The Obie Blog

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

Obie Founders Named Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 by EY US

‍EY US celebrates ambitious entrepreneurs shaping the future of business

The Baldwin Group Completes Acquisition of Obie

The Baldwin Group has completed its acquisition of Obie, strengthening its embedded insurance distribution capabilities across the real estate investor ecosystem. The partnership expands access to technology-driven insurance solutions for landlords while preserving Obie’s specialized focus, nationwide reach, and platform-led approach to modern insurance distribution.

Obie Named “Insurance Company of the Year” at IMN’s SFR Industry Awards

Obie is named IMN’s 2025 Insurance Company of the Year for redefining landlord insurance with expert coverage, integrations, and tools built for SFR investors.

More Carriers. More Control. Obie Adds Markel to Empower Investors With More Insurance Options.

By integrating with Markel, a leading name in specialty insurance, Obie expands its capacity for its nationwide program, giving landlords greater flexibility, better pricing, and coverage tailored to their investment strategies.

Obie Named to 2025 Inc. 5000, Ranking in the Top 10 for Insurance

Obie ranked #350 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 and #9 in Insurance, marking a 500+ spot leap from last year. This recognition reflects our commitment to faster coverage, stronger partnerships, and supporting the real estate investment ecosystem.

Meet the New Obie: Moving Investment Property Insurance Forward

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

Short-Term vs Long-Term Rental Investment: Pros, Cons, and Key Differences

The biggest difference between a short-term rental and a long-term rental is the length of occupancy. Short-term rentals are typically rented for days, weeks, or a few months at a time. Long-term rentals, on the other hand, are leased to tenants for six months, one year, or longer.

Rental Property Passive Income: Is Rental Income Really Passive?

Rental income is semi-passive, not fully passive. A rental property can generate recurring income without requiring the owner to work hourly for every dollar earned. However, landlords still need to handle or outsource tenant screening, repairs, rent collection, lease renewals, bookkeeping, insurance, legal compliance, and long-term property decisions.

Builders Risk Coverage for Rental Property Renovations

Builders Risk insurance helps protect eligible investment properties during major renovations, bridging the gap between purchase and long-term rental operations. Learn when Builder’s Risk coverage is appropriate, how it differs from standard landlord insurance, and how Obie helps real estate investors protect renovation projects with confidence.

When Do Real Estate Investors Need Builders Risk Insurance?

Planning a major rental property renovation? Learn when Builders Risk insurance may be needed, how it differs from landlord insurance, and which renovation projects typically qualify for this specialized coverage.

Multifamily vs Single-Family Rental Properties: Key Differences for Investors

Single-family rentals are the simpler, lower-cost way in. They appreciate with the local market and sell to a huge pool of buyers. Multifamily properties cost more to enter and manage, but they produce stronger cash flow, spread vacancy risk across multiple units, and let you scale faster. The right call depends on your budget, your appetite for complexity, and how aggressively you want to grow.

Mastering the 1% Rule in Real Estate: How to Spot Cash-Flowing Deals Instantly

The 1% rule says a rental property's monthly rent should equal at least 1% of its total purchase price, including any repair costs. A property you buy for 200,000 dollars should rent for 2,000 dollars or more a month to pass. It is a fast screening filter, not a profit guarantee, and on its own it does not account for expenses like insurance, property taxes, or maintenance.

What Are Net Leases in Real Estate?

A net lease is a commercial lease in which the tenant pays base rent plus some or all of the property's operating expenses, typically property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. It is the opposite of a gross lease, where the landlord covers those costs and the tenant pays one flat, all-inclusive rent.

Landlord vs. Property Manager: What is the Real Difference?

Understand the distinct roles of landlords and property managers. This guide clarifies ownership, daily responsibilities, and legal risks for rental success.

Lease Addendum vs. Lease Amendment: What's the Real Difference?

Differentiate between lease addendums and amendments to ensure legal clarity. Learn how to correctly add new provisions or modify existing rental agreement terms.

