What Type of Insurance Do You Need for a Duplex or Triplex?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Oct 7
- 2 min read
Owning a duplex or triplex can be a smart investment, offering steady rental income and long-term property appreciation. But with multiple tenants and units under one roof, these properties come with unique risks that standard homeowner's insurance simply doesn’t cover. That’s where specialized landlord insurance comes in.
At Wexford Insurance, we help rental property owners across the country protect their investments with tailored insurance solutions for duplexes, triplexes, and other multi-unit dwellings. Here’s what you need to know about insuring your property the right way.
Why Standard Homeowners Insurance Isn’t Enough
If you’re renting out one or both units of a duplex or triplex, a traditional homeowner's policy won’t provide adequate protection. Homeowners insurance is designed for owner-occupied properties—not income-generating rentals. Once tenants are involved, you need landlord insurance or rental property insurance that covers the specific risks of leasing.
Key Insurance Coverages for Duplexes and Triplexes
1. Dwelling Coverage
This protects the physical structure of your property—walls, roof, foundation, and attached structures like garages or decks. It covers damage from fire, storms, vandalism, and more.
If a tenant or visitor is injured on your property, liability insurance helps cover legal fees, medical bills, and settlements. This is especially important in multi-unit properties where foot traffic is higher.
3. Loss of Rental Income
If your property becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event (like a fire or burst pipe), this coverage reimburses you for lost rental income during repairs.
4. Personal Property Coverage
If you furnish the units or provide appliances, this coverage protects landlord-owned items from damage or theft.
5. Optional Add-Ons
Depending on your location and property type, you may want to add:
Flood or Earthquake Insurance
Vandalism and Theft Coverage
Ordinance or Law Coverage (for code upgrades)
Umbrella Liability Insurance (for extra protection)
Owner-Occupied vs. Fully Rented Properties
Owner-Occupied Duplex/Triplex: If you live in one unit and rent out the others, you may need a hybrid policy that combines landlord and homeowners' insurance.
Fully Rented Properties: You’ll need a full landlord insurance policy that covers all units and tenants.
Why Choose Wexford Insurance?
At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in rental property insurance for all types of properties - duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, condos, townhomes, and more. Our team understands the unique needs of landlords and offers customized coverage that protects your investment and income.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a first-time landlord or managing a portfolio of properties, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of rental property insurance. Wexford Insurance is the go-to source for rental property owners - Connect today!
FAQs
Q: Can I insure both units of a duplex under one policy?
A: Yes, most landlord insurance policies can cover both units under a single policy, especially if both are rented out.
Q: Is landlord insurance more expensive than homeowners' insurance?
A: Typically, yes. Landlord insurance is about 15–25% more expensive due to the increased risks of renting.
Q: What if I use my duplex or triplex as a short-term rental (e.g., Airbnb)?
A: You’ll need a policy that includes short-term rental endorsements. Wexford Insurance offers coverage for Airbnb and VRBO properties.
