The Obie Blog

From coverage clarity to practical property tips, explore what you need to keep your real estate investments protected.

Meet the New Obie: Moving Investment Property Insurance Forward

The insurance industry is changing rapidly—and Obie is evolving with it.

How the Right Partner Powers Property Investment Insurance

In real estate, timing and trust matter. Discover why having a dedicated insurance partner helps streamline processes and protect your business.

Obie Unveils New Brand to Move Real Estate Investment Insurance Forward

Obie’s rebrand reflects a bold new era—delivering smarter tools, clearer coverage, and seamless support for real estate investors and professionals.

Obie Wins HousingWire Tech100 Real Estate Award for Third Consecutive Year

Obie has been named a 2025 HousingWire Tech100 Real Estate winner for the third year in a row, recognizing our impact in modernizing landlord insurance through technology and automation.

Understanding Property Manager Insurance Requirements: A Guide for Homeowners

Learn why property managers require landlord insurance, the role of additional insured status, and how to secure compliant coverage easily.

Meet PolicyProof: Simplifying Property Manager Insurance Compliance with Built-In Liability Protection

Obie launches PolicyProof, pairing insurance compliance automation with Master General Liability coverage to protect property managers

Obie Partners with Liberty Mutual’s Comparion Insurance Agency to Expand Access to Landlord Insurance

Obie has partnered with Comparion Insurance Agency, a Liberty Mutual company, to offer tailored landlord insurance through Comparion’s 2,000 agents across 44 states. This collaboration leverages Obie’s tech-enabled platform to provide fast, accurate coverage, enhancing customer experience and expanding access for property investors.

Obie Expands Embedded Insurance Integration Across Digital Platforms, Now Supporting Salesforce Experience Cloud

Obie expands its embedded insurance capabilities, helping partners integrate insurance seamlessly across digital platforms for a streamlined client experience.

Obie Unveils Tenant Legal Liability Policy to Empower Real Estate Investors with Streamlined Tenant Risk Coverage

Obie launched its Tenant Legal Liability policy, offering real estate investors streamlined landlord insurance to cover tenant-related property risks with ease.

Understanding Tenant Legal Liability (TLL) Insurance

Learn how Tenant Legal Liability (TLL) insurance protects your rental property from tenant-caused damage and the key benefits for landlords and investors.

Obie’s Frequently Asked Questions

Better understand Obie and your landlord insurance policy via our FAQs.

Obie Named to Inc. 5000 for Third Consecutive Year, Paving the Way for the Future of Insurtech

We did it! Obie, the insurtech leader in real estate investment insurance solutions, is listed on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list for the third consecutive year.

Obie Doubles Down on Employee Satisfaction, Earns 2024 Inc. Best Workplaces Spot

Obie is honored to be named to Inc.'s 2024 Best Workplaces list for the second consecutive year. This recognition highlights Obie's exceptional company culture, management effectiveness, and commitment to employee growth and satisfaction. Learn more about how Obie fosters a supportive and dynamic work environment.

Celebrating Lauren McKinzie's Achievement in Insurance Leadership

Discover the remarkable journey of Lauren McKinzie, Obie's Channel Partnerships Operations Manager, as she receives the esteemed Women in Insurance Leadership (WIL) NEXT Award by Digital Insurance. Learn how her operational prowess and strategic vision have propelled Obie's growth, driving innovation in insurtech. Read more about Lauren's well-deserved recognition and her impact on shaping the future of insurance.

Agility Meets Compliance: How Obie and Backflip Unlocked Faster Closings for Real Estate Investors

Backflip and Obie partner to streamline real estate processes and offer embedded landlord insurance solutions, guiding investors to the finish line.

Coverage Corner: An insurance perspective on a shifting lender landscape

Obie's channel partner leaders explore today's evolving borrower landscape and its impact on lenders' insurance considerations in 2024. (134 characters, keyword: lenders insurance, 2024.)

Beyond Disruption: A Calculated Evolution of Insurtech

Technology trends are poised to change how we perceive, purchase, and protect through insurance. In 2024, insurance carriers are preparing for a competitive and dynamic market.

