Fix and Flip Insurance Washington DC
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, also known as renovation or builder’s risk insurance, is a specialized policy tailored for real estate investors in Washington, D.C., who purchase properties to renovate and resell for profit. Unlike standard homeowners insurance, this policy accounts for vacant properties, construction risks, and frequent ownership changes all common in fix and flip and BRRRR projects.
Whether you're a first-time investor or a seasoned flipper managing multiple renovations in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Columbia Heights, or Anacostia, fix and flip insurance is essential for protecting your investment capital, liability exposure, and resale timeline.
Fix and flip insurance premiums have been on the rise, increasing over 25% in the last 18 months. This trend directly impacts your profit margins and deal viability. Our analysis indicates that typical fix and flip policies are quoted nearly 33% higher than necessary based on lender guidelines and investor risk management preferences.
Many real estate investors in D.C. obtain their fix and flip insurance policies from agencies that lack specialization in commercial insurance. These agencies may be incentivized to sell more expensive policies, as their compensation is often a percentage of your premium. Even well-intentioned agents might offer uncompetitive quotes due to limited access to multiple carriers or lack of specialization.
To address this, we've developed the OfferMarket Insurance rate shopping platform. In under a minute, you can shop 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!
Fix and Flip Insurance Markets
Wherever your rehab project is located in Washington, D.C., we've got you covered.
- Fix and Flip Insurance Alabama
- Fix and Flip Insurance Alaska
- Fix and Flip Insurance Arizona
- Fix and Flip Insurance Arkansas
- Fix and Flip Insurance California
- Fix and Flip Insurance Colorado
- Fix and Flip Insurance Connecticut
- Fix and Flip Insurance Delaware
- Fix and Flip Insurance Florida
- Fix and Flip Insurance Georgia
- Fix and Flip Insurance Hawaii
- Fix and Flip Insurance Idaho
- Fix and Flip Insurance Illinois
- Fix and Flip Insurance Indiana
- Fix and Flip Insurance Iowa
- Fix and Flip Insurance Kansas
- Fix and Flip Insurance Kentucky
- Fix and Flip Insurance Louisiana
- Fix and Flip Insurance Maine
- Fix and Flip Insurance Maryland
- Fix and Flip Insurance Massachusetts
- Fix and Flip Insurance Michigan
- Fix and Flip Insurance Minnesota
- Fix and Flip Insurance Mississippi
- Fix and Flip Insurance Missouri
- Fix and Flip Insurance Montana
- Fix and Flip Insurance Nebraska
- Fix and Flip Insurance Nevada
- Fix and Flip Insurance New Hampshire
- Fix and Flip Insurance New Jersey
- Fix and Flip Insurance New Mexico
- Fix and Flip Insurance New York
- Fix and Flip Insurance North Carolina
- Fix and Flip Insurance North Dakota
- Fix and Flip Insurance Ohio
- Fix and Flip Insurance Oklahoma
- Fix and Flip Insurance Oregon
- Fix and Flip Insurance Pennsylvania
- Fix and Flip Insurance Rhode Island
- Fix and Flip Insurance South Carolina
- Fix and Flip Insurance South Dakota
- Fix and Flip Insurance Tennessee
- Fix and Flip Insurance Texas
- Fix and Flip Insurance Utah
- Fix and Flip Insurance Vermont
- Fix and Flip Insurance Virginia
- Fix and Flip Insurance Washington State
- Fix and Flip Insurance Washington DC
- Fix and Flip Insurance West Virginia
- Fix and Flip Insurance Wisconsin
- Fix and Flip Insurance Wyoming
Fix and Flip Insurance Washington DC: Coverage Areas
Wherever your Washington, DC rehab is based, our insurance network has you covered:
- Northwest DC
- Northeast DC
- Southeast DC
- Southwest DC
- Georgetown
- Capitol Hill
- Adams Morgan
- And beyond
Our specialized coverage spans the diverse neighborhoods and historic districts unique to Washington, DC.
Why You Need Fix and Flip Insurance
1. Vacant Properties Are High Risk
Most fix and flip projects in D.C. begin with a property that is vacant. Standard insurance policies often exclude or void coverage on unoccupied homes due to higher risks such as vandalism, theft, and undetected damage (e.g., burst pipes, electrical fires).
2. Construction and Renovation Risks
Whether you're replacing a roof, rewiring electrical systems, or gutting a kitchen, the renovation process introduces risks like:
- Structural damage
- Contractor injuries
- Fire hazards
- Materials theft
Fix and flip insurance is tailored to these risks, providing coverage during all phases of the rehab.
