Last updated: June 4, 2025
"The first rule in investment is don't lose and the second rule in investment is don't forget the first rule." - Warren Buffett
Fix and flip insurance—sometimes called Colorado renovation insurance or builder’s risk insurance—is a specialized policy built for real estate investors buying Colorado properties to renovate and resell. Unlike ordinary homeowners insurance, fix and flip insurance is engineered for vacant Colorado homes, construction-related exposures, and rapid changes in ownership—all of which are standard in fix and flip and BRRRR projects throughout the Centennial State.
Whether you’re flipping your first Denver bungalow or managing a portfolio of rehabs from Colorado Springs to Fort Collins, fix and flip insurance is vital for protecting your investment capital, limiting liability, and keeping your timeline on track in Colorado’s fast-paced real estate market.
In Colorado, premiums for fix and flip insurance have climbed by over 25% during the past 18 months, putting direct pressure on your project profitability. Across our insurance and private lending teams, we review hundreds of Colorado fix and flip policies every year. Based on our data, the average fix and flip policy in Colorado is quoted nearly 33% higher than what’s necessary for lender requirements and investor risk standards.
Why is this happening? Many Colorado real estate investors get their fix and flip insurance from generalist agencies unfamiliar with the unique needs of the Colorado investor market. These agencies often earn commissions as a percentage of your premium, incentivizing them to sell higher-priced policies. Even well-meaning agents often offer noncompetitive rates because they’re tied to a single carrier or don’t specialize in Colorado real estate risks.
This is why we built OfferMarket’s insurance rate shopping platform for Colorado. In under a minute, you can shop 40+ carriers for the best coverage at the lowest price for your Colorado property. Every quote is quality-controlled by our expert team focused on saving money for 1-4 unit residential investors in Colorado. We save our Colorado clients thousands each month—see how much you can save!
Wherever your Colorado property rehab takes you—urban, suburban, or mountain town—we’ve got you covered.
Most Colorado fix and flip deals start with a vacant property—whether it’s a Denver Victorian, a Pueblo ranch, or a mountain retreat near Aspen. Standard insurance policies commonly exclude or void coverage when homes sit empty. Vacant properties in Colorado face higher odds of vandalism, weather-related damage (think frozen pipes in the Rockies), theft, or undetected fires. Without specialty coverage, a single incident could jeopardize your investment.
Every Colorado renovation, from roofing in Boulder to kitchen remodels in Colorado Springs, comes with inherent risks:
Structural issues during construction
On-site injuries (especially with Colorado’s unpredictable weather)
Fire and electrical hazards
Theft of materials, especially during busy construction seasons
Fix and flip insurance is customized for these Colorado risks, providing protection at every stage of your rehab—from demo to final walkthrough.
If a contractor or even a trespasser gets injured on your Colorado job site, you could be held personally responsible. Comprehensive fix and flip insurance includes general liability coverage, protecting you from lawsuits and costly medical expenses during your project.
Every fix and flip insurance policy for Colorado investors is highly customizable, adapting to your property’s location, value, and renovation scope. Here’s what’s commonly covered—or available as add-ons—for properties from Denver to Durango:
Protects the structure and building materials from risks like:
Fire
Vandalism
Theft
Lightning
Wind and hail (critical in Colorado’s storm-prone regions)
Water damage (non-flood)
Covers bodily injury or property damage claims from third parties, such as:
Slip and fall accidents
Injuries to workers, contractors, or trespassers
Accidental damage to neighboring Colorado properties
Often bundled with property coverage, builder’s risk insurance covers the structure during renovations, materials in transit or storage, and even newly installed features.
Ensures your Colorado policy stays valid when the property is unoccupied during your renovations—crucial for flips in more remote or seasonal markets.
Optional coverage for your tools or rented construction machinery stolen or damaged at the Colorado job site.
Covers the extra costs required to bring your Colorado flip up to code after a loss, including demolition and rebuilding to meet strict local standards.
This coverage, sometimes bundled into your fix and flip insurance (or included in landlord insurance), protects against lost rental income if you keep your Colorado property rented during or after renovations. This is especially valuable for BRRRR investors and those with multi-unit properties in Colorado’s competitive rental markets.
Normal wear and tear or shoddy workmanship
Flood damage (separate flood insurance required for Colorado flood zones)
Earthquake damage (usually excluded, may need a separate rider)
Intentional or fraudulent losses
Government seizure or acts of war
Always review the exclusions in your Colorado policy and talk with a specialist who understands local requirements.
Fix and flip insurance is a must for:
Individual Colorado real estate investors
House flippers in cities like Denver, Aurora, or Colorado Springs
Local LLCs and real estate partnerships
Wholesalers doing double-close transactions in Colorado
Private lenders protecting their Colorado collateral
Whether you’re rehabbing a $200,000 bungalow in Greeley or a $2 million modern home in Boulder, fix and flip insurance is a foundational part of risk management for Colorado projects.