Understanding the Basics: What is a Guarantor in Real Estate?

Understand the critical role of a guarantor in real estate. This guide examines how legal guarantees mitigate risk for owners and facilitate tenant approval.

What is a Property Manager? A Comprehensive Guide for Owners

Discover the essential role of a property manager. From tenant screening to maintenance, learn how professional oversight secures your rental income and time.

Obie Partners with Trato Lending to Bring a More Connected Experience to Real Estate Transactions

Obie has partnered with Trato Lending to integrate insurance directly into the lending experience, creating a more connected and efficient transaction process for real estate investors.

What is a Buy and Hold Strategy? A Comprehensive Guide for Investors

Patience often yields greater returns than a quick sale. Explore our guide to the buy and hold strategy to understand the path to long-term financial security.

The Economic Occupancy Formula: How to Measure Real Rental Income

Economic occupancy is a financial metric comparing actual rent collected to gross potential rent. It accounts for vacancy losses, concessions, and unpaid rent.

What to Know Before Buying a Property With Existing Tenants

Buying a tenant-occupied property can fast-track rental income, but leases, taxes, deposits, and insurance can change the deal more than you expect.

How Does Rent Control Work? Everything You Need to Know

Rent control sounds simple, but the rules can change everything. Get a quick breakdown of how it works, who it affects, and what landlords should watch.

When 500 Policies Needed Coverage: How One Agent Delivered at Scale

When nearly 500 rental properties needed new coverage at once, agent Trevor Randall turned to Obie to move quickly and keep client relationships intact. By placing nearly 90% within weeks — often with improved coverage — the experience shows what’s possible with the right platform in place.

Now Available: Landlord Insurance for 5–8 Unit Properties

Obie now offers landlord insurance for 5–8 unit properties in 47 states. Get an instant, bindable quote online in under two minutes.

Matt Lossmann Named a 2026 HousingWire Rising Star

Matt Lossmann has been named a 2026 HousingWire Rising Star for his role in scaling Obie’s distribution engine and expanding access to landlord insurance nationwide. See how his work is helping move real estate transactions forward.

Does Insurance Cancel Automatically After a Sale? What Homeowners and Landlords Need to Know

Signed the closing papers? Your insurance hasn't signed off yet. Discover why assuming "automatic cancellation" is a costly myth that leads to phantom premiums and lost refunds.

Why Did My Landlord Insurance Premium Change?

Think your premium only rises if you file a claim? Think again. From "invisible" market shifts to the secret math of rebuild costs, discover why your renewal price changed—and how to spot the red flags.

Builders Risk vs. Landlord Insurance: What’s the Difference (and When You Need Each)

Think your rental project is covered? Think again. One simple "coverage gap" during a rehab could cost you everything. Learn the exact moment your policy must switch to protect your ROI.

Broker vs Agent for Landlord Insurance: Which One Do You Need?

Are you prioritising the right insurance expert? The person you choose affects your bottom line. Uncover which professional path actually secures your investment.

3 Reasons Why Lenders Need Proof of Landlord Insurance

Closing on an investment property? Learn why lenders require proof of landlord insurance, what documents you need, and how to avoid costly closing delays.

Landlord Insurance in Kentucky: What to Expect in 2026

Navigating the Bluegrass State's property market? Discover how shifting 2026 rates, hidden local taxes, and new climate risks impact your rental's profitability.

2026 Outlook: What North Carolina Landlords Must Expect for Rental Insurance

Big insurance shifts are hitting NC in 2026. From rate hikes to new rules, learn how to protect your rental cash flow before the market recalibrates.

What Is Obie? The Ultimate Guide for Landlords & Real Estate Investors

Gemini said Still protecting your rentals the old-fashioned way? You are working harder than you have to. See the new tool that is flipping the script for savvy investors.

What’s in Store for Georgia’s Landlord Insurance in 2026?

Thinking about your 2026 Georgia rental strategy? New laws and shifting rates could change your bottom line. Read this guide to help you make a data-based decision.

