Landlord Insurance in Knoxville, TN
A homeowners policy is written for a house you live in. Once you rent it to a tenant, you need a landlord policy, often called a dwelling fire or DP policy. It covers the building, your liability as the owner, and the rent you lose while a covered loss is being repaired. We insure single rentals, duplexes, small multifamily buildings and investor portfolios across the Knoxville area.
What a landlord policy covers
- Dwelling: the rental building, ideally at replacement cost
- Other structures: detached garages, sheds and fences
- Loss of rent: lost rental income while a covered loss is repaired
- Liability: injuries on the property that you're responsible for as the owner
- Landlord-owned contents: appliances, furnishings and lawn equipment you provide
Gaps we look for on rentals
- Actual cash value coverage on older rentals that pays far less than the cost to repair
- Vacancy limits on properties between tenants, which can restrict coverage after a set number of days
- No loss-of-rent coverage, or too little to carry the mortgage during repairs
- Low liability limits for owners with several properties. An umbrella policy can cover all of them.
- Older wiring, plumbing or roofs that carriers will ask about up front
Renting short-term instead?
Airbnb and VRBO rentals have different risks and need different coverage. See our short-term rental and cabin insurance page.
Ask your tenants for renters insurance
Your landlord policy doesn't cover your tenant's belongings or their liability. Many landlords require tenants to carry renters insurance and show proof at move-in. It's inexpensive and keeps a lot of disputes from landing on you.
Why Knoxville clients choose Elite Insurance Group
- Independent: we compare carriers like Travelers, Progressive, Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, Erie, Encova, Penn National and Foremost instead of selling one company's policy.
- Claims experience: our team brings 25+ years of insurance and claims experience, so we write coverage with the claim in mind.
- No agency or broker fees: you pay the carrier's premium, nothing extra to us.
- Local: a family-owned Knoxville agency serving Knox, Blount, Anderson, Loudon, Sevier and Roane counties.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my homeowners policy if I rent my house out?
Usually not. Most homeowners policies limit or exclude coverage once the home is rented to a tenant. Tell your agent before the lease starts so the policy can be switched to a landlord form.
Does landlord insurance cover my tenant's belongings?
No. It covers the building and your liability as the owner. Tenants need their own renters insurance.
What happens if my rental sits vacant?
Many policies restrict coverage after a property has been vacant for a set period, commonly around 60 days. If you're between tenants or renovating, tell us so we can adjust the coverage.
Can you insure several rental properties together?
Yes. Depending on the carrier, we can write them on one policy or coordinate several, and add an umbrella over all of them.
Related coverage
Home insurance · Cabin & Airbnb insurance · Umbrella insurance · Business insurance by industry
Get a quote
Tell us what you need and a licensed local agent will follow up. Start your landlord insurance quote or call (865) 687-5140, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.