risks. Cover can be arranged to include both the building itself and communal liabilities, providing a comprehensive solution that protects the property, its occupants and your responsibilities as a landlord.
Insurance for property managing agents
Property managing agents often play a critical role in the daily operation of residential and commercial property portfolios, acting on behalf of landlords to oversee maintenance, tenants, compliance and financial administration. With these responsibilities comes a distinct set of professional and operational risks that require specialist protection.
Managing agent insurance is designed to reflect the complex nature of property management activities, where decisions, communications and service delivery can all give rise to potential liability. Cover can be arranged to protect against claims arising from incidents such as professional negligence, errors or omissions, or alleged mismanagement of properties under your control.
Leasehold Buildings Insurance Reform
In 2023, The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced reforms to leasehold buildings insurance following concerns around transparency, pricing and fairness in multi-occupancy insurance arrangements. These changes were designed to improve outcomes for leaseholders by ensuring clearer information and more accountable remuneration practices across the insurance process.
For property managing agents, the reforms place greater emphasis on transparency in how building insurance is arranged, how decisions are made, and how any fees or commissions are disclosed. Agents are expected to demonstrate clear governance, ensure leaseholders understand what they are paying for, and work with brokers (or insurers) who can evidence fair value and compliance with FCA expectations.
These changes have a direct impact on how leasehold insurance is placed and administered. For more information, read our full guide on Leasehold Buildings Insurance Reform: What the FCA Changes Mean for Property Managing Agents.
Rent Guarantee Insurance
Rent guarantee insurance, also known as rent protection insurance, is designed to provide financial security if a tenant is unable or unwilling to pay their rent.
This cover aims to ensure that your income continues even in the event of tenant default, helping you meet ongoing financial commitments such as mortgage repayments, maintenance costs, and other outgoings. In many cases, rent guarantee insurance can also support the legal process associated with recovering possession of the property, providing added reassurance during what can often be a challenging situation.
Landlord insurance for rent protection is particularly valuable in uncertain economic conditions, offering stability and helping to safeguard one of the most important aspects of your property investment – your rental income.
Insurance for Property Developers
Property development projects come with a different set of risks, from acquisition and construction through to completion and sale or rental. Whether you are undertaking a single development or managing multiple projects, having insurance in place is essential to protect your investment.
Property developers’ insurance can cover existing structures, ongoing works and materials on site, as well as risks such as fire, theft, vandalism and weather damage. Delays or damage during construction can also lead to significant financial loss so ensuring you have considered and mitigated against these, as well as obtaining cover where appropriate, is key for good risk management.
Developers may also face liability risks when working with contractors and third parties. Policies can include both public liability and employers’ liability, helping to protect against claims arising from injury or property damage to employees, contractors and members of the public.
With flexible options available, cover can be adapted as projects progress, helping to ensure protection from initial purchase through to completion.
Avoiding Underinsurance
Underinsurance remains a significant risk facing property owners. Many landlords unknowingly insure their properties for less than the true rebuild cost, which can have serious consequences in the event of a claim.
If a property is underinsured, insurers may apply what is known as the average clause. This means that any claim settlement is reduced in proportion to the level of underinsurance. For example, if your property is insured for only 70% of its true value, any claim payout may be reduced by 30%, leaving you to cover the shortfall.
Ensuring that your property is insured for the correct rebuild value is therefore essential for adequate cover. This process often involves obtaining a professional valuation, such as a RICS-approved rebuild cost assessment, and reviewing sums insured regularly to reflect changes in construction costs and market conditions. For a more detailed explanation on how underinsurance could affect you, read our blog, The Unexpected Cost Of Underinsurance To Your Business.
Landlord Insurance Specialists
The commercial team at McClarrons have developed a deep understanding of the risks faced by landlords, managing agents and property professionals. Our expertise helps us to provide informed advice and tailored insurance solutions that align with your specific requirements.
We work closely with a wide range of insurers and have access to specialist schemes and products not always available elsewhere, helping us to offer comprehensive and competitive landlord insurance options.
Our focus is not only on arranging insurance for landlords but also on helping you manage risk effectively. By understanding your property portfolio and long-term objectives, we can help recommend cover that supports your investment strategy.