Obie Doubles Down, Earns Second Consecutive HousingWire Tech100 Win

Obie placed among the top 100 most impactful tech companies pushing the mortgage and real estate industry boundaries.

Obie Forges Partnership With Insurance Industry Leader Goosehead Insurance

The latest agent-focused partnership enables Obie to blend cutting-edge insurance solutions with personalized client interactions.

Maximizing Resident Retention: Strategies and Benefits

Maximizing resident retention doesn’t happen overnight. Implementing a few of these strategies per month, quarter, or even year can build the foundation for long-term resident success.

The Difference Between Water vs. Flood Damage

Discover the key differences between water and flood damage and their impact on insurance coverage. This article guides property owners in making informed decisions.

Obie Honored with Dual Recognition in Built In's 2024 Best Places To Work Awards

Obie, a leading insurtech simplifying insurance for real estate investors, announced today its dual recognition in Built In's 2024 Best Places To Work Awards as a "Best Startup to Work For" and "Best Place to Work" in Chicago, IL. This marks Obie's second consecutive year to receive recognition from Built In, reaffirming the company’s commitment to championing professional development and cultural excellence.

The Winter Maintenance Checklist for Rental Property Owners

Performing winter maintenance can help prevent damage to your rental property. Check out this article to learn about winter home maintenance tips for winterizing your rental property.

The Impact of Natural Disasters on Insurance

Learn how natural disasters impact the insurance industry, and what you can do to protect your property.

Are Freezing Pipes Covered by Insurance?

Freezing pipes pose a threat to your rental property. Get the answers you need on insurance coverage for burst pipes, preventive measures, and landlord vs. tenant responsibilities.

Obie Insurance Announces Key Leadership Promotions Ahead of 2024

Obie strategically promotes Laura Taccini Olson and Brad Auerbach to help lead the charge on expanding Obie's real estate investment insurance capabilities and offerings. Read the full press release.

How to Create a New Landlord Letter (Plus a Template)

Follow this step-by-step guide on creating a new landlord introduction letter (complete with a template), and you'll be one step closer to building trust with your tenants.

The Impact of Rising Construction Costs on Insurance

From material expenses to market capacity shifts, find out how construction costs reshape the insurance landscape. Learn how landlords can adapt and thrive amid these industry dynamics.

Does Typical Landlord Insurance Cover Mold?

Mold can do a lot of damage to a rental property. This article will explain how to make sure your landlord policy covers mold contaminations.

Obie + Kiavi Collaboration

Obie proudly announces its collaboration with Kiavi, a leading business-purpose residential real estate lender. Kiavi provides access to Obie’s quoting system through its online portal to offer customers to explore the possibility of working with the digital hazard insurance provider. Since Kiavi requires hazard insurance for all properties, borrowers who may be interested in working with Obie can experience firsthand how easy Obie makes the hazard insurance procurement process.

Mortgages to Markets: The Fed Rate's Ripple Effect on Real Estate

While the Fed Rate doesn’t directly touch mortgage rates, its effect on inflation and demand puts real pressure on the real estate market.

What Is a Master Insurance Policy and Are They Worth It?

In this article, we'll explain what a master insurance policy is, how it works, and how it can benefit you.

Write the Perfect Lease Non-Renewal Letter in 5 Simple Steps

In this article, we'll guide you through 5 simple steps to writing the perfect lease non-renewal letter. Plus, we’ve included a template of a non-renewal lease letter you can download immediately.

Hurricane Preparedness for Rental Properties: Tips for Landlords

Learn about the damage hurricanes can cause to your rental property and how to protect your rental property from a hurricane.

Seven End-of-Year Financial Tips for Landlords

This article outlines seven financial items landlords should complete before the end of the year.

The Landlord’s Guide to Screening Tenants

Check out this guide to learn how to create a tenant screening process while complying with Fair Housing laws.

Obie Partners With SHARE

Obie has partnered with SHARE, a real estate investment company, to enable customers to quickly obtain insurance for their properties without leaving the SHARE dashboard. Read the full announcement.

