Quick Answer: Illinois law does not legally require landlord insurance, but it is strongly recommended for anyone who rents out property they do not live in. Mortgage lenders almost always require it as a condition of the loan. A standard policy covers the dwelling, other structures, your property-related belongings, and liability claims. Floods and earthquakes are typically excluded and need separate coverage.
If you own a rental property in Elgin, Huntley, or anywhere in Kane and McHenry counties, you may wonder whether the state forces you to carry landlord insurance. The short answer is no, but skipping it is a serious financial risk, and most lenders will require it anyway. Here is who needs landlord insurance in Illinois and the coverages that belong in your policy.
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Get My Free Landlord QuoteIllinois does not have a statute that legally requires landlord insurance. That said, the practical answer is often different. If you have a mortgage on the rental, your lender will almost certainly require a landlord policy to protect the collateral on the loan.
Even without a mortgage, going uninsured means paying for a fire, a liability lawsuit, or a major repair entirely out of pocket. For a closer look at the legal question, see our explainer on whether landlords have to have insurance by law and our overview of landlord insurance in Illinois.
Anyone who owns one or more properties they rent to tenants, and does not live in the property as a primary residence, should carry landlord insurance. This holds true whether the rental is a side income or your main source of income.
You may even need coverage if you are not charging rent, for example when letting a relative stay in a property you own. Because every situation differs, it is best to review your needs with an agent who handles habitational and rental property risks. Our guide on who needs landlord insurance walks through common scenarios.
A standard landlord policy protects the dwelling, other structures on the property, and the personal belongings you use to maintain the rental. It also covers liability costs such as medical payments, legal fees, and settlements if a tenant or visitor is injured and you are found responsible.
Dwelling coverage protects the home itself, including the roof, siding, windows, and flooring, against perils like fire, vandalism, and severe storms. Other structures coverage, often set near 10 percent of the dwelling limit, extends to detached garages, sheds, and carports on single-family rentals.
Liability coverage responds when someone is hurt on your property and pursues a claim. To understand how claims typically unfold, review the most common landlord insurance claims.
Standard landlord policies usually exclude flood and earthquake damage, which is important in low-lying parts of northern Illinois. You can add flood or earthquake coverage as an endorsement or buy a separate policy.
Landlord insurance also does not cover your tenant's belongings, which is why many owners require tenants to carry renters insurance. If you want protection for missed rent after a covered loss, ask about loss of rental income coverage, explained in does landlord insurance cover loss of rent.
Premiums vary based on the property value, location, age, claims history, and the coverage limits you choose. Older homes and properties in higher-risk areas generally cost more to insure.
You can often lower your premium by raising your deductible, bundling policies, and keeping the property well maintained. For a fuller breakdown, see the factors that influence landlord insurance cost and how much a landlord policy costs in Illinois.
Pro Insurance Group is an independent insurance broker based in Elgin, IL, serving clients across Illinois and 40+ states. Because we shop 20+ A-rated carriers, we put the whole market to work on your rate, and we re-shop every renewal so your premium never quietly creeps up. No agency fees, ever.
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No. Illinois does not legally require landlord insurance. However, mortgage lenders almost always require it, and going without it exposes you to significant financial risk from fire, liability, or major property damage.
No. A landlord policy covers your building and property-related items, not the tenant's personal possessions. Tenants should carry their own renters insurance to protect their belongings.
No. Flood and earthquake damage are typically excluded from standard landlord policies. You can add these coverages by endorsement or purchase a separate flood or earthquake policy.
Possibly. If you let someone live in a property you own and do not occupy, you may still need landlord coverage. Discuss your situation with an agent to confirm the right policy.
What Illinois landlords actually pay
Requirements are one thing, price is another. See what Illinois landlords pay by county, and why hail drives the number.
Reviewed by Neal Fusco, VP Commercial Lines
25 years in insurance, including 16 at Zurich North America in workers' compensation managed care and claims.
Illinois licensed insurance producer #18515626
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