Extended Coverages in Insurance

Extended coverages refer to optional protections that go beyond the basic components of a standard insurance policy. These add-ons can help fill in gaps that the default policy doesn’t cover—giving landlords and property owners greater peace of mind.

In a standard landlord insurance policy, the core coverages typically include dwelling protection, liability coverage, and loss of rental income. But many real-world risks don’t fall neatly into those categories. That’s where extended coverages come in. They can include things like:

• Equipment breakdown
• Water backup or sump overflow
• Vandalism or malicious mischief
• Earthquake or flood protection (in areas where these aren’t standard)
• Ordinance or law coverage for rebuilding to modern code
  

These add-ons are usually tailored to the property’s location, usage, and risk profile. For example, landlords with high-end HVAC systems may benefit from equipment breakdown coverage, while properties in older neighborhoods may need ordinance or law protection to rebuild up to current code standards.

While not every property needs every extension, understanding your options helps ensure your policy aligns with the actual risks you face.