Last updated: October 16, 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, often referred to as renovation or builder’s risk insurance, is a specialized policy crafted for real estate investors in Vermont who purchase properties to renovate and resell for profit. Unlike standard homeowners insurance, this policy addresses the unique challenges of vacant properties, construction risks, and frequent ownership changes common in fix and flip and BRRRR projects.
Whether you're a first-time investor in Montpelier or a seasoned flipper managing multiple renovations across Burlington and Rutland, fix and flip insurance is essential for safeguarding your investment capital, mitigating liability exposure, and ensuring your resale timeline stays on track.
In Vermont, fix and flip insurance premiums have seen a notable increase, rising over 25% in the past 18 months. This surge directly impacts your profit margins and the viability of your deals. Our analysis indicates that typical fix and flip policies are often quoted nearly 33% higher than necessary, based on lender guidelines and investor risk management preferences.
This discrepancy arises because many real estate investors obtain their fix and flip insurance from agencies that lack specialization in commercial insurance policies. Moreover, these agencies may be incentivized to sell more expensive policies, as their compensation is often a percentage of your premium. Even well-meaning agents can provide uncompetitive quotes due to being captive to a single carrier or lacking specialization.
To address this, we developed the OfferMarket Insurance rate shopping platform. In under a minute, you can compare quotes from over 40 carriers to secure the best coverage at the lowest possible price. Our expert team, specializing in saving money for 1-4 unit residential real estate investors, quality-controls your quote. Each month, we save thousands of dollars for our clients, and we're eager to help you save too!

Wherever your rehab project is located in Vermont, we've got you covered.
Wherever your Vermont rehab is based, our insurance network has you covered:
Our specialized coverage spans the diverse landscapes and neighborhoods unique to Vermont.
In Vermont, many fix and flip projects commence with vacant properties. Standard insurance policies often exclude or void coverage on unoccupied homes due to heightened risks such as vandalism, theft, and undetected damage (e.g., burst pipes, electrical fires).
Whether you're replacing a roof in Barre, rewiring electrical systems in Brattleboro, or gutting a kitchen in St. Albans, the renovation process introduces risks like:
Fix and flip insurance is tailored to these risks, providing coverage during all phases of the rehab.
If a contractor or trespasser is injured on your Vermont job site, you could be held personally liable. A proper policy includes general liability coverage to protect you from lawsuits and medical expenses.
Fix and flip insurance policies are highly customizable. Here are common types of coverage included or optionally added:
Protects the structure and materials from risks like:
| Covered Risks |
|---|
| Fire |
| Theft |
| Vandalism |
| Wind/hail (a major concern in North and West Texas) |
| Lightning |
| Water damage (non-flood) |
Covers bodily injury or property damage claims filed by third parties, including:
Often bundled with property coverage, builder’s risk covers the structure under renovation, materials in transit or storage, and newly installed features.
Ensures your policy remains valid even when the property is unoccupied during renovations.
Optional coverage for tools or rented machinery stolen or damaged on-site.
Covers additional costs to bring the property up to code after a loss, including demolition and rebuilding expenses.
Sometimes bundled into a fix and flip insurance policy and typically included in a landlord insurance policy, Loss of Rent or “business interruption” coverage protects against lost rental income due to a covered loss if you rent the property after completing your rehab or keep the property rented during your rehab. This is most relevant to BRRRR investors and multi-unit properties.
Always read the exclusions section of your policy and discuss with your insurance agent.
Fix and flip insurance is appropriate for:
Whether you're flipping a $150,000 farmhouse in Middlebury or a $500,000 colonial in Burlington, fix and flip insurance should be considered a risk management necessity.
Premiums vary depending on:
| Property Value | Rehab Budget | Estimated Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| $150,000 | $50,000 | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| $300,000 | $100,000 | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| $500,000 | $200,000 | $2,000 – $3,500 |
Note:
Annual insurance premiums are generally refunded on a pro-rated basis if you cancel the policy prior to policy term expiration. The most common reasons are either because of sale or refinance (i.e., DSCR loan) and switch into a landlord insurance policy.
Bundling multiple properties under one policy (“portfolio policy”) can reduce your per-property cost.
You have many choices when shopping for fix and flip insurance. Ultimately, your selection comes down to the risks you are willing to accept, the price you are willing to pay, the competitiveness of your rate shopping process, and the helpfulness of your agent and client service team. We recommend a comprehensive fix and flip insurance policy that includes property insurance, general liability insurance, business interruption insurance and, if necessary, flood insurance.
Working with an insurance agency that specializes in fix and flip insurance and has access to many carriers will get you the best coverage at the best price. Get your fix and flip insurance quote today!
OfferMarket streamlines the process of obtaining fix and flip insurance by connecting you with specialized underwriters who understand real estate investing.
In Vermont, lenders funding your fix and flip projects whether it’s a weather-worn duplex in Barre or a historic four-square in St. Johnsbury—will typically require the following insurance coverage to protect their collateral and ensure your project aligns with underwriting standards.
Most lenders will require:
Failing to maintain proper insurance on your Vermont flip could lead to:
OfferMarket makes this process seamless by coordinating with your lender both during underwriting and after closing. And if you’re working with OfferMarket Capital for your fix and flip or DSCR loan, the process is even more streamlined.
If you’re flipping multiple properties across Vermont from ski towns like Killington to lakeside neighborhoods in Colchester it pays to structure your insurance efficiently.
OfferMarket helps Vermont-based high-volume flippers optimize insurance costs and simplify administration across their portfolios.
