The Obie Blog

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

Obie Announces Partnership with RentSpree

Obie and RentSpree have teamed up to bring landlord insurance directly into the RentSpree platform. Landlords and real estate investors can now receive real-time insurance quotes and purchase coverage without leaving their existing rental management workflow.

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.

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.

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

Rental income loss can disrupt cash flow. Here’s how insurance can help landlords stay protected when tenants can’t occupy a property.

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.

What Does Landlord Insurance Cover? Your 2026 Guide

Landlord insurance offers three main types of protection for your rental property: property damage, landlord liability protection against accidents, and loss of rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event.

The 12 Best Real Estate Podcasts for New Investors

Stay ahead in real estate with podcasts covering landlord tips, investing strategies, and market insights for first-time and seasoned investors.

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

Ready to rent out your home? Learn the steps to convert your primary residence into a rental property with confidence.

Obie Partners with Sundae

Obie's latest partnership 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? A Timing Guide for New Landlords

Don't leave your new investment unprotected in the gap between contract and closing. Activate your landlord insurance policy before you sign to be safe from day one.

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.

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

From scratched floors to stained carpets, learn how landlords can minimize cat-related damage and keep rental properties in good shape.

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.

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

Helping real estate investors secure funding with hassle-free insurance quotes.

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

Becoming a landlord is more than just owning property. This complete checklist walks you through preparation, tenants, rent collection, and more.

19 Powerful Tools Every Landlord Should Know About

From digital apps to insurance solutions, these landlord tools save time, reduce stress, and make managing rental properties easier.

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

Obierisk.com is Now ObieInsurance.com

Obieinsurance.com is the new home for Obie. Obierisk.com now redirects here so you can access the same insurance experience in one place.

Does Landlord Insurance Cover Vandalism?

Here’s how insurers typically handle vandalized property and what you can do to protect yourself from this costly risk.

Landlord Insurance vs. Umbrella Policy: The Landlord’s Guide

As a landlord or real estate investor in rental properties, you may wonder if you need landlord insurance or an umbrella policy. Landlord insurance is a type of property insurance that protects landlords from financial losses due to damage to their rental property or from liability claims made by tenants. Umbrella policies provide additional liability coverage above and beyond what is already provided by your landlord insurance policy. So which one do you need? This guide will help you understand the difference between these two types of insurance and which one is right for you.

What You Need to Know about Short-Term Rental Insurance Cost and Coverage

Your homeowner's insurance won't cover guest damages. This mistake can be costly. Learn how short-term rental insurance is built to protect your business.

How to Send a Notice to Vacate (Free Template and State Rules)

You've been a good landlord, providing your tenant with a quality, well-maintained home to live in and offering plenty of notice when you make any changes. But what do you do when it's time to ask them to leave? It can be difficult to tell a renter you need them to vacate the property, and there are many reasons why this may be what's best for you and your business. However, not giving proper notice to vacate can lead to costly legal battles and months of lost rent.

How Much Renters Insurance Should a Landlord Require in 2026?

So what is the appropriate amount of coverage? Here's a quick rundown of what landlords need to know about renters insurance, including how much coverage tenants should have.

What’s The Average Cost of Commercial Property Insurance?

Insurance costs impact profitability. Here’s what landlords and investors should know about average commercial property insurance rates.

Mixed Use Property Insurance: A Clear & Simple Guide for 2026

Mixed-use properties bring unique insurance requirements and revenue opportunities by combining residential and commercial tenants.

Where To Find the Best Insurance for Apartment Buildings

As an apartment building owner or manager, you know that there are a lot of things to keep track of—from maintenance and repairs to rent collection and lease agreements. One of the most important things on your list should be finding the right insurance for your property. With so many options, it can be tough to know where to start. Don't worry - we’re here to help you make sense of things. This blog post will give you tips on finding the best insurance for your apartment building and share some things to keep in mind as you compare policies. So read on, and rest assured, knowing that you're well on your way to finding the right coverage for your property.

