REAL ESTATE

Real Estate Insurance

Protecting properties, owners, and long-term investments

Real estate operations involve constant interaction with tenants, vendors, boards, and the public. From property damage and tenant claims to governance decisions and contractual obligations, real estate risk extends far beyond the physical building itself.

Properly structured insurance plays a critical role in protecting income, asset value, and long-term investment stability.

Key Risks in Real Estate Operations

Real estate owners and operators face exposure related to:

• Premises liability and slip-and-fall claims

• Property damage and catastrophic losses

• Tenant disputes and habitability allegations

• Board and management decisions

• Vendor and contractor activity

• Regulatory and lender requirements

Losses can arise even when properties are professionally managed.

Core Coverages for Real Estate

Real estate insurance programs typically include:

General Liability
Protects against bodily injury and property damage claims arising from property operations.

Commercial Property
Covers buildings, common areas, and owned assets against covered physical losses.

Directors & Officers (D&O)
Protects boards and management from claims tied to governance, budgeting, and decision-making.

Umbrella / Excess Liability
Provides additional limits for severe or multi-claim loss scenarios.

Employment Practices Liability (when applicable)
Covers employment-related claims for properties with staff or on-site employees.

What’s Commonly Overlooked

Real estate insurance programs are often weakened by:

• Inadequate property valuation

• Missing ordinance or law coverage

• Poorly defined additional insured requirements

• Gaps between property and liability policies

• Insufficient limits for large verdicts

These issues usually surface at claim time — not before.

Real-World Claim Examples

• A tenant is injured in a common area

• Fire or water damage displaces multiple occupants

• A board is sued for alleged mismanagement

• A contractor causes property damage during repairs

Even a single claim can significantly impact cash flow or reserves.

Why Proper Placement Matters

Real estate coverage varies significantly based on:

• Property type and occupancy

• Tenant mix and lease structures

• State-specific liability standards

• Lender and investor requirements

Improper placement can lead to uncovered losses or disputes with stakeholders.

Our Approach

At Cory Washington & Co., we treat real estate insurance as an asset-protection strategy — not just a compliance exercise. We coordinate coverage across property, liability, and governance to ensure protection aligns with ownership structure and long-term goals.

Strong properties require strong protection.