Triplex vs. Duplex vs. Fourplex Insurance: What’s the Difference
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Jan 2
- 3 min read
Owning multi-unit rental properties—whether a duplex, triplex, or fourplex—is a popular way to generate income, but insurance requirements vary depending on the number of units, occupancy, and risk exposure. Understanding these differences is crucial for protecting your property, rental income, and liability. Choosing the wrong policy can leave gaps in coverage, cause premium surprises, or even create compliance issues with lenders.
In this guide, we’ll explain how insurance differs for duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes, why these differences matter, and how Wexford Insurance can help you select the right coverage for your property type.
A duplex is a two-unit property, often owner-occupied with one unit rented or fully rented out. Key points:
Policy Type: Duplex insurance or a landlord policy for fully rented units
Coverage: Property (dwelling), liability, loss of rental income
Risk Level: Moderate; one unit occupied by owner reduces liability risk
Premium Range: Typically lower than triplex or fourplex due to fewer units
💡 Tip: Duplex owners living in one unit may combine personal property and rental coverage, which is not standard in fully rented properties (SBA guidance).
A triplex has three rental units. Insurance requirements include:
Policy Type: Landlord insurance or multi-unit property insurance
Coverage: Property damage, liability, and loss of rental income; optional endorsements for flood, earthquake, or umbrella liability
Risk Level: Higher than duplex due to more tenants and shared spaces
Premium Range: Higher than duplex insurance, influenced by location, age, and property condition
💡 Triplex owners should maintain adequate liability limits, especially in multi-tenant properties with common areas.
Fourplex Insurance
A fourplex contains four rental units and is considered a small commercial property by some insurers. Key points:
Policy Type: Landlord or small multi-family commercial policy
Coverage: Full building coverage, liability, loss of rent, and optional endorsements
Risk Level: Highest among small multi-unit residential properties due to multiple tenants and higher exposure
Premium Range: Highest among duplex, triplex, and fourplex due to increased liability and property value
💡 Lenders often require proof of adequate liability coverage and loss-of-rent protection for fourplexes, as they carry higher financial risk.
Key Differences at a Glance
Feature | Duplex | Triplex | Fourplex |
Units | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Policy Type | Duplex or landlord | Landlord/multi-unit | Landlord/commercial |
Occupancy | Owner-occupied or fully rented | Fully rented | Fully rented |
Liability Risk | Moderate | High | Higher |
Premium | Lowest | Moderate | Highest |
Why These Differences Matter
Coverage Gaps: Using a standard homeowners policy for multi-unit rental properties can leave gaps in liability and rental income coverage.
Premium Costs: Insurance costs increase with more units due to higher exposure.
Lender Requirements: Financing multi-unit properties often requires proof of proper insurance coverage.
💡 Proper coverage is not just a legal or lender requirement—it protects your investment and ensures you don’t face financial devastation from claims or disasters.
How Wexford Insurance Can Help
Wexford Insurance specializes in multi-unit property insurance, including duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes. They help property owners:
Determine the correct policy type based on occupancy and unit count
Tailor liability, property, and loss-of-rent coverage
Add endorsements for flood, earthquake, or umbrella liability
Ensure lender and local compliance
Final Thoughts
Insurance requirements differ for duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes, and selecting the right policy is critical for protecting your investment. By understanding these differences and working with a specialized provider like Wexford Insurance, you can secure coverage that fits your property size, occupancy, and risk profile.
Contact us today.