A Real Estate Investor’s Guide to the BRRRR Method

Learn about the BRRRR strategy, a powerfully repeatable real estate investment approach broken into five clear steps: buy, renovate, rent, refinance, and repeat.

How Do Property Management Companies Work?

A property management company is a third-party provider hired by landlords to oversee the day-to-day management of their rental property. Read on to determine if a property management company is right for you.

The Importance of Loss of Rental Income Insurance

If your rental property becomes uninhabitable due to an insured peril, loss of rental income insurance can help protect your earnings. Read on to learn more.

Understanding Real Estate Investment Insurance Moratoriums

Insurance moratoriums are temporary pauses in purchasing or expanding coverage that may be put in place during natural disasters or other events. Here's how to prepare for and respond to moratoriums so you can protect your investment.

The Ultimate Questionnaire for Landlord Insurance Providers

Get help choosing landlord insurance with our comprehensive provider questionnaire. These questions will guide you to the right policy.

The 12 Best Real Estate Podcasts for New Investors

Explore our curated list of insightful real estate podcasts, designed to guide new investors through the intricacies of property investing.

What Is Rental Verification and Do Landlords Need to Do It?

In this article, we'll explore rental verification in depth, including what it is, what you can learn from verifying rental history, and how it fits into the overall tenant screening process (plus a rental verification form to download).

Obie Earns Second Consecutive Spot on Inc. 5000 List of Fastest-Growing Private Companies

Obie announced that it has been named on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America for 2023. This marks the second consecutive ranking for Obie.

Obie Partners with Home365

Obie has launched a new partnership with Home365 which will offer investors the insurance they need to protect their property, right in the Home365 environment.

How to Buy a Second Home and Rent The First: 7 Essential Steps

Explore our practical tips for buying a second home while renting the first. Our guide covers seven key steps to help you succeed.

What to Look for in a Good Landlord Insurance Policy

Unsure if you’re getting the coverage you need for your rental property? Our guide outlines several key factors to consider.

How Sewer Backup Insurance Can Save Your Rental Property

A sewer backup can be an expensive nightmare. That’s why sewer backup insurance is so important for landlords.

How to Convert Your Primary Residence into a Rental Property

In the process of converting your primary residence into a rental property? Follow our step-by-step guide to make the process easy and secure a great tenant.

Obie Partners with Sundae

Obie is excited to announce a new partnership with Sundae, which will provide investors with the appropriate insurance they need to protect properties bought through the Sundae platform.

What Is Other Structures Coverage?

Other structures coverage is a section within most landlord insurance policies that can provide protection if a detached structure is damaged by a covered risk. For more information, read this article.

The Ultimate Apartment Turnover Checklist (Plus Template)

This guide provides a detailed checklist to streamline the apartment turnover process, helping landlords conduct inspections and prepare for new tenants.

When to Buy Landlord Insurance

When is the best time to buy landlord insurance for your rental property? Find out why you need insurance in place before closing, before tenants arrive, and before disaster strikes.

Do You Need Landlord Insurance If You’re Renting a Room?

Renting out a spare room in your home? Our guide explores whether landlord insurance is necessary to protect you and your property.

25+ Useful Real Estate Investor Websites You Should Bookmark

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, these real estate websites offer a wealth of information and tools to support your success.

Obie Partners with Intempus

Obie has launched a new partnership with California-based property management provider, Intempus. Read the full announcement.

How Many Rental Properties Do You Actually Need to Retire?

Investing in rental properties can be a great way to fund retirement, but how many do you actually need? We run you through the math and other important considerations in this article.

Obie Partners with Rabbu

Obie is thrilled to announce the launch of its partnership with Rabbu, a leading data tool provider that helps real estate investors find ideal opportunities in today’s short-term rental market. By integrating Obie into its offerings, Rabbu will enable investors to not only find new investments but make sure they have the best insurance coverage from the very start.

What Is SFR Insurance? A Simple Guide

In this article, you'll learn what single-family rental (SFR) insurance is, why landlords need it, and how to choose the right policy.

