Episode 538: The Right Way to Insure Rental Properties, Creative Deals, and Vacancies with Seth Markum

Episode 538: The Right Way to Insure Rental Properties, Creative Deals, and Vacancies with Seth Markum

Author: Chris Prefontaine December 17, 2025 Duration: 18:39

In this episode of the Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast, I'm finally pulling back the curtain on how we insure our own portfolio. For about 12 years, my family and I have insured all of our non-owner-occupied, investment properties through National Real Estate Insurance Group (NREIG), whether it's buy-and-hold rentals, multifamily, or creative subject-to deals.

 

I'm joined by Seth Markum, Executive VP of Sales at NREIG, with 20+ years in property and casualty insurance and a background in building one of the first national online commercial P&C agencies. We break down landlord insurance vs. homeowners insurance, why rental properties are treated as commercial exposure, and how NREIG structures real estate investor insurance across single-family, multifamily, short-term rentals, mobile homes, land, and creative strategies even if you're using multiple LLCs in multiple states.

 

Seth also walks you through their monthly reporting program, how one flexible policy can follow a property from occupied to vacant to renovation without gaps in coverage, and how they handle subject-to insurance the right way.

 

If you've ever wondered how to properly insure your rental properties and real estate investments, this episode will show you exactly what to ask for and how to get a proposal from NREIG.

 

Key Talking Points of the Episode:

00:00 Introduction

01:11 Who is Seth Markum?

03:19 Landlord vs. homeowner policies (and why homeowners "never works")

04:18 One company vs. multiple niches: why customization matters

05:08 No one-size-fits-all: mix forms, deductibles & locations

06:21 What makes NREIG different from other insurance companies

08:19 Why you don't want "agent Bob on the corner" for creative deals

09:01 Making insurance simple for real estate investors

10:02 Dealing with vacancies and fix and flips with NREIG

11:21 How to get a proposal from NREIG

13:10 The importance of understanding the kind of insurance you have

 

Quotables

 

"If you're not getting a customized policy… that may not be the scenario that you want to entertain." 

 

"All phases of occupancy are contemplated on our single policy form."

 

"If you just want something that's going to be all encompassing, no matter what your strategy is, this is going to be the best solution for you."

 

Links

 

NREIG

https://nreig.com/

sales@nreig.com

 

QLS 4.0 - Use coupon code for 50% off

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/qls

Coupon code: pod

 

Apprentice Program

https://3paydaysapprentice.com

Coupon code: Podcast

 

Masterclass

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/masterspodcast

 

3 Paydays Books

https://3paydaysbooks.com/podcast

 

Strategy Session

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/actionpodcast

 

Partners

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/podcastresources




Hosted by Chris Prefontaine, The Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast is a resource built on more than three decades of practical experience in the property market. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a direct conversation focused on actionable strategies for building wealth through real estate investing. Each episode draws from a deep well of knowledge and a vast network of experts and successful associates, translating complex concepts into clear steps you can apply. Whether you're evaluating your first deal or looking to scale a substantial portfolio, the discussions here are designed to provide the tools, education, and mindset shifts necessary to advance. You'll hear candid breakdowns of market trends, financing techniques, and the often-overlooked personal disciplines required for long-term success. The aim is to cut through the noise and offer substantive guidance for taking control of your financial trajectory. Tune in for a straightforward and experienced perspective on navigating the realities of property investment.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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