Obie and Mashvisor Partner to Help Real Estate Investors Go From Analysis to Fully Insured, Faster

Obie has partnered with Mashvisor to connect data-driven property analysis with modern landlord insurance, helping investors move seamlessly from deal evaluation to property protection. Together, the platforms give investors faster insights, clearer coverage options, and a more streamlined experience for both traditional and short-term rentals.

Landlord Tax Guide 2026: Mastering the "OBBBA" Era

Maximize your 2026 savings with the new $40k SALT cap, 100% bonus depreciation, and STR loopholes. Learn how the OBBBA impacts your rental property strategy today.

Winter Risks for Landlords: Comprehensive Guide to Liability and Insurance

Learn to prevent frozen pipes, manage snow removal liability, follow heating laws, and secure insurance coverage against winter risks

Obie Partners with Baseline to Streamline Insurance Access for Private Real Estate Lenders

Obie is partnering with Baseline to embed instant landlord insurance directly into the loan origination process, giving private lenders a faster, more seamless way to insure properties at closing. The integration removes friction from lending workflows while improving compliance and borrower experience.

Winter Rental Market Trends for Landlords (Short-Term & Long-Term)

Keep rental income steady this winter. Discover strategies for lease staggering, energy-efficient marketing, and targeting niche corporate or insurance tenants.

Landlord Insurance in Indiana: The 2026 Investor’s Guide

From sinking foundations to "Hail Alley" storms, discover why standard Indiana policies fail in 2026 and how to safeguard your ROI from Midwest climate risks.

Landlord Insurance Arizona: Protecting Your ROI from Monsoons & Lawsuits

Protect your AZ rental ROI. Cover desert risks like monsoon floods, extreme heat AC failure, and pool liability with tailored landlord insurance for 2026.

Alabama Landlord Insurance: A Comprehensive Financial Guide

Protect your Alabama rental from hurricanes and Dixie Alley tornadoes. Learn about essential coverage, costs, and exclusions in our comprehensive landlord guide.

Landlord Insurance in Florida and Why It’s a Necessity

Protect your Florida rental with specialized landlord insurance. Safeguard your investment against hurricanes, liability, and high-stakes risks. Get a quote today.

Mitigation Duties: First 24 Hours of a Landlord Insurance Claim

Learn the essential mitigation duties for landlords in the first 24 hours of an insurance claim. Protect your property, document damage, and support your payout.

How to Increase Your Rental Property Value

Maximize rental property value in 2026 with high-ROI upgrades, curb appeal tips, and smart tech. Learn to attract quality tenants and boost your cash flow now.

Do You Need Landlord Insurance for Family Tenants?

Renting to family? Learn why your homeowners policy might not be enough and how to determine if you need landlord insurance to protect your property and income.

How Claims History Affects Landlord Insurance

Learn how claims history impacts landlord insurance premiums. Discover why insurers check records, how to manage risk, and ways to keep your rental costs down.

Rental Property Budgeting 2026: Insurance, CapEx, and ROI Guide

Maximize 2026 ROI by budgeting for 15% insurance hikes, auditing CapEx vs. OpEx, and utilizing the $2,500 tax safe harbor for high-value rental upgrades.

Texas Landlord Insurance Outlook 2026: Costs, Risks, and Market Shifts

Texas landlord insurance in 2026: Navigate rising premiums, 1-2% hail deductibles, and new coverage shifts to protect your rental ROI and property margins.

50% Rule in Real Estate: What It Is and How Investors Use It

Master the 50% rule in real estate. Learn how this shortcut helps investors estimate rental expenses and cash flow to screen deals fast. Discover when it works and its limits.

Is Landlord Insurance Required by the US Law?

While not legally required by law, landlord insurance is often mandated by lenders and HOAs to protect owners from the unique risks and liabilities of renting.

Named Perils vs. All Risk Policies: What’s the Difference?

