Nadler Insurance
Industry Specialty

Real Estate Investor Insurance

Specialized coverage for Bay Area landlords and commercial property investors. From single-family rentals to mixed-mercantile portfolios — we protect your investment.

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Property Types We Insure

Single-family rentalsMulti-family apartmentsMixed-use buildingsRetail strip centersOffice buildingsIndustrial/warehouseMobile home parksStudent housingSenior living facilitiesShort-term rentals (STR)

Coverage for Investment Properties

Your investment properties face unique risks. We build coverage that protects your buildings, your income, and your liability exposure.

Building & Structure Coverage

Protects the physical building against fire, windstorm, vandalism, and other covered perils. Replacement cost coverage ensures you can rebuild without depreciation penalties.

Loss of Rents / Business Income

If a covered loss makes your property uninhabitable, loss of rents coverage replaces the rental income you lose while repairs are completed. Essential for maintaining cash flow.

Landlord Liability

Covers claims of bodily injury or property damage on your rental property. A tenant or visitor injured in a common area, a slip on icy stairs — liability coverage responds.

Tenant Discrimination Defense

Specialized coverage for fair housing claims. If a prospective tenant alleges discrimination, this coverage provides defense costs and potential damages.

Equipment Breakdown

HVAC systems, boilers, elevators, electrical panels — when building equipment fails, equipment breakdown coverage pays for repair or replacement beyond standard property coverage.

Umbrella / Excess Liability

When a serious liability claim exceeds your primary limits, umbrella coverage provides an additional layer of protection. Especially important for investors with multiple properties.

Coverage by Investor Profile

Different investment strategies need different coverage approaches.

Single Property Landlord

Landlord dwelling policy with liability, loss of rents, and enough building coverage to rebuild. Simple, straightforward protection for one investment property.

Multi-Property Portfolio

Commercial package policy covering multiple locations under one policy. Umbrella coverage to protect across properties. Schedule of locations for easy management.

Mixed-Use / Mercantile

Specialized mixed-mercantile policy covering both residential units above and retail/commercial below. Different tenant types require different coverage considerations.

Commercial Habitational (Apartments)

Commercial habitational program designed for multi-unit residential. Higher liability limits, specialized endorsements, loss of rents based on gross rental income.

Mixed-Mercantile Specialists

Mixed-use buildings — retail below, apartments above — are a Bay Area staple. They're also complex from an insurance perspective. Different tenant types, shared building systems, varied liability exposures, and unique loss scenarios require specialized coverage.

We work with carriers and programs that understand mixed-mercantile properties. Whether you own one building or twenty, we structure coverage that addresses the real-world risks of operating residential and commercial space under one roof.

  • Commercial tenant operations liability
  • Residential habitational coverage
  • Loss of rents for both tenant types
  • Ordinance or law coverage for older buildings
Mixed-use commercial building in the Bay Area

Retail • Office • Residential • Industrial

Why Bay Area Investors Choose Nadler

Commercial Habitational Expertise

We specialize in apartment buildings, mixed-use properties, and complex investment portfolios. We know the markets and the coverage forms that work for real estate investors.

Bay Area Property Knowledge

We understand Bay Area real estate — the property values, the tenant landscape, the earthquake and flood exposures. Coverage that makes sense for this market.

Portfolio-Friendly Approach

As your portfolio grows, we consolidate coverage efficiently. One policy, one renewal, streamlined certificates for lenders and property managers.

Claims Advocacy

Property claims happen. When they do, we advocate for fair valuation and prompt resolution. We're your representative with the carrier.

The Nadler Approach

We're advisors, not order-takers. When you work with Nadler, you get an insurance partner who understands real estate investment — the cash flow considerations, the lender requirements, the long-term perspective. We build coverage that protects your investment and supports your strategy.

Since 1927, we've been helping Bay Area property owners protect their investments. We're a 4th-generation family brokerage, and many of our landlord clients have been with us for decades.

Learn about our story

Real Estate Investor Insurance FAQs

What is a mixed-mercantile landlord policy?
A mixed-mercantile policy is designed for buildings that combine commercial space (typically retail or office on the ground floor) with residential units above. These properties have unique exposures — the commercial tenant's operations, shared systems, different liability concerns — that require specialized coverage. Standard residential landlord policies don't adequately address mixed-use risks.
How much landlord liability coverage do I need?
Most landlords carry $1 million per occurrence as a minimum, but we often recommend higher limits for Bay Area properties given property values and legal environment. Multi-family buildings and properties with amenities (pools, gyms, parking structures) typically need $2-5 million or more. An umbrella policy is often the most cost-effective way to increase limits.
Does landlord insurance cover tenant damage?
Standard landlord policies cover damage from covered perils (fire, vandalism, etc.) but typically don't cover normal wear and tear or damage that's clearly the tenant's responsibility. Some policies offer limited tenant damage coverage. Security deposits and tenant screening remain important risk management tools alongside insurance.
What's the difference between actual cash value and replacement cost?
Actual cash value (ACV) deducts depreciation from your claim payment — a 20-year-old roof destroyed by fire pays out at depreciated value, not replacement cost. Replacement cost coverage pays what it actually costs to rebuild without depreciation. For investment properties, replacement cost coverage is almost always worth the additional premium.
Do I need separate policies for each rental property?
Not necessarily. If you own multiple properties, a commercial package policy or landlord portfolio program can cover all properties under one policy. This is often more cost-effective and easier to manage than separate policies. We help investors consolidate coverage as their portfolio grows.
How do I insure a short-term rental (Airbnb/VRBO)?
Short-term rentals require specialized coverage that most standard landlord policies don't provide. The higher turnover, transient occupancy, and different liability exposures need STR-specific endorsements or dedicated vacation rental policies. We work with carriers that understand and properly cover short-term rental operations.

Ready to protect your investment properties?

Get coverage tailored to your portfolio from a broker who understands real estate investment.

Get a QuoteCall (650) 508-8000