How much landlord insurance costs is a question with no publishable answer and a very learnable structure. The same house is priced differently for a professional tenant and a student house; the same tenant is priced differently in two postcodes; and two quotes for the same property differ mostly because they are quoting different cover. Understanding the five levers is more useful than any average could be.
The property itself
The rebuild cost sets the scale. Construction and age move it: standard brick and tile prices best, and non standard construction, thatch, timber frame, flat roofs and listed status all cost more. Flood and subsidence history are the two single biggest movers, and in some postcodes they decide availability rather than price.
The tenant
Professional and working tenants price best. Students, tenants in receipt of benefits, company lets and HMOs each cost more, in roughly that order, because the claims experience differs. This is why describing the letting accurately matters: the difference in premium is always smaller than the difference between a claim paid and a claim declined.
The sections you choose
Buildings and liability are the base. Accidental damage, malicious damage, landlord contents, rent guarantee, home emergency and legal expenses each add. A quote that looks dramatically cheaper than the others has usually left two or three of these out, which is why comparing the section list is the only way to compare the price.
The excess and the void allowance
A higher voluntary excess reduces the premium and is worth taking if you would never claim for a small amount anyway. A longer unoccupancy allowance costs a little and is worth more than it looks to a landlord whose properties turn over often. Both are adjustable levers that most buyers leave at the default.
Questions people ask about how much is landlord insurance
What is the average cost of landlord insurance?
There is no average worth quoting, because the same property prices very differently on tenant type and postcode. The levers above decide it and only a quote gives a figure.
Why is my quote higher than a friend's?
Usually tenant type, postcode, flood or subsidence history, or a different section list. Compare the six terms rather than the premium.
Does the number of properties change the price?
Yes. A portfolio policy is usually cheaper per property, materially so above about five.
Can I reduce the premium safely?
Raise the voluntary excess, improve security, keep the safety certificates current and avoid small claims. Reducing the sum insured is the one saving that is never safe.