testimonials
LATEST INSURANCE NEWS
Dwelling Fire Insurance
- Home »
- Personal Insurance »
- Dwelling Fire Insurance
Dwelling Fire Insurance: Protect Your Investment Property
Owning an investment property—whether it’s a rental home, second home, vacation property, or vacant dwelling—can be a rewarding financial decision. But it also exposes you to unique risks that standard homeowners insurance may not cover.
That’s where Dwelling Fire Insurance (sometimes called landlord insurance or rental property insurance) comes in. This specialized coverage protects you from financial losses caused by fire and other common perils, while also safeguarding your rental income and liability exposure.
At Advantage Insurance Network, we help property owners understand these risks and customize coverage that protects their most valuable investments.

What Is Dwelling Fire Insurance?
Dwelling fire insurance is a type of property insurance created for non-owner-occupied properties. Unlike a standard homeowners policy, it’s specifically tailored to cover the risks of:
-
Rental homes
-
Vacation homes
-
Seasonal or vacant properties
-
Investment properties
These policies typically protect against:
-
Fire and smoke damage
-
Lightning strikes
-
Windstorms and hail
-
Explosions
-
Vandalism
-
Vehicle or aircraft damage
-
Certain types of water damage (varies by carrier)
💡 Think of it as homeowners insurance built for landlords, property investors, and seasonal homeowners.
What Does Dwelling Fire Insurance Cover?
Dwelling fire policies can vary by carrier, but most include these core protections:
-
Dwelling Coverage – Protects the structure of your property (roof, walls, foundation, built-ins).
Example: If a kitchen fire damages walls and cabinets, this coverage pays for repairs. -
Other Structures Coverage – Covers detached garages, sheds, or fences.
Example: If high winds knock down a fence, this helps cover replacement costs. -
Personal Property Coverage – Covers items you keep at the property to maintain it (appliances, tools, equipment).
Example: A stolen lawnmower or damaged refrigerator may be covered. -
Liability Protection – Protects you if someone is injured on your property or if you’re found responsible for damages.
Example: If a tenant slips on icy steps and sues, liability coverage helps protect your assets. -
Loss of Rental Income – Replaces lost rent if the property becomes uninhabitable due to a covered claim.
Example: A fire forces tenants out for 3 months—this coverage replaces that lost rent.
Types of Dwelling Fire Policies
Not all dwelling fire policies are the same. The three main types are DP-1, DP-2, and DP-3. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | DP-1 (Basic Form) | DP-2 (Broad Form) | DP-3 (Special Form) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perils Covered | ✔ Basic named perils - perils like fire, lightning, wind, hail, explosion, vandalism (varies by company) ✘ Limited protection |
✔ Expanded named perils - perils included with DP-1 plus perils like weight of snow, ice, or sleet, falling objects, accidental water damage (varies by company) | ✔ All-risk/open perils - covers everything except exclusions like flood, earthquake, neglect, war (varies by company) |
| Settlement Type | ACV – Actual Cash Value (replacement minus depreciation) | RCV – Replacement Cost (repairs/replacement without depreciation) | RCV – Broadest protection |
| Loss of Rental Income | Optional add-on | Often included | Typically included |
| Personal Property Coverage | Limited | Broader (named perils only) | Broadest – open perils unless excluded |
| Cost | 💲 Lowest | 💲💲 Moderate | 💲💲💲 Highest |
| Best For | Vacant homes, low-value properties, budget-conscious landlords | Standard rental homes needing affordable coverage but stronger protection | High-value rentals, second homes, investors that value coverage and protection |
💡 Quick Tip:
-
DP-1 = Cheapest but minimal protection
-
DP-2 = Balanced coverage + affordability
-
DP-3 = Broadest, most popular for landlords & investors that value coverage and protection
Coverage and policy forms can vary from company to company.
Common Exclusions to Be Aware Of
Even the best dwelling fire policies don’t cover everything. Typical exclusions include:
-
Flood damage (requires separate flood insurance)
-
Earthquake damage (requires add-on or separate policy)
-
Tenant’s personal belongings (tenants need renters insurance)
-
Wear and tear or maintenance issues
-
Intentional damage
Why Landlords & Investors Need Dwelling Fire Insurance
If you own a rental property, second home, or vacation home, standard homeowners insurance isn’t enough—and may even deny claims if the property isn’t owner-occupied.
Dwelling fire insurance ensures that:
-
✅ Your property is protected from unexpected damage
-
✅ Your rental income is safeguarded if tenants can’t live there
-
✅ You’re protected from lawsuits and liability claims
-
✅ You maintain financial stability even in the event of disaster
Dwelling Fire Insurance from advantage insurance network
When you work with Advantage Insurance Network, you’re not locked into one carrier. Instead, you benefit from:
-
Personalized Service – Coverage tailored to your property type and tenant situation.
-
Multiple Options – We shop top-rated insurance companies for the best coverage and rates.
-
Expert Guidance – We explain DP-1 vs DP-2 vs DP-3 and help you choose the right fit.
-
Claims Advocacy – We represent your interests, not the insurance company’s.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is dwelling fire insurance the same as landlord insurance?
Yes—“dwelling fire insurance” is often referred to as landlord insurance. Both terms describe coverage for non-owner-occupied properties.
2. Does dwelling fire insurance cover tenant damage?
It may cover accidental damage from tenants (depending on policy type), but intentional or malicious damage is typically excluded.
3. Do I need dwelling fire insurance for a vacant home?
Yes—most standard homeowners policies exclude vacant properties. A DP-1 policy is often the most affordable way to protect a vacant dwelling.
4. Does dwelling fire insurance cover tenants’ belongings?
No—tenants need their own renters insurance for personal property.
Protect Your Investment Today
Whether you own a single-family rental, a vacation cabin, or a vacant home waiting to be sold, you need coverage that fits your situation. Dwelling fire insurance provides the peace of mind that your property, income, and liability are protected.
📞 Call us today at 513-922-9460
📧 Request your free dwelling fire insurance quote
✅ At Advantage Insurance Network, we make protecting your investments simple, affordable, and stress-free.

About Us
Email an Agent
Click to Call
Get Directions






