Premiums for Colorado fix and flip insurance are influenced by:
Exact property location (city, suburb, mountain, or rural)
Property value
Scope of renovation (budget, repairs, materials)
Project length and timeline
Coverage limits and deductibles
Sample Colorado Rates
Property Value | Rehab Budget | Estimated Annual Premium (CO) |
---|---|---|
$150,000 | $50,000 | $1,100 – $2,200 |
$300,000 | $100,000 | $1,700 – $2,800 |
$500,000 | $200,000 | $2,200 – $3,800 |
Note: Colorado annual premiums are generally refunded on a pro-rated basis if you cancel early due to a sale or refinance (such as moving into a landlord policy after DSCR financing). Bundling several Colorado properties into one “portfolio policy” can help reduce your overall cost.
Your choice of Colorado fix and flip insurance should reflect the risks you’re willing to accept, your budget, how competitively you shop, and the expertise of your agent. For Colorado, we recommend a policy that includes property insurance, general liability, business interruption coverage, and—if needed—flood or earthquake insurance.
Working with an insurance agency deeply familiar with Colorado fix and flip investing, and with access to a broad carrier network, is the key to getting top coverage at the best price. Get your fix and flip insurance quote for your next Colorado project today!
OfferMarket streamlines the process for Colorado real estate investors, connecting you with insurance underwriters who specialize in Colorado fix and flip projects. Whether your property is in Denver’s fast-moving neighborhoods, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, or smaller markets like Grand Junction or Pueblo, our platform is designed for Colorado’s unique needs.
Fast, accurate quotes for your Colorado fix and flip—usually within 24 hours
Custom policies that fit your Colorado portfolio, from one property to over a hundred
Support for all ownership structures: your name, Colorado LLC, S- or C-Corporation, Trust, Partnership, or Land Trust
Experience navigating lender guidelines specific to Colorado hard money and private loans
Competitive Colorado pricing through top-rated national and regional carriers
Effortless Certificate of Insurance (COI) generation—get proof of insurance for your Colorado closing in hours
Secure, organized record-keeping with digital access to your Colorado insurance documents
If you’re financing your Colorado project, most hard money or private lenders will require:
Property coverage at least equal to the loan amount
General liability (typically $1M+ per occurrence)
Named insured and loss payee clauses for the lender
Proof of insurance before funding your Colorado closing
Continuous coverage for the entire term of the Colorado loan
Failure to maintain proper Colorado fix and flip insurance can result in:
Loan default (potential foreclosure)
Forced-placed insurance (at a much higher cost)
Personal liability for damages or injuries
OfferMarket makes it easy by coordinating directly with your Colorado lender during underwriting and after closing. Your insurance and borrowing experience is seamless—especially if you’re also using OfferMarket Capital for your Colorado fix and flip or DSCR loan.
If you’re flipping multiple Colorado properties simultaneously, the right insurance structure saves you time and money:
A single policy covering all your Colorado properties, ideal for large portfolios and investors operating in several Colorado cities or counties.
Each Colorado property is listed with its own limits and premiums—best for investors with diverse asset types or varying renovation risks.
A master policy bundles different types of coverage—vacant property, builder’s risk, and more—into a single, simple Colorado insurance bill.
OfferMarket helps high-volume Colorado flippers optimize their insurance costs and minimize paperwork, no matter the size or spread of your Colorado portfolio.
Use this checklist to make sure your Colorado investment is fully protected:
Checklist Item | ✔️ |
---|---|
Property insurance covers full replacement cost | ✅ |
General liability of at least $1M | ✅ |
Vacant property endorsement included | ✅ |
Builder’s risk included for the renovation phase | ✅ |
Tools and equipment coverage (if needed) | ✅ |
Lender named as loss payee on policy | ✅ |
Flood/earthquake insurance (if required in Colorado) | ✅ |
Policy dates match your project timeline | ✅ |
Certificate of insurance issued and saved | ✅ |
Below are typical Colorado fix and flip insurance guidelines for hard money and private lender loans—these are generally best practices for risk management across the state.
Checklist Item | ✔️ |
---|---|
Property insurance covers full replacement cost | ✅ |
General liability of at least $1M | ✅ |
Vacant property endorsement included | ✅ |
Builder’s risk included for the renovation phase | ✅ |
Tools and equipment coverage (if needed) | ✅ |
Lender named as loss payee on policy | ✅ |
Flood/earthquake insurance (if required in Colorado) | ✅ |
Policy dates match your project timeline | ✅ |
Certificate of insurance issued and saved | ✅ |
Requirement | Details |
---|---|
Mandatory | Yes |
AM Best Rating | A- VIII or greater |
Term | 1 Year |
Limits | Replacement Cost (from appraisal report or cost estimator) Loan Amount (if lower, policy must be Agreed Value or $0 coinsurance) |
Deductible | $5,000 |
Accepted Policy Types | Dwelling Fire (“Special Form”) Commercial Property (“Basic” or “Special Form”) |
Cancellation Notice | 30-day notice |
Exclusions | No windstorm/hail exclusion No named storm exclusion |
Lender Designation | Mortgagee |
Optional but important if your Colorado project has tenants or is planned to transition to a rental.