Obie Partners with Nextres

Obie is proud to announce a new partnership with Nextres, a wholesale mortgage lender with a nationwide footprint and a focus on bridge loans for real estate investors. The collaboration will offer Nextres customers a simplified way to get compliant insurance for their loans without the endless back-and-forth of traditional insurance processes.

Umbrella Insurance for Rental Properties: The Landlord’s Guide

Navigate the complexities of umbrella insurance for rental properties with our detailed guide, so you can determine if the additional coverage is necessary for your property.

Obie Partners with Malve Capital

Obie is excited to announce its new partnership with real estate loan provider, Malve Capital.

House Flipping Insurance: The Clear & Simple Guide

This article will guide you through insurance policies for flipped homes. You’ll learn what house flipping insurance is, what it covers, and how to determine how much coverage you’ll need for your house rehab project.

Understanding Your Hail Risk: An Insurance Guide

When purchasing landlord insurance, it’s important to know the risk of hail damage to your property. Get the details you need to make sure you're properly covered for hail risks.

Does Insurance Cover Accidental Fire Caused by a Tenant?

If you've ever been curious about what landlord insurance covers when a tenant causes an accidental fire, this article has the answers.

Pet Fees for Rentals: What Landlords Need to Know

Dive deep into the world of pet fees for rental properties. In this article, you'll discover the benefits of charging pet fees, learn how to set them correctly, and get answers to the most frequently asked questions about pet fees.

How to Avoid Cat Damage to Your Rental Property

This article will explore how cats can damage rental properties, what precautions you should take as a landlord to protect your property from cat damage, and what to do if damage does occur.

How to Successfully Handle a Tenant Who’s Not Paying Rent

In this article, you’ll learn helpful strategies for effectively managing a tenant not paying rent to minimize your stress and ensure tenant accountability.

What Is Considered Normal Wear and Tear in a Rental?

Discover what constitutes normal wear and tear and how to distinguish it from tenant-caused damage in this guide from Obie.

Obie Raises $25.5 Million in Series B Funding Round to Expand Embedded Insurance Technology

Obie has raised $26M in a Series B funding round led by Battery Ventures, with participation from Brick and Mortar VC, DivcoWest, and several real estate funds and investor groups.

How to Finance a Rental Property: Top 10 Funding Strategies

Learn all about rental property financing, including the options available, loan terms, and how to qualify for the best rates.

Obie Ranks Among Highest-Scoring Businesses on Inc. Magazine’s Annual List of Best Workplaces for 2023

Obie named among best workplaces that are setting the new standard for a great company culture.

How to Get Rid of Squatters: What Every Landlord Should Know

Learn how to get rid of squatters, your options for legal recourse, and whether your landlord insurance covers the legal expenses.

Obie Partners with Marketplace Homes

Obie is proud to announce a new partnership with Marketplace Homes, a national real estate company providing guaranteed solutions at scale.

Obie Partners With Atlas Real Estate

Obie is proud to announce that we have partnered with Atlas Real Estate, a Denver-based real estate company that provides property management services along with an in house and real estate brokerage. Through this partnership, Obie and Atlas Real Estate will provide a streamlined insurance process for Atlas investor clients.

Obie Partners with Awning: A Powerful Partnership for Investors with Short-Term Rental Properties

Obie Partners with Awning to provide a simple insurance solution for short-term rentals.

Nestment Selects Obie as their Insurance Partner to Streamline the Insurance Process for Co-buyers

Nestment selects Obie as their insurance partner.

Obie Named a Financial Times Fastest Growing Company for 2023

Obie, a Chicago-based insurtech, claimed the 119th spot on the fastest growing companies, by the Financial Times.

New Partnership Between Obie and LoanBidz.com Offers Simpler Experience for Investors

Obie and LoanBidz.com by Investment Property Loan Exchange have partnered to offer a convenient experience for investors looking to simplify financing and insurance for their rental properties.

50-Item Rental Property Deductions Checklist [Free Template]

This article discusses how creating a rental property deduction checklist can help ensure you take full advantage of available tax savings.

