How Much Does Portfolio Insurance Cost for Multiple Rental Properties
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
As a landlord with multiple rental properties—such as duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes—you face complex risk exposures that single property policies often cannot adequately cover. Portfolio insurance (sometimes called blanket insurance) offers a streamlined way to protect all of your properties under one policy. But how much does this type of coverage cost, and what factors influence the premium?
In this guide, we’ll break down portfolio insurance costs, explain the factors that drive pricing in 2026, and offer practical tips to manage and optimize your coverage.
What Is Portfolio Insurance?
Portfolio insurance allows landlords to insure multiple rental properties under a single policy rather than purchasing separate policies for each property. It can simplify billing, create consistent coverage limits, and sometimes reduce total premiums compared to individual policies.
Portfolio insurance typically consolidates:
Property (dwelling) coverage
General liability coverage
Loss of rental income protections
Optional endorsements such as flood, earthquake, or umbrella liability
💡 This approach is particularly useful for landlords managing multiple units across different locations.
Average Cost of Portfolio Insurance in 2026
Portfolio insurance costs vary significantly based on the size of the portfolio, property types, locations, and coverage levels. However, as a general range in 2026:
Portfolio Size | Estimated Annual Premium |
2–3 rental properties | $3,000 – $7,000+ |
4–6 rental properties | $6,000 – $15,000+ |
7+ properties | $10,000 – $25,000+ |
These figures are estimates and should be used as budgeting guidance rather than exact quotes.
💡 Note: Portfolios that include higher‑risk properties (older buildings, coastal locations, or high liability exposure) tend to sit at the higher end of these ranges.
Key Factors That Affect Portfolio Insurance Cost
📍 1. Property Types and Values
Each property’s construction, age, and replacement cost influence premium rates. Older buildings with outdated systems (plumbing, electrical, roofing) generally cost more to insure.
🌎 2. Property Locations
Different regions carry different risk profiles. Properties in areas prone to floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, or high crime influence higher premiums. If properties are in flood zones, separate coverage may be required—standard policies usually do not cover floods. You can check flood risk at FEMA’s official website.
🧱 3. Coverage Limits
Higher property coverage limits, liability limits, and loss‑of‑income protections all increase premiums. Landlords should balance adequate protection with deductible levels to manage cost.
📊 4. Claims History
Clean claims history can help lower premiums, while a history of frequent claims may increase costs or result in underwriting restrictions.
🛡 5. Optional Coverage
Add‑ons such as umbrella liability, earthquake coverage, or equipment breakdown influence the cost but can be critical depending on the portfolio’s risk profile.
Portfolio Insurance vs. Individual Policies
Feature | Portfolio Insurance | Individual Policies |
Single billing | ✔ Yes | ❌ No |
Consistent limits | ✔ Yes | Varies |
Administrative simplicity | ✔ High | ❌ Lower |
Potential cost savings | ✔ Possible | ❌ Not likely |
Customization per property | Limited | Detailed per property |
Portfolio insurance can provide operational efficiency and coverage consistency, but some landlords prefer individual policies for highly unique properties.
Sample Annual Cost Breakdown
Example Portfolio:
Duplex in suburban market
Triplex in urban area
Two quadplexes in mixed‑risk locations
Estimated combined cost:
Property coverage: $9,000
Liability coverage (combined): $4,000
Loss of rental income & endorsements: $2,500
Total Annual Premium: ~$15,500* (illustrative)
*Actual costs vary significantly by carrier, underwriting guidelines, and property attributes.
Ways to Manage Portfolio Insurance Costs
Here are strategies landlords use to optimize premiums:
✔ Increase Deductibles: Higher deductibles typically reduce premiums but require careful cash flow planning.
✔ Bundle with Other Policies: Combining auto, umbrella, or business insurance with the same provider can yield discounts.
✔ Improve Safety Measures: Installing alarm systems, fire suppression, and security features can reduce risk.
✔ Regular Policy Reviews: Refresh replacement cost valuations and coverage limits annually.
✔ Shop Multiple Quotes: Compare several carriers to find competitive pricing and appropriate coverage.
How Wexford Insurance Can Help
Wexford Insurance specializes in portfolio and multi‑unit rental property insurance for landlords managing multiple properties. Their team can help:
Structure portfolio policies that cover duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes together
Customize dwelling, liability, and loss‑of‑income coverage
Add endorsements like flood, earthquake, and umbrella liability
Ensure financing requirements are met for each property
Final Thoughts
Portfolio insurance offers landlords a streamlined, potentially cost‑effective way to protect multiple rental properties. While costs vary, understanding the key drivers of premiums and how coverage works can help landlords budget effectively and protect their investments.
By combining smart risk management, ongoing policy reviews, and expert guidance from Wexford Insurance, landlords can confidently manage insurance across their entire rental portfolio.
Contact us today.
