Landlord insurance covers a defined list of things and the list is short enough to read in one sitting. Going through it section by section, with what each one does not do beside it, answers most of the questions landlords ask after a claim rather than before one.
Buildings and contents
Buildings covers the structure and fixed fittings against listed perils, up to the rebuild figure. It does not cover wear, maintenance or a boiler at the end of its life. Contents covers what you supplied, not what the tenant brought, and on an unfurnished let it is smaller but rarely nothing.
Liability and loss of rent
Property owners liability answers for injury or damage to third parties arising from the building, and funds the defence. Loss of rent pays the rent that stops because the property is uninhabitable after an insured event. Neither responds to a tenant who simply stops paying.
The optional sections
Accidental and malicious damage by tenants, which is where everyday claims land. Rent guarantee, which pays arrears subject to heavy referencing conditions. Legal expenses, which funds possession proceedings. Home emergency, which attends and makes a failure safe. Each is a decision rather than a default.
Questions people ask about landlord insurance what does it cover
What does landlord insurance not cover?
Wear, maintenance and breakdown, the tenant's own belongings, a void between tenancies, and damage during substantial refurbishment unless separately agreed.
Is tenant damage covered?
Usually as an option rather than as standard, and accidental and malicious damage are often priced separately again.
Does it cover the tenant's contents?
No. The tenant insures their own belongings, and it is worth telling them so in writing at the start of the tenancy.