An investment property is a large financial commitment and landlords’ insurance provides essential risk protection in an often volatile market.
“A good landlords’ insurance policy aims to minimise risk for the landlord and may cover things like accidental damage caused to the rental property or contents, loss of rent and certain legal expenses,” REINSW Business Development Manager John Tràni said.
“But not all policies are the same.
“RealtyProtect is a landlords’ insurance policy with a difference. The policy provides comprehensive coverage. It’s quick and easy for landlords to place cover. Pricing is competitive and, as a real differentiator, it provides our industry with the opportunity to give back to those in need, with $5 from each policy sole donated to The Salvation Army.
“REINSW has partnered with JLT, one of the world’s leading providers of insurance brokerage services, to distribute RealtyProtect landlords’ insurance, which is underwritten by Chubb, the world’s largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company.
“It’s comprehensive coverage made easy.”
✔ Comprehensive policy cover
As any property manager will tell you, when it comes to rental properties, anything can happen – and it often does when you least expect it. That’s why it’s essential for landlords to have a policy in place that responds appropriately when needed.
“Property managers have been very clear with us about what landlords look for in a landlords’ insurance policy and some of the key issues that can arise with rental properties,” John said. “They expect certain ‘big ticket’ items to be covered, otherwise the policy will be a ‘no go’.
“JLT has worked with us to create a policy designed to meet the expectations of landlords.
“From the maximum weekly amount for loss of rent and how excesses are charged to coverage for damage resulting from a domestic violence incident or drug manufacturing, the RealtyProtect policy provides comprehensive protection for your landlords.”
✔ Streamlined application process
Property management truly is a business that never sleeps, so JLT has developed a streamlined process for landlords to secure landlords’ insurance via their property manager.
“We know that different property managers have different processes,” John said. “That’s why there’s a variety of ways for landlords to secure a RealtyProtect policy.
“Property managers can act as Authorised Distributors of JLT by providing factual information to landlords about RealtyProtect. They can then access the JLT online portal, where they can organise cover under instruction from their landlords in just a few clicks.”
John also explained that landlords can, if they prefer, ask their property manager to obtain a quote on their behalf by filling in a hardcopy form.
And if the landlord wants to organise the policy themselves?
“That’s fine too,” John said. “It’s simply a case of the landlord going to realtyprotect.com.au and following the prompts.”
✔ Socially conscious
In the development of RealtyProtect, REINSW was determined to build a socially conscious insurance product.
“We take our corporate social responsibility seriously,” John said. “In the real estate industry, we’re putting people into homes every day. Whether it’s buying or leasing, it’s what we do and we do it well.
“Now, we’re taking it one step further.
“For every RealtyProtect landlords’ insurance policy taken out, REINSW and JLT will make a combined $5 donation to The Salvation Army to assist people experiencing homelessness.
“Think of it like this. If 10,000 new Realtyprotect policies are placed over 12 months, that’s $50,000.
“When you think about how many properties REINSW members have on their rent rolls, the potential to help people in need is exponential.”
REINSW will thank members each year by sharing with each agency how much the policies they’ve placed have helped people in need.
✔ Competitive price
Property managers know that price and savings are important to landlords.
“We know price is important to landlords and RealtyProtect is priced very competitively,” John said. “At a set price of $360 a year, the premium is cost effective and provides comprehensive contents coverage to landlords. Cover for buildings is also available at an additional cost.
“To celebrate the launch of RealtyProtect, we have a special offer. For any new RealtyProtect policy purchased, landlords will receive 13 months’ cover for the cost of 12.*”
As is the case with other landlords’ insurance policies, property managers will receive commissions for the policies they arrange as an Authorised Distributor of JLT.
“For every new policy, they’ll receive $25 and, for a renewal, $15,” John said. “The Financial Services Guide available to landlords at realtyprotect.com.au outlines the commission structures in more detail.”
✔ Information on hand
Who has landlords’ insurance and who doesn’t? When are their renewal dates? Tracking the details can be a nightmare. But it doesn’t have to be.
“With RealtyProtect, landlords can be comforted by the fact that property managers have access to a personalised dashboard setting out all the relevant details,” John said. “Which policies are soon up for renewal, those that have expired and any actions that need to be taken.
“The dashboard makes it easy for property managers to understand the status of the RealtyProtect policies have been placed on behalf of landlords. For those policies coming up for renewal, the insurer will send out renewal notices to the landlords. Property managers may have authority from their landlords to handle premium payments on their behalf.”
“REINSW has partnered with JLT, one of the world’s leading providers of insurance brokerage services, to distribute RealtyProtect landlords’ insurance, which is underwritten by Chubb, the world’s largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company.” – John Tràni, REINSW Business Development Manager