3. Liability Protection
If a contractor or trespasser is injured on the job site, you could be held personally liable. A proper policy includes general liability coverage to protect you from lawsuits and medical expenses.
What Does Fix and Flip Insurance Cover?
Fix and flip insurance policies are highly customizable. Here are common types of coverage included or optionally added:
Property Coverage
Protects the structure and materials from risks like:
| Covered Risks |
|---|
| Fire |
| Theft |
| Vandalism |
| Windstorms |
| Lightning strikes |
| Water damage (non-flood related) |
General Liability
Covers bodily injury or property damage claims filed by third parties, including:
- Slip and fall incidents
- Injuries to contractors or trespassers
- Damage to neighboring properties
Builder’s Risk
Often bundled with property coverage, builder’s risk covers the structure under renovation, materials in transit or storage, and newly installed features.
Vacant Property Endorsement
Ensures your policy remains valid even when the property is unoccupied during renovations.
Tools and Equipment
Optional coverage for tools or rented machinery stolen or damaged
Ordinance or Law Coverage
Covers additional costs to bring the property up to code after a loss, including demolition and rebuilding expenses.
Loss of Rents
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.
What is NOT Covered?
- Wear and tear or poor workmanship
- Flood damage (requires separate flood insurance)
- Earthquake damage (often excluded or requires a separate rider)
- Intentional damage or fraud
- Acts of war or government seizure
Always read the exclusions section of your policy and discuss with your insurance agent.
Who Needs Fix and Flip Insurance?
Fix and flip insurance is appropriate for:
- Individual real estate investors
- House flippers
- Real estate LLCs and partnerships
- Wholesalers who take title before resale (i.e., double close)
- Private lenders protecting collateral
Whether you're flipping a $150,000 row home in Northeast D.C. or a $2,000,000 luxury townhouse in Georgetown, fix and flip insurance should be considered a risk management necessity.
How Much Does Fix and Flip Insurance Cost?
Premiums vary depending on:
- Location
- Property value
- Scope of work (“SOW”, “rehab budget”, “scope of repairs”)
- Length of project
- Coverage limits
- Deductibles
| 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.
Best Fix and Flip Insurance in Washington DC
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 and general liability coverage
- Business interruption insurance
- Builder’s risk and ordinance/law protection
- Flood or earthquake add-ons (if required)
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!
How to Get Fix and Flip Insurance Through OfferMarket
OfferMarket streamlines the process of obtaining fix and flip insurance by connecting you with specialized underwriters who understand real estate investing.
The OfferMarket Advantage:
- Fast quotes within 24 hours
- Custom policies for 1-100+ properties
- Support for various title-holding entities: personal name, LLC, C-Corporation, S-Corporation, Revocable Trust, Land Trust, LP
- Support for highly specific lender guidelines
- Competitive pricing via top-rated carriers
- Easy COI generation (proof of insurance)
- Secure record keeping in your secure Insurance File
Insurance Requirements for Fix and Flip Loans
Most lenders will require:
- Property coverage at least equal to the loan amount
- General liability ($1M+ per occurrence is typical)
- Named insured and loss payee clauses
- Proof of insurance before closing
- Ongoing coverage during the loan term
Failing to maintain adequate insurance could lead to:
- Loan default
- Forced-placed insurance (at a higher cost)
- Personal liability for damages
OfferMarket ensures a smooth process by coordinating directly with your lender during underwriting and post-closing. If you're using OfferMarket Capital for your fix and flip or DSCR loan, the experience is even more seamless.
How to Structure Coverage for a Multi-Property Portfolio
If you’re flipping more than one property at a time in Washington, D.C.—whether in Petworth, Deanwood, or Columbia Heights, it's important to consider how your insurance is structured to optimize costs and administration.
Blanket Policies: One policy that provides coverage for multiple properties. Ideal for investors with frequent acquisitions or overlapping projects, this approach simplifies billing and can reduce overall premiums.
Scheduled Policies: Each property is individually listed under a master policy, with its own limits and premiums. This option gives investors more granular control over coverage and risk exposure.
Master Policies: Combines coverages such as vacant property insurance, builder’s risk, and general liability into one consolidated policy and billing cycle. Often the best fit for high-volume flippers seeking convenience.
OfferMarket helps high-volume D.C. area investors identify the best structure for their insurance strategy to streamline costs and compliance.
Fix and Flip Insurance Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure your Washington, D.C. 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 | ✅ |
Fix and Flip Insurance Guidelines
Below are the common guidelines followed by D.C. area fix and flip lenders. These requirements are designed to minimize risk and ensure proper protection.