What our clients say
Landlord Insurance Claims Support
When a claim arises, having the right support in place can make a significant difference to both the outcome and the speed of resolution. Our dedicated in-house Claims Team can guide you through every stage of the process, from initial notification through to final settlement, helping to ensure your landlord insurance claim is handled efficiently and with your best interests at the fore.
Your dedicated claims contact works closely with your Client Executive, providing clear updates, practical advice and ongoing support throughout. This joined-up approach can not only help resolve claims effectively but can also highlight opportunities to strengthen your landlord insurance cover, ensuring your property and income are better protected in the future.
Speak with a property insurance specialist
Landlord Insurance FAQs
What does insurance for landlords cover?
A typical landlord insurance policy can cover buildings themselves against insured risks such as fire, flood, storm and subsidence, along with landlord contents where applicable. It can also include loss of rent following an insured event, property owners’ liability cover and legal expenses.
Policies can be extended to include rent guarantee insurance, management liability, and other specialist protections depending on your property type, whether that’s a single let, HMO, flat, commercial building or something else.
Can I get landlord insurance for multiple properties?
If you own more than one property, landlord insurance can often be arranged as a portfolio policy – providing a more streamlined and often cost-effective solution. It allows you to manage cover under one policy, with flexibility to include different property types such as residential lets, HMOs, flats or commercial units. This approach helps to ensure consistent protection while simplifying administration and renewals.
What is rent guarantee insurance?
Rent guarantee insurance is designed to protect your rental income if a tenant fails to pay. It can help ensure you continue to receive income while steps are taken to recover the rent or regain possession of the property.
Many policies also include legal expenses cover to assist with eviction proceedings but it is always best to confirm cover with your broker.
Is landlord insurance different for HMOs or flats?
Yes, landlord insurance for HMOs and flats is typically more specialised due to the increased risks involved. HMOs often have higher tenant turnover, shared facilities and stricter regulatory requirements, while flats and blocks of flats involve communal areas and additional liability considerations.
Policies can be tailored to reflect these factors, ensuring appropriate protection for both the property and its occupants.
What is managing agent insurance and do I need it?
Managing agent insurance is designed for those responsible for overseeing properties on behalf of landlords. It can include elements such as professional indemnity, management liability and public liability cover.
If you are a managing agent this type of insurance helps protect against claims arising from errors, omissions or disputes linked to property management activities.
Do I need commercial property owners’ insurance?
If your property is let for business use, commercial property owners’ insurance is typically required. This type of policy is tailored to the risks associated with commercial tenants, such as shops, offices or warehouses, and may include cover for loss of rent, liability and property damage. It can also be adapted for mixed-use properties where both residential and commercial elements are present.
What happens if my property becomes unoccupied?
If your property becomes unoccupied, it is essential to inform your broker as soon as possible. Unoccupancy can significantly affect your level of cover, policy terms and premiums meaning if you do not inform your broker or insurer of unoccupancy, cover could become void.
Empty properties present a higher risk, as issues such as water leaks, vandalism or other damage may go unnoticed for extended periods. Equally, theft or property damage may become more likely when a property is empty for an extended period. As a result, insurers may apply specific conditions, such as requiring regular inspections, restricting cover or in some cases, recommending specialist landlord insurance for vacant property.
Failure to disclose that a property is unoccupied could result in a claim being reduced or even declined entirely. For more information, read our blog: The Cost of Overlooking Unoccupancy when it comes to Commercial Property Insurance
What is the difference between insurance for landlords and standard home insurance?
Standard home insurance is not designed to cover rented properties and may not respond to claims involving tenants.
Landlord insurance is specifically structured to cover the risks associated with letting a property, including tenant-related damage, loss of rent and liability exposures, making it a suitable and comprehensive solution for property owners.
How do I choose the right landlord insurance policy?
Choosing the right landlord insurance involves considering factors such as the type of property, number of properties, tenant profile and level of risk you are willing to retain.
Working with a specialist broker like McClarrons can help ensure that your cover is tailored to your circumstances, with appropriate levels of protection for both your property and rental income.
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