Vacant Property Insurance: What Landlords and Investors Need to Know

Standard landlord policies limit or exclude coverage once a property sits vacant, often after just 30 to 60 days. Vacant property insurance closes that gap, protecting rentals between tenants, homes under renovation, and newly purchased buildings against fire, vandalism, and water damage. Here's when a property counts as vacant, what the coverage costs, and how to keep an empty property protected.

Do You Really Need Public Liability Insurance as a Landlord?

Are you a landlord wondering if public liability insurance is necessary for your rental property? Many landlords are confused about the difference between public liability insurance and their general or umbrella coverage. While it may seem like just another type of insurance to add to your already growing list, public liability coverage can protect you from certain kinds of lawsuits and damages that fall outside of your general policy coverage. It's important to understand the risks associated with renting out properties and make sure that you have the appropriate coverage in place.

Multifamily Property Insurance 101: The Clear and Simple Guide

Many investors consider multifamily properties a solid and affordable avenue for venturing into real estate. The increasing demand, which is expected to remain as younger people defer purchasing single-family homes due to high costs, promises attractive returns in the future. To make money in this industry, it is important to consider things that could affect your investment.

Dwelling Fire vs. Landlord Policies: What You Need to Know

A fire in a rental property can have devastating consequences for a landlord. If the right insurance policy is not in place, the landlord could be left with a huge financial burden. The cost of repairing the damage caused by the fire can be high. If the property is left uninhabitable, the landlord may also have to pay for alternative accommodation for the tenants. In some cases, the landlord may even be liable for damages if their negligence caused the fire.

Damage Protection Insurance for Short-Term Rental Property [2026 Guide]

Short-term rentals have taken over the market in the last decade. Many travelers have opted for this accommodation as it offers a feel-at-home vibe at a lower cost than a hotel room and often more amenities. ‍Online accommodation marketplaces alone have properties listed in the millions. For instance, Airbnb currently has over 5 million listings worldwide. The short-term rental market presents an opportunity for property owners to make money, whether you are managing a portfolio of vacation homes or are a homeowner with an extra room looking to make some extra cash on the side.

Building Insurance for Landlords: What’s Covered and How Much You Need

Learn the essentials of building insurance coverage so landlords and property owners can protect assets against damage, loss, and liability.

Second Home vs Rental Property Insurance: What’s the Difference?

In this article, we'll break down the key differences between the two types of coverage so you can decide which policy fits your unique situation.

How Much Liability Insurance Do You Need for a Rental Property?

When you're a landlord, there are a lot of risks that come with the territory. Fires, theft, natural disasters, and even lawsuits can all be potential hazards. That's why it's important to have adequate insurance coverage in place. But how much is enough? And what kind of policies should you be looking for?

Does Landlord Insurance Cover Vacancy?

In this article, we'll explore how landlord insurance can (and can't) help if your rental property is unoccupied for an extended period.

How to Get Insurance for a 5-Unit Apartment Building

Many landlords and property managers mistakenly believe that a standard landlord policy will adequately cover them in the event of a loss. But that isn’t always the case. Depending on your coverage, you may be exposed to unexpected costs in the event of a significant loss. ‍That's why protecting your apartment building with the right insurance is one of the smartest decisions you can make. But what type of insurance should you buy? And how much does it cost?‍In this article, we’ll break down the basics of insuring a 5-unit apartment building. You'll learn about the different types of coverage available and how to decide on the amount of insurance necessary to protect your investment.

How to Successfully File a Claim for Your Rental Property

Are you a rental property owner who needs to file an insurance claim? ‍Filing a property insurance claim can be daunting, but don't worry! Knowing where to start is often the most challenging part of filing a claim.‍In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to successfully file an insurance claim for your rental property.

The 15 Best Real Estate Calculators Across The Internet

Find the best free and paid real estate calculators to help landlords and investors analyze rental income, cash flow, ROI, and property value.

