Obie Insurance Review: The Truth About Landlord Coverage

Owning rental property is a great way to build wealth, until something goes wrong. Whether it's a tenant accidentally setting the kitchen on fire or a freak hailstorm wrecking your roof, unexpected damages can turn your investment dream into a financial nightmare. That’s where landlord insurance comes in.

Obie Insurance claims to be a game-changer for landlords, promising hassle-free policies tailored specifically for real estate investors. But is it truly the best option? We analyzed its coverage, pricing, customer reviews, and claims process to give you the full picture.

Founded in 2017, an insurance technology company that focuses exclusively on landlord and rental property insurance. Unlike traditional insurers that often lump rental properties into generic homeowner policies, It specializes in policies designed specifically for real estate investors.

Coverage: What Does it Actually Cover?

It provides comprehensive landlord insurance, covering both property damage and liability. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Property Coverage

• Fire, Wind, and Storm Damage: Covers structural damage caused by natural disasters.
• Vandalism and Theft: Protection against malicious damage and stolen property.
• Water Damage: Limited coverage for burst pipes and internal water issues.

2. Liability Protection

• Bodily Injury Claims: If a tenant or visitor gets injured on your property, liability protection covers legal fees and medical expenses.
• Property Damage to Others: If your building damages a neighbor’s property, Obie’s liability coverage helps pay for repairs.

3. Loss of Rental Income

One of the most valuable features—if your rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered incident, it reimburses you for lost rent.

Pros

Landlords are drawn to Obie for several reasons:

• Fast, Online Quotes: Unlike traditional insurers that require phone calls and paperwork, It provides instant online quotes.
• Competitive Pricing: Many landlords report saving 15-25% compared to other major insurance providers.
• Tailored for Rental Properties: Unlike homeowner’s insurance, Obie policies are built specifically for investment properties.

Cons

No insurance provider is perfect. Here are some drawbacks:

• Limited Track Record: Founded in 2017, It doesn’t have the decades-long history of bigger insurers.
• Not Available in Every State: As of 2024, the coverage is still expanding and might not be available in certain regions.

What Do Customers Say?

The Good: Why Landlords are Buzzing About Obie

It has garnered attention for several reasons:

• Quick and Easy Quotes: Landlords can obtain quotes in minutes without the usual insurance hassle. One user noted, "I just used Obie for my latest rental; they're licensed in all 50 states and offer instant quotes online." (Source)
• Competitive Pricing: Many find Obie's rates to be more affordable compared to traditional insurers. A discussion on BiggerPockets highlighted significant savings when switching to Obie. (Source)
• Tailored Coverage: With policies designed specifically for rental properties, landlords get coverage that aligns with their unique needs.

The Not-So-Good: Potential Drawbacks

No company is perfect, and it has its share of criticisms:

• Customer Service Challenges: Some users have reported difficulties in reaching customer support. One Reddit user mentioned, "They are cheaper but in my experience they are impossible to reach. Chat, email, phone call, they never reply." (Source)
• Limited Track Record: Being a newer company, Obie doesn't have the long-standing history of some competitors.

Recent Developments: What’s New with this insurance tech firm?

Obie has been making headlines in the real estate and insurance world:

• January 2025: Launched PolicyProof, a new compliance tool for landlords managing multiple properties.
• December 2024: Expanded coverage options for multi-family buildings and short-term rentals.

How Does it Compare to Competitors?

Feature	Obie	State Farm	Allstate
Instant Online Quotes	Yes	No	No
Specialized for Landlords	Yes	No	Yes
Loss of Rent Coverage	Yes	Yes	Optional

FAQs

Is Obie Insurance available nationwide?

As of 2024, Obie is available in most U.S. states, but coverage may be limited in certain regions. Check their website for availability in your area.

How much does Obie Insurance cost?

Pricing depends on location, property type, and coverage level. On average, landlords report saving 15-25% compared to traditional insurers.

Does Obie cover short-term rentals like Airbnb?

Yes, Obie offers policies tailored for short-term rental properties, including Airbnb and Vrbo listings.

How do I file a claim with Obie?

You can file a claim directly through Obie’s website or contact their claims support team for assistance.

Does Obie require an inspection before issuing a policy?

Generally, no. Obie uses data-driven technology to assess risk, eliminating the need for traditional home inspections in most cases.

Final Verdict: Should You Get Obie Insurance?

If you’re a landlord looking for a modern, affordable, and streamlined insurance provider, It is an excellent option. However, if you value an insurance company with decades of reputation or need highly customized policies, you may want to compare it with traditional insurers.