Starfish delivers specialized Landlord coverage for underserved markets through program expertise, modern technology, and human-centered service. They're a Managing General Agent offering tailored insurance programs for niche markets with Landlord Protect Property and General Liability insurance products, specially designed to ensure real estate investor properties and rental incomes are financially protected. Watch the webinar recording below to see how you can leverage Starfish for your clients.
Starfish Landlord Protect Program Overview
The meeting focused on the Landlord Protect Program, a non-admitted insurance product offered by Starfish in six states, including Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Andrew Klarkowski, the program manager, explained that while the program is not currently available in the five boroughs of New York City, there are discussions about potential expansion to areas like Queens later in the year. He emphasized that the program is designed for long-term tenant-occupied, detached structures, excluding short-term rentals and mixed-use properties. Andrew also highlighted the program's digital broker portal for instant quoting and binding, as well as its coverage limits, policy terms, and the absence of coinsurance penalties. The team addressed questions about property eligibility, coastal restrictions, and the program's carrier, Summit Specialty Insurance Company, an A8 carrier with a long-standing relationship with Starfish.
Coastal Property Insurance Requirements
Andy explained the coastal requirements for Long Island, stating that properties within half a mile of the shore are restricted, with different risk profiles for the North and South shores. He detailed the program's eligibility criteria, including building limits starting at $75,000, and outlined the process for determining actual cash value (ACV) and replacement cost valuation (RCV). Andy clarified that the program does not require formal inspections and does not have minimum premium requirements. He also explained that multiple properties can be on a single policy, but only if they are in the same state, and addressed questions about roof age limits and coastal restrictions.
Starfish Broker Portal Onboarding Overview
The meeting focused on the onboarding process and functionality of the Starfish Specialty Insurance Programs broker portal, particularly for Landlord Protect. Andrew explained that participants would receive logon credentials via email to access the portal, which includes a rate reduction feature expected to be implemented in 30-45 days. He demonstrated the portal's eligibility requirements, coverage options, and binding process, emphasizing that properties must be tenant-occupied, post-1980 renovations, and detached structures. Michael and Andrew clarified several questions about billing, deductibles, and coverage limits, while Kenzie outlined the credential request process through First Connect. The team addressed limitations on owner-occupied properties, solar panels, and shared walls, noting potential future expansions in eligibility.