Named perils policies cover only listed risks. All risk policies cover everything except listed exclusions. The key difference is what's covered vs. excluded.

How Often to Review Your Landlord Insurance

Review your landlord policy annually or after property upgrades, new tenants, or income changes. This prevents coverage gaps and ensures you're protected.

Obie Partners with MoFin to Expand Embedded Insurance Offering for Real Estate Investors

Obie and MoFin team up to deliver embedded landlord insurance within MoFin’s lending platform, giving real estate investors instant, tailored coverage.

Pros and Cons of Being a Landlord

Weigh the pros of being a landlord, like steady income and appreciation, against the cons, like tenant issues and repair costs, to see if it's right for you.

What is a Fourplex? What You Need to Know

Investing in a fourplex? Understand the key expenses, what to look for before buying, and how landlord insurance protects your multi-unit property.

What is Prorated Rent and How to Calculate It?

Learn the simple, two-step method for calculating prorated rent. Find the daily rate, then multiply by days occupied for a fair rental amount.

Partial vs. Total Loss: A Landlord's Guide to Insurance Claims

Learn the difference between partial and total property loss for landlords, including insurance payouts and the immediate steps to take after damage occurs.

A Complete Guide To Filing A Landlord Claim After a Burst Pipe

Learn what landlord insurance covers after a burst pipe, including water damage, mold, and lost rent, plus steps to file a successful claim.

Step-By-Step Guide To Filing A Landlord Claim After Fire

A fire in your rental is overwhelming. Learn how landlord insurance covers damage, income loss, and how to file a claim for a fair settlement.

How to Calculate ROI on a Rental Property: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Learn to use the ROI formula to evaluate rental property profits and make smarter real estate investment decisions.

Best States and Cities for High Rental ROI in 2026

Discover the best states and cities for high rental ROI in 2026, plus tips on risks, ROI calculation, and what landlord insurance covers.

How to Raise Rents Without Losing Tenants?

Raise rent fairly by timing increases right, explaining the value, and offering incentives to keep tenants satisfied and loyal.

How to Calculate Net Operating Income for Rental Properties

Learn the NOI formula, what to include, and how to use it to value and evaluate your rental properties.

How Renovations Affect Your Landlord Insurance Policy

From minor to major, renovations of all kinds can change coverage, premiums, and risk under your landlord insurance policy.

A Landlord’s Guide to Eviction Notice

An eviction notice is a formal legal document from a landlord telling a tenant to leave the property, usually for nonpayment or lease violations.

Obie and Specialized Property Management Announce Strategic Partnership

Obie has joined forces with Specialized Property Management to simplify insurance for rental property owners—offering fast, built-in coverage during onboarding.

Obie’s Denise Pickering Wins 2025 HousingWire Insiders Award

Recognizing the operational excellence that powers innovation behind the scenes

Obie and Visio Partner to Deliver Built-In Landlord Insurance for Confident Investor Closings

Obie's embedded landlord insurance through Visio Lending eliminates last-minute delays, giving real estate investors faster closings. greater access, and built-in protection.

What PolicyProof Taught Us About Property Manager Risk and Insurance Compliance

Over half of landlord policies don’t meet property management agreement terms. But nearly all of them can be cured with the right system.

The Real Cost to Rebuild in 2026 for Real Estate Investors

From labor shortages to construction costs, see what’s driving rebuild prices—and how to make smarter insurance decisions as a real estate investor.

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

From coverage details to policy updates, explore answers to the most common landlord insurance questions—all in one place.

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

Lending markets are changing, and insurance plays a critical role in helping real estate investors adapt and secure funding.

Beyond Disruption: A Calculated Evolution of Insurtech

Technology trends are poised to change how we perceive, purchase, and protect through insurance. In 2025, 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

From preparation checklists to insurance insights, here’s how landlords can safeguard rental properties against hurricane risks.

Seven End-of-Year Financial Tips for Landlords

From tax prep to property expenses, here’s what landlords should focus on before year-end to keep rental finances in order.

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.

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