Requirement | Details |
---|---|
Mandatory | Yes (if occupied during policy) |
AM Best Rating | A- VIII or greater |
Term | 1 Year |
Limits | One year of effective gross rental revenue |
Coverage Details | Actual Loss Sustained basis acceptable |
Cancellation Notice | 30-day notice |
Lender Designation | Mortgagee |
If your Colorado property is in a FEMA-designated flood zone, your lender may require flood insurance.
Requirement | Details |
---|---|
Mandatory | Yes (if in flood zone; determined by Flood Zone Determination) |
AM Best Rating | A- VIII or greater |
Term | 1 Year |
Limits | Greater of $250,000 or loan balance |
Cancellation Notice | 30-day notice |
Lender Designation | Mortgagee |
Scenario/Property Type | Colorado-Specific Insurance Requirements |
---|---|
Lender Involvement | Mortgagee clause must be included: OfferMarket Capital LLC ISAOA/ATIMA 627 S Hanover St Baltimore, MD 21230 |
Condos | Blanket policy allowed if individual Colorado unit is included. HOA must maintain “all risk” coverage for common areas, fixtures, and equipment at full value. |
PUDs (Planned Unit Devs) | Project blanket policy may apply if Colorado unit is covered. HOA must hold “all risk” insurance for shared property at 100% insurable value. |
Required Forms | Use ACORD form to ensure compliance with Colorado lender requirements. |
Timing of Documentation | Insurance certifications, invoices, or paid receipts must be submitted no later than 24 hours before Colorado closing. Final policy docs within 60 days. |
Vacancy Notification | Borrower must notify carrier if Colorado property becomes vacant and obtain a vacancy permit for the entire period of vacancy. |
OfferMarket is trusted by Colorado real estate investors and private lenders statewide. Our platform simplifies not just property acquisition and financing, but also makes the insurance process for your Colorado flips fast, transparent, and friction-free at every step.
Real-time deal and insurance management platform tailored for Colorado investors
Dedicated support team for every step of your investment journey in Colorado
Integrated insurance, lending, and exclusive off-market deal access
No wasted hours shopping insurance carriers—we handle it for you with Colorado’s top investor-friendly insurers
Smart matching for coverage that fits Colorado investor needs
Yes, your Colorado lender (or title company, if you’re buying with cash) will require proof of insurance before closing. OfferMarket can issue a Certificate of Insurance within hours for your Colorado property.
Yes, but you’ll need to disclose all current renovation work. Some Colorado insurers might require a job site inspection or limit certain coverages during ongoing construction.
You can cancel your Colorado fix and flip policy on a pro-rata basis and receive a refund for any unused premium.
Absolutely. OfferMarket offers portfolio policies to save Colorado investors money and streamline management for multiple projects statewide.
Depending on the carrier, Colorado fix and flip insurance may not cover active tenants. In those cases, you’ll need a landlord or hybrid policy that allows for temporary occupancy in Colorado.
OfferMarket Insurance is a specialized rate shopping platform for Colorado real estate investors. We source landlord and fix and flip insurance that matches your lender’s requirements and personal preferences, quality control your request, and ensure you get the most competitive price in Colorado.
You can use your preferred agent as long as they can access competitive Colorado fix and flip coverage and follow lender insurance guidelines. However, delays are common if your agent is not specialized in commercial lines or Colorado-specific risks.
Yes—most Colorado loan guidelines allow the insurance premium to be paid in full at closing (HUD-1/ALTA statement) or directly to your agent. Proof of payment is required for funding.
Most Colorado lenders do not require escrow for fix and flip insurance. You’re responsible for making sure your policy is active and paid. If your Colorado flip exceeds 12 months, lenders may require proof of renewal for another full year. You’ll receive a prorated refund if you cancel early.
AM Best is a financial rating agency specializing in the strength and size of insurance companies. All Colorado fix and flip policies should meet minimum AM Best ratings (A- VIII or higher).
Builder’s risk insurance covers Colorado properties and on-site construction materials during renovation or new construction. Coverage often includes fire, lightning, hail, windstorm, falling debris, vandalism, and theft—essential for Colorado’s varied climate and active construction scene. Most builder’s risk policies in Colorado are written on a Completed Value Form and terminate when construction is complete, ownership transfers, or the property is occupied.
Fix and flip insurance is not a luxury for Colorado investors—it’s essential. Margins are tight, timelines are aggressive, and Colorado’s market brings unique weather and regulatory challenges. Smart investors know that risk protection is as important as the potential for upside. Whether you’re working on your first Colorado flip or running dozens across the Front Range and beyond, OfferMarket’s insurance solutions are built to scale with you.
Protect your capital. Protect your reputation. Protect your future.
OfferMarket is a real estate investing platform focused on helping Colorado investors build wealth through 1-4 unit residential properties.
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