After surviving my first few years as a landlord — juggling claims, denied coverage, and unexpected costs — I realized that choosing the right insurance company matters just as much as the policy itself. A great policy with a terrible insurer can turn a small problem into a nightmare.

I decided to shop around, compare carriers, and really understand what makes a landlord insurance company “the best.”

I. My First Lessons About Choosing an Insurer

My initial policy was with a national insurer I thought was reputable. For the first year, I felt fine — until my tenant caused water damage, and I had to file a claim.

The process was slow, confusing, and frustrating. Phone calls, emails, missing documents — it took months to get a partial reimbursement. I realized:

A policy is only as good as the company behind it.

That’s when I started researching and testing other insurers.

II. Factors That Matter Most to Me

Over the years, I’ve identified the factors that influence my decision when comparing landlord insurance companies:

III. My Personal Comparison of Top Companies

After testing 5 major carriers and talking with other landlords across the U.S., I created this comparison based on my experience and real feedback from peers:

From this table, I realized no company is perfect, but some align better with your property type, budget, and personal expectations.

IV. My Real-Life Experiences with Different Carriers

1. State Farm – My first insurer. Reliable, but when I filed a water damage claim, it took 3 months to resolve. Emotional toll: frustration, sleepless nights.

2. Allstate – I switched after my second property. Online claims were faster, and they offered a tenant negligence rider. Emotional impact: relief, confidence in coverage.

3. Farmers – I added a multi-family unit. Coverage was excellent, but customer service was slow. Emotional takeaway: patience pays, but it was stressful initially.

These experiences taught me that premium alone shouldn’t dictate your choice. You need speed, responsiveness, and flexibility.

V. How I Chose My Current Insurer

After multiple experiences, I finally settled on a strategy:

1. Compare quotes from at least 3 carriers – not just online, but talk to agents or brokers.

2. Ask about riders explicitly – what’s included, what’s optional, and at what cost.

3. Test customer service – call, ask questions, and see response time.

4. Check claim history & reviews – learn from other landlords’ experiences.

Using this approach, I now have a balance of cost, coverage, and service quality.

VI. Lessons from Other Landlords Across the U.S.

From forums, Facebook groups, and in-person networking, I noticed recurring themes:

• Never assume cheaper = better – claims can be nightmares if the company is slow or unhelpful.

• Riders are critical – tenant damage, mold, and flood are commonly excluded unless purchased separately.

• Document everything – even excellent companies will require proof. Photos, receipts, and written records saved many landlords from denied claims.

VII. Comparing Coverage vs Premium: My Personal Matrix

To make decisions easier, I created this matrix based on my properties and priorities:

I realized I personally value responsive claim handling and riders over saving a few hundred dollars on the premium. The emotional relief is worth the extra cost.

VIII. Emotional Takeaways

Insurance isn’t just financial; it’s emotional. Choosing the right company:

• Reduced stress during property damage events.

• Gave me confidence in my investment decisions.

• Allowed me to sleep better at night, knowing tenants, property, and finances are protected.

I learned that a “best” insurance company isn’t universal. It’s about the right fit for your property, budget, and personal comfort level.

IX. Final Advice for Landlords Choosing Insurance Companies

1. Do not pick a company based on price alone – service quality matters.

2. Ask for and understand riders – gaps in coverage can be costly.

3. Test communication – responsive agents = faster claims = less stress.

4. Document and maintain property records – this protects you with any insurer.

5. Review and update annually – property conditions and market rates change.

Choosing an insurer isn’t a one-time task; it’s an ongoing process that evolves as your rental portfolio grows.