Obie Partners With Flock to Bring Institutional, Cost-Efficient Solutions to Retiring Landlords

Obie is excited to announce a new partnership with Flock, a tech-enabled real estate platform offering the retirement solution for landlords.

Landlord Focused Insurtech Launches Agent Appointment Program

The insurtech industry has grown from innovation and automation in the insurance process with a greater goal of improving the customer experience for real estate investors. Obie, a Chicago-based insurtech, plans on utilizing proprietary advances in automation to not only improve the insurance process for real estate investors, but also to support independent insurance agents. This is a first in the space of landlord insurance, with automation becoming a benefit to the independent insurance agent.

PeerStreet Selects Insuretech Obie as a Partner

Obie is partnering with PeerStreet to streamline the insurance process for lenders and real estate investors.

8 Reasons Why You Need Landlord Insurance

You don't want your insurance to fall short when you need it most. So why do you need landlord insurance versus some other kind? Let's dig in.

Triplex Insurance: How it Works and What it Covers

Triplexes can be a great real estate investment or a place for family members to live close to one another. This article explains the kind of insurance triplexes require.

Obie and RL Property Management Group Partnership Improves the Insurance Experience for Ohio-Based Property Managers

Obie is partnering with RL Property Management Group to improve the insurance experience for Ohio-based property managers.

What is Landlord Liability Insurance? A Guide to Coverage and Cost

Landlord liability insurance pays legal and medical bills when someone is hurt or property is damaged at your rental. At Obie, coverage of $100k–$1M costs roughly $150–$1,000 a year, with price tied to property size, location, claims history, and coverage amount.

Duplex Landlord Insurance: What You Need to Know

A duplex can be a great real estate investment, but they require specific insurance. This article will explain what you need to know about duplex insurance.

What to Know About Flood Insurance for Rental Property in 2026

Did you know that at least half a million properties in the U.S. face a risk of flood water damage? To make matters worse, flood risk is growing. New maps indicate flood damage will increase by at least 26% in the next three decades, thanks partly to climate change. But, perhaps, the most worrying takeaway for real estate investors is that their standard landlord insurance would not cover any damages caused by a flood. Yes, you read that right!

Does Landlord Insurance Cover Tenant Injury?

As a landlord, you must keep your property safe. You can be held liable for tenant injuries from known hazards you failed to fix, like a broken step.

Obie Insurance Services, LLC - License #'s

AK #3001323846

AL #3000908445

AR #3000916052

AZ #3000916073

CA #6002583

CO #648689

CT #2716551

DC #3001009541

DE #3001247094

FL #L109506

GA #213072

HI #534451

IA #3000916206

ID #838797

IL #3001410691

IN #3563275

KS #845129262-000

KY #1091384

LA #863278

MA #2141684

MD #3000916120

ME #AGN378956

MI #128349

MN #40736335

MO #3000915661

MS #15040365

MT #3001247095

NC #1000712051

ND #3001247091

NE #3001266894

NH #3001152116

NJ #3001232518

NM #3002380649

NV #3562275

NY #1638380

OH #1313308

OK #3000916108

PA #953805

PA #1027420

PA #1038898

RI #3001151816

SC #3000916142

SD #10027388

TN #3001140087

TX #2538944

UT #819412

VA #148902

VT #3653729

WA #1101235

WI #3000916141

WV#3001232811

WY #460662

Obie Insurance Group, LLC - License #'s

AZ #3001495975

CA #6006652

CO #709122

FL #L114608

IL #3001410691

IN #3715685

IN #3726236

MD #3001485673

MI #134516

NJ #3001475592

NV #3715355

NV #3733855

OH #1389553

OH #1396167

OR #3001525732

PA #1027420

PA #1038898

TN #3001475594

TX #2720237

TX #2722701

UT #886292

UT #886293

VA #152131

WI #3001475580