Pathway Insurance

To find insurance companies offering the best premium rates for landlord insurance policies in Cincinnati click here.

A  DF-1 policy is a basic policy with very limited coverage. The DF-1 is a named perils policy, but also the least expensive coverage option for Cincinnati landlords.  Only what is named in the policy would be covered.

Click here to review typical coverage exclusions for this policy form in Cincinnati.

Additionally the DF-1 settles claims on an actual cash value basis, meaning specifically that depreciation is deducted for any claim written under the DF-1 policy form.  (Click here to learn what an ACV loss settlement means to you.)

Take time to read your policy carefully so you understand what is, and more importantly what isn’t covered under this policy form. There are many gaps in coverage when you select this policy form.  The worst time to learn something isn’t covered is right after the claim occurs.

What perils are typically covered by the DF-1?

The insurance company will cover direct physical loss to property insured under Coverage A – Dwelling and Coverage B – Other Structures caused by:

1. Fire or Lightning

2. Windstorm or Hail

This does not include loss:

A. Caused directly or indirectly by frost, cold weather, ice other than hail, snow or sleet whether driven by wind or not;

B. To the interior of a building caused by rain, snow, sand, sleet or dust unless the building is first damaged by the direct force of wind or hail, creating an opening through which the rain, snow, sand, sleet or dust enters; or 

C. to the following:

(1) radio, or television antennas or aerials including their lead-in wiring, masts or towers;

(2) watercraft and their trailers, furnishings, equipment and motors;

(3) lawns, trees, shrubs, or plants; or

(4) awnings, canopies and signs.

 3. Explosion

This peril does not apply to loss by explosion of steam boilers, steam pipes, steam turbines or steam engines owned by or leased by you or operated under your control.

Explosion does not mean:

A. Electric arcing;

B. Breakage of water pipes; or

C. Breakage or operation of pressure relief devices.

 4. Riot or Civil Commotion

 5. Aircraft, including self-propelled missiles and spacecraft.

 6. Vehicles, meaning impact by a vehicle.

This peril does not apply to loss to fences, driveways and walks caused by vehicles owned or operated by you or an occupant of the insured premises.

7. Smoke, if the loss is sudden and accidental.

This peril does not apply to loss caused by smoke from fireplaces or from agricultural smudging or industrial operations.

8. Vandalism or Malicious Mischief

This peril does not apply to loss:

A. By theft, burglary or larceny. This peril does apply to damage to the covered dwelling or covered other structures which is caused by burglars;

B. At the insured premises if the covered dwelling has been vacant for more than 30 consecutive days immediately before the loss. A dwelling under construction is not considered vacant; or

C. To glass or safety glazing material which is part of the covered dwelling or covered other structures, except for glass building blocks.

The DF-1 is the least expensive option for Cincinnati rentals but also offers limited coverage. Additionally losses are settled on an actual cash value method of loss settlement.  This means a deduction for depreciation will be taken into consideration for loss settlements, unlike a tradition homeowner’s policy or a Df-2 or Df-3 which may provide replacement cost coverage with no deduction for depreciation.

The information we have considered here is only one aspect of the dwelling fire policy. It’s important for you to take time to read your individual policy for further understanding of coverage terms, options and exclusions.

If you have a question please feel free to contact me directly by calling 513-662-7000 or sending a quick email to jack@pathwayinsurance.net

Pathway insurance has available a variety of companies that offer the DF-1 with very low prices for investors who own rental properties with 4 units or less in Cincinnati. Click here.