A Free Landlord-Tenant Utility Agreement Template

This article explores how to create an effective utility agreement and shares additional clauses landlords should know about and potentially include in a lease agreement.

Water Damage in Rental Property: What Landlords Need to Know

Learn what landlords need to know about when it comes to water damage in a rental property, when to use your landlord insurance to cover any damages, and how to ensure the protection of both tenants and landlords.

Should Rental Property Be in an LLC or Trust? Pros/Cons of Each

Learn how LLC’s and Trusts work as a rental property holder, their advantages and disadvantages, specific factors to consider when choosing which one to use, and common pitfalls to avoid.

A Clear & Simple Guide to Creating an LLC for Rental Property

his article will guide you through the entire process of forming an LLC for rental property investments in detail, so you’ll know exactly what you need to do should you choose this path.

The Landlord’s Guide to Dealing with Rental Property Damage

Learn all the details about what kind of protection landlord insurance provides for rental property damage and liability coverage, plus ways to reduce your property damage risk.

A Free 5-Point Annual Landlord Inspection Checklist Template

In this article, you’ll learn the steps for inspecting your property to keep it in good condition. Read on to learn how to craft the perfect annual inspection checklist, and download a free sample template you can customize and start using today.

A Better Borrowing Experience Meets The New Standard in Landlord Insurance: Obie Partners with BEST Lending Co

Obie partners with BEST Lending Co to ensure a seamless way for real estate investors to obtain insurance in order to secure funding.

How to Avoid Dog Damage in Your Rental Property

Discover the best ways to keep your rental property safe from damage caused by dogs, including how to screen tenants who own one.

Obie Wins Placement on HousingWire Tech100 Real Estate Award List

Obie was honored with a place on the 2023 HousingWire Tech100 Real Estate Award List.

Obie Announced as Top Private Y-Combinator Company

Obie was announced as part of the 2023 Top Y-Combinator Private Companies list.

The Essential Checklist for First-Time Landlords

19 Powerful Tools Every Landlord Should Know About

From apps streamlining the mortgage application process to tools that assist with repairs, maintenance, and landlord insurance, these tools make managing residential rentals more efficient than ever.

Why Landlord Insurance Is More Expensive than Homeowners

In this article, you’ll learn the fundamental differences between the two types of insurance so you can decide which policy is best for your situation.

A Sample Repair Letter from Landlord to Tenant (Free Template)

This article will explain the importance of sending a letter to request repairs to a tenant rather than making a verbal request and how this may impact a tenant’s security deposit.

How to Create an Ironclad Rent Roll Template [Free Template]

In this article, you’ll learn what a rent roll report is, how it works, and how to create your own rent roll, including a template you can download for free.

Does Landlord Insurance Cover Fire Damage?

In this article, we'll look at one of the key components of landlord insurance—fire damage coverage—to help you better understand the protections included in your policy.

A Free and Simple Fillable Rent Ledger Template (Excel, PDF)

This article will discuss the benefits of using a rent ledger and how you can create one for yourself. As a bonus, you’ll find a rent ledger template you can download for free.

Understanding the Basics of Real Estate Asset Protection

In this article, you’ll learn what real estate asset protection is, why it matters for investors, different strategies for protecting real estate assets, and how asset protection ties into overall wealth preservation.

How Long Can a Tenant Stay After the Lease Expires?

In this article, you’ll learn how long a tenant can stay after the lease expires, how to send them notice that their tenancy will not be renewed or extended, and some tips for handling the situation without running afoul of landlord-tenant laws.

Obie Awarded Built In Best Places to Work 2023

At Obie, cultivating a positive culture that supports all members of our team is a top priority. It’s in our values to do good, and that means treating our team well. It’s for this reason that the Obie team is extremely proud to be recognized by Built In as one the Best Startups to Work For in Chicago in its 2023 Best Places to Work Awards list. We’re deeply grateful for what each member of our team adds to the organization, helping bring the Obie culture to life

Obie Insurance Services - License #'s

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