Use this checklist to ensure your Vermont fix and flip project is fully protected:
| Requirements | Status |
|---|---|
| Property insurance covers full replacement cost | ✅ |
| General liability of at least $1M | ✅ |
| Vacant property endorsement included | ✅ |
| Builder’s risk for renovation phase | ✅ |
| Tools/equipment coverage (if needed) | ✅ |
| Policy names your lender as loss payee | ✅ |
| Flood/earthquake insurance if required | ✅ |
| Start/end dates match your project timeline | ✅ |
| Certificate of insurance issued and stored | ✅ |
Below are common insurance guidelines accepted by Vermont lenders for fix and flip (hard money) loans.
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Mandatory | Yes |
| AM Best Rating | A- VIII or greater |
| Term | 1 Year |
| Limits | Replacement Cost or Loan Amount (if less, must be Agreed Value Policy or have zero coinsurance) |
| Deductible | $5,000 |
| Accepted Policy Types | Dwelling Fire (“Special Form”), Commercial Property (“Basic” or “Special Form”) |
| Cancellation | 30-day notice |
| Exclusions | No windstorm/hail or named storm exclusions |
| Lender's Designation | Mortgagee |
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Mandatory | Yes |
| AM Best Rating | A- VIII or greater |
| Term | 1 Year |
| Limits | $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate |
| Deductible | $1,000 |
| Coverage Details | Occurrence basis (not claims-made) |
| Cancellation | 30-day notice |
| Lender's Designation | Additional Insured |
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Mandatory | Yes |
| 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 | 30-day notice |
| Lender's Designation | Mortgagee |
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Mandatory | If in FEMA flood zone |
| AM Best Rating | A- VIII or greater |
| Term | 1 Year |
| Limits | Greater of $250,000 or loan balance |
| Cancellation | 30-day notice |
| Lender's Designation | Mortgagee |
Lenders require their mortgagee clause on your policy, such as:
| Requirements | Vermont Specific Fix and Flip Insurance Details |
|---|---|
| Mortgagee Clause | OfferMarket Capital LLC ISAOA/ATIMA 627 S Hanover St Baltimore, MD 21230 |
| Condos | - Blanket policy may be used if it includes the individual unit - HOA must maintain “all risk” coverage at 100% of insurable value for common areas, fixtures, personal property, and equipment |
| PUDs (Planned Unit Developments) | - Project’s blanket policy must include the individual unit - HOA should maintain “all risk” coverage for common areas, fixtures, personal property, and equipment |
| ACORD Form | Required to ensure compliance |
| Pre-Closing Requirement | Submit insurance certifications, invoices, or paid receipts no later than 24 hours before closing |
| Post-Closing Requirement | Send final policy documents no later than 60 days after closing |
| Vacancy Notification | Borrower must notify the carrier if a property becomes vacant; a vacancy permit is required for the entire period of vacancy |
OfferMarket is a trusted partner for Vermont real estate investors and private lenders. We don’t just simplify property acquisition and financing we also streamline insurance procurement to eliminate friction from every step of your deal.
Yes. Your lender (or title company, if buying with cash) will require proof of insurance before closing. OfferMarket can issue a certificate of insurance within hours.
Yes. You’ll need to disclose all existing renovation work. Some insurers may require an inspection or restrict certain types of coverage mid-project.
You can cancel the policy and receive a pro-rated refund for the unused premium.
Yes. OfferMarket offers portfolio policies that help Vermont investors save money and simplify multi-property management.
Depending on the insurance carrier, fix and flip insurance may not cover active tenants. You may need a landlord or hybrid policy that accommodates temporary occupancy.
We’re a rate-shopping platform tailored for real estate investors. We gather quotes from top carriers, ensuring your policy meets both your preferences and your lender’s guidelines.
Yes, but only if they have access to competitive fix and flip coverage and understand lender requirements. Delays and issues often arise when agents specialize only in personal (not commercial) insurance.
Yes. Most lenders allow you to pay your premium on the settlement statement or directly through your agent before closing. A paid receipt is required if you pay directly.
Usually not. Vermont lenders generally expect you to maintain your policy independently. If your project exceeds 12 months, you’ll likely need to prove renewal. You’ll receive a pro-rated refund if you cancel early.
It’s a rating system that assesses the financial strength of insurance companies. A rating of A- VIII or better is commonly required.
It protects the structure and construction materials during the renovation phase. Coverage typically ends when construction is complete, the property is sold, or it’s occupied.
Fix and flip insurance isn’t optional—it’s essential. With tight margins, aggressive timelines, and plenty of unknowns in Vermont’s real estate landscape, smart investors know that protecting the downside is just as important as chasing returns.
Whether you’re flipping one property in the Northeast Kingdom or managing a dozen in Chittenden County, OfferMarket’s insurance solutions are designed to scale with you.
Protect your capital. Protect your reputation. Protect your future.
OfferMarket is your real estate investing ally—serving Vermont rental property investors, especially 1-4 unit residential properties—with powerful tools to build long-term wealth.
☂️ Landlord Insurance rate shopping platform specialized in landlord insurance that meets DSCR loan guidelines 🏚️ Off Market Properties marketplace featuring hundreds of exclusive and off market deals posted by wholesalers, tired landlords and distressed sellers. 💰 Private Lending featuring instant quotes and a simple, low cost, transparent borrowing experience for DSCR loans, Fix and Flip loans and Slow Flip loans. 💡 *Insights regularly published to provide you with a knowledge advantage.