Property Coverage
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Mandatory | Yes |
| AM Best Rating | A- VIII or greater |
| Term | 1 Year |
| Limits | Replacement Cost or Loan Amount with Agreed Value |
| Deductible | $5,000 |
| Policy Types | Dwelling Fire (Special Form), Commercial Property (Basic or Special Form) |
| Cancellation Notice | 30 days |
| Exclusions | No windstorm/hail or named storm exclusions |
| Lender Designation | Mortgagee |
General Liability Coverage
| Requirement | 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 | Occurrence-based |
| Cancellation Notice | 30 days |
| Lender Designation | Additional Insured |
Business Interruption Insurance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Mandatory | Yes (if property will be rented) |
| AM Best Rating | A- VIII or greater |
| Term | 1 Year |
| Limits | One year of gross rental income |
| Coverage | Actual Loss Sustained |
| Cancellation Notice | 30 days |
| Lender Designation | Mortgagee |
Flood Insurance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Mandatory | Yes (if in FEMA flood zone) |
| AM Best Rating | A- VIII or greater |
| Term | 1 Year |
| Limits | Greater of $250,000 or loan balance |
| Cancellation Notice | 30 days |
| Lender Designation | Mortgagee |
Additional Requirements
If your D.C. area fix and flip project involves financing, lender require their mortgagee clause on your policy, such as:
| Requirement | Washington DC 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 the individual unit is included in coverage. HOA must maintain “all risk” coverage for common areas, fixtures, personal property, and equipment at 100% of insurable value on a replacement cost basis. |
| PUDs (Planned Unit Developments) | Blanket policy may be used if the individual unit is included. HOA must provide “all risk” coverage for common elements at 100% of replacement value. |
| ACORD Form | Must be used to certify compliance with lender guidelines. |
| Pre-Closing Documentation | Insurance certificates, invoices, or paid receipts must be submitted no later than 24 hours before closing. |
| Post-Closing Documentation | Final insurance policy documents must be submitted no later than 60 days after closing. |
| Vacancy Notification | Borrower must notify the carrier if the property becomes vacant and obtain a vacancy permit for the entire period of vacancy. |
Why Choose OfferMarket for Fix and Flip Insurance?
OfferMarket is the trusted insurance and financing partner for real estate investors across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. We simplify the insurance process so you can focus on your rehab project and profit goals.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Real-time deal and insurance management tools
- Dedicated support for D.C. investors
- Integrated lending, insurance, and off-market property marketplace
- No wasted time shopping carriers—we do the work for you
- Smart matching with investor-friendly insurers
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need insurance before closing on a flip?
Yes. Whether buying with cash or using financing, proof of insurance is required at closing. OfferMarket can issue a certificate within hours.
Can I get insurance if my property is already under renovation?
Yes. Just disclose the current scope of work. Some insurers may conduct an inspection or limit coverage options.
What if I sell the property early?
You’ll receive a pro-rated refund for the unused premium.
Can I insure multiple flips under one policy?
Yes. We offer portfolio policies ideal for active flippers.
What if I’m renting part of the property before selling?
Some policies won’t cover tenant-occupied homes during a flip. You may need a landlord or hybrid policy.
How does OfferMarket Insurance work?
We shop over 40 carriers to find the best policy that meets your lender’s requirements and investment preferences.
Can I use my preferred insurance agent?
Yes, but they must understand commercial insurance and fix and flip guidelines. We’ve seen delays when agents only specialize in personal lines.
Can I pay for insurance on the HUD-1/ALTA settlement statement?
Yes. You can pay at closing or directly through your insurance agent, but you’ll need to show a paid receipt before closing.
Do I need to escrow my fix and flip insurance premium?
Most lenders don’t require escrows, but you’re responsible for ensuring coverage, especially if your project exceeds 12 months.
What is an AM Best Rating?
It’s a rating that indicates the financial strength and creditworthiness of your insurance carrier.
What is builder’s risk insurance?
It covers your property and construction materials during renovation. It ends when you sell, occupy, or abandon the project.
Protect and Grow Your Portfolio with OfferMarket
Fix and flip insurance is not optional—it’s foundational. In a fast-moving, high-risk market like Washington, DC, smart investors know that protection is just as important as profit. Whether you're flipping one home a year or managing a dozen projects, OfferMarket’s insurance solutions are built to scale with your ambitions.
Protect your capital. Protect your reputation. Protect your future.
OfferMarket is a real estate investing platform focused on 1-4 unit rental and flip properties. We help you build wealth through:
☂️ 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.
