The 3 Most Common Landlord Insurance Claims and How to Prevent Them

It’s 11 p.m. when your tenant texts: Water is pouring through the ceiling, and it’s not stopping. Or maybe it’s Saturday morning, and you’re staring at photos of shattered windows and graffiti covering your vacant rental.

Insurance claims don’t just happen to careless landlords. They happen to be diligent, experienced property owners who thought they had everything covered. The difference between a minor inconvenience and a financial disaster often comes down to knowing what risks you’re really facing, and having the right coverage before a disaster strikes.

Most landlord insurance claims fall into just three categories. Operate with these three items in the back of your mind, and you’ll be better prepared when it comes to protecting your portfolio.

Let’s dive into what causes the most common (and costly) claims, how to prevent them, and how to make sure you’re properly covered—because the best claim is the one you never have to file.

1. Weather-Related Damage

Mother Nature doesn’t ask permission before wreaking havoc. Hail and windstorms are the leading causes of weather-related insurance claims, and they can turn a profitable property into a financial headache.

Imagine a severe storm rolls through. Your roof loses shingles, a tree branch crashes through a window, and water starts pouring inside. The storm may only last an hour, but the aftermath can look like weeks of coordination, costs, and chaos.

How to protect yourself

• Schedule biannual roof inspections: A $50 repair now beats a $15,000 claim later. Check for loose shingles, obvious damage, and worn materials twice a year.
• Trim trees aggressively: Any branch within 10 feet of the structure is a liability. One good gust is all it takes.
• Document everything: After any weather event, take clear photos and videos before touching a thing. Keep receipts and estimates. Adjusters love documentation.

Most landlord policies cover sudden weather events, but limits can vary, especially for emergency repairs or temporary tenant housing. Know those details before you need them.

2. Water Damage

If weather damage is the dramatic villain, water damage is the silent assassin. It starts quietly (a drip behind drywall, a tiny pipe crack, a clogged drain line) and ends with thousands of dollars in repairs.

Burst pipes and roof leaks account for most water-related claims, and by the time you notice them, the damage has usually been happening for days.

How to protect yourself

• Inspect plumbing seasonally: This is especially important for systems older than 20 years. Corrosion and weak joints are early warning signs.
• Winterize in cold climates: Frozen pipes are among the most common claim triggers. Insulate exposed pipes and keep heat on in vacant units.
• Maintain gutters and downspouts: Clogged gutters force water into foundations and walls. Clean them at least twice per year.
• Service HVAC systems regularly: Condensate drain lines clog easily, often causing unnoticed leaks.
• Educate tenants: Make it part of your lease that all leaks, no matter how small, must be reported immediately.

Standard landlord insurance covers sudden water damage, but not floods. If your property is anywhere near a flood zone, you’ll need separate flood insurance.

3. Theft, Vandalism, and Malicious Mischief

Few things sting more than pulling up to find your property vandalized or broken into. Theft and vandalism can shake your confidence, stress tenants, and eat into your returns fast.

Common scenarios include:

• Break-ins targeting appliances, copper wiring, or HVAC units
• Graffiti or broken windows on vacant properties
• Intentional damage from former tenants or trespassers

Vacant properties are especially vulnerable. One weekend of vandalism can result in thousands in losses and insurance red tape.

How to protect yourself

• Invest in visible security: Cameras, motion lights, and alarm signage deter opportunistic criminals.
• Light up your property: Darkness can sometimes invite trouble. Bright LED lighting at entry points and driveways makes a big difference.
• Screen tenants carefully: Not all vandalism comes from outsiders. Solid background checks reduce the risk of damage from your own tenants.
• Check vacant units weekly: Hire a manager or neighbor if needed. Vacant doesn’t mean unmonitored.
• Build neighborhood connections: A watchful neighbor can be your best early warning system.

Most landlord policies cover structural damage from theft and vandalism, but not tenant belongings. Require tenants to carry renters insurance, and always file a police report for documentation.

The Real Cost of Landlord Insurance Claims

Many landlords underestimate the true cost of a claim, which goes far beyond repairs. For example, a $15,000 roof claim might cost you $2,000 in deductibles, $3,000 in lost rent, and higher premiums for years. Multiply that across a few claims, and your so-called safety net becomes a drag on your returns.

Typical claim averages:

• Weather-related repairs: $5,000 to $15,000
• Water damage with remediation: $10,000 to $20,000
• Vandalism or theft: $2,000 to $5,000

Every dollar you spend on prevention could save you thousands in future costs. 

Why Specialized Landlord Insurance Makes All the Difference

You can’t prevent everything, but you can protect against the fallout. The key is working with an insurer built for landlords, not homeowners.

That’s where Steadily comes in.

Unlike traditional insurers who treat rentals like side projects, Steadily was built specifically for real estate investors. Their coverage is designed for landlord realities: storm damage, tenant-caused losses, and loss of rental income.

Why landlords choose Steadily:

• Fast, digital quotes (usually within five minutes)
• Transparent, investor-focused coverage
• Scalable policies for single properties or portfolios
• Nationwide support and a simple claims process

Steadily understands how you operate, whether you own one door or 50. Their policies are written in plain language, tailored to your needs, and backed by service that moves as fast as your deals.

Prevention keeps your properties safe. Steadily keeps your investments secure.

Don’t wait for a storm, leak, or vandalized unit to reveal your coverage gaps. Get ahead of the risk now.

Get your free Steadily quote and protect your rentals with insurance built for landlords like you.