Best Rent Guarantee Insurance UK 2026: Top 6 Providers Compared
6 rent guarantee insurance providers compared for UK landlords. Cover levels, premiums, legal expenses, and claims processes reviewed for the post-Section 21 era.
The Latch Team
Editorial
Rent arrears remain one of the biggest financial risks for UK landlords. Even with thorough tenant screening, circumstances change — job losses, relationship breakdowns, and health issues can turn a reliable tenant into one who cannot pay. With the Renters' Rights Act abolishing Section 21 and extending eviction timescales, the financial exposure from non-paying tenants has never been greater.
Rent guarantee insurance (RGI) protects your rental income when tenants stop paying. The best policies cover missed rent, legal costs for possession proceedings, and even alternative accommodation costs. But not all RGI policies are equal — coverage limits, claim conditions, referencing requirements, and exclusions vary significantly between providers.
We have reviewed 6 of the leading rent guarantee insurance providers for UK landlords. For broader landlord insurance options, see our comprehensive landlord insurance guide.
What is Rent Guarantee Insurance?
Rent guarantee insurance (RGI) is a specialist insurance product that pays out when your tenant stops paying rent. It is distinct from the loss-of-rent cover sometimes included in buildings insurance policies, which typically only covers lost rent due to the property being uninhabitable (fire, flood, etc.) — not tenant non-payment.
A good RGI policy covers:
- Lost rent: Monthly payments when the tenant stops paying, up to a specified maximum (typically £2,500-£5,000/month) for a defined period (6-24 months)
- Legal expenses: Costs of eviction proceedings, including solicitor fees, court fees, and bailiff costs — typically covered up to £50,000-£100,000
- Tenant default: Cover from the first missed payment through to vacant possession being obtained
- Alternative accommodation: Some policies cover emergency accommodation costs if the property becomes uninhabitable during proceedings
How a claim typically works: you notify the insurer when rent is a specified number of days overdue (usually 30-60 days), they verify the tenant was properly referenced, and payments begin. Most policies pay monthly in arrears until the tenant either resumes payment, vacates, or the coverage period expires.
Critical requirement: Almost all RGI policies require the tenant to have passed referencing checks before the tenancy started. If you let a property without referencing, or the tenant fails referencing but you proceed anyway, your RGI policy will be void. For guidance on referencing, see our tenant screening guide.
Why RGI Matters More in 2026
The Renters' Rights Act has fundamentally changed the risk calculus for UK landlords. With Section 21 no-fault evictions abolished from 1 May 2026 and all new tenancies becoming periodic from day one, removing a non-paying tenant now takes significantly longer. This extended exposure period makes rent guarantee insurance more important than ever.
Average Rent Loss
Typical cost of a 7-month eviction at £1,200/month rent, before legal fees
£8,400
Typical RGI Premium
Annual premium for a standard RGI policy on a property rented at £1,000-£1,500/month
£150–£300/yr
Legal Costs Covered
Most policies cover legal expenses up to £50,000-£100,000 for possession proceedings
£50,000+
Under the new regime, even the mandatory ground for 2+ months arrears (Ground 8) requires a court hearing with no guarantee of a same-day order. Discretionary grounds give judges more latitude to delay possession. Combined with court backlogs, a straightforward rent arrears case can now take 6-12 months from the first missed payment to vacant possession.
Without RGI, that is 6-12 months of lost rent plus £3,000-£10,000 in legal costs — potentially £15,000-£25,000 of exposure on a single tenancy. A £200/year insurance premium looks like an obvious investment.
Rent Guarantee Insurance Comparison Table
All 6 providers compared on coverage, duration, and cost:
| Provider | Rent Cover | Cover Period | Legal Expenses | Referencing | From (Annual) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alan Boswell | Up to £2,500/mo | 12 months | £100,000 | Own/third-party | £140 |
| Simply Business | Varies by policy | 6–12 months | Up to £50,000 | Third-party accepted | £120 |
| Superscript | Up to £2,500/mo | 12 months | £50,000 | Own referencing | £130 |
| Hamilton Fraser | Up to £5,000/mo | 12 months | £100,000 | Own/third-party | £160 |
| CIA Insurance | Up to £2,500/mo | 6–12 months | £50,000 | Own referencing | £150 |
| NRLA | Up to £2,500/mo | 12 months | £50,000 | NRLA referencing | £130 |
Top 6 Compared
1. Alan Boswell — Best for Portfolio Landlords
Alan Boswell
Alan Boswell Group is a specialist landlord insurance broker with decades of experience. Their RGI product stands out for portfolio landlords thanks to multi-property discounts and the ability to bundle with other landlord insurance products for comprehensive coverage at competitive rates.
Alan Boswell
Pros
- Excellent portfolio discounts for multi-property landlords
- High legal expenses cover up to £100,000
- Accepts both own and third-party referencing reports
- Can bundle with buildings, contents, and liability insurance
- Experienced claims team with landlord-specific expertise
Cons
- Premiums slightly higher than comparison sites for single properties
- Phone-based quoting preferred over purely online process
- Not the cheapest option for landlords with just one property
- Requires full referencing — no flexibility for informal lets
2. Simply Business — Best for Comparing Quotes
Simply Business
Simply Business is the UK's largest online business insurance broker and offers a convenient way to compare RGI quotes from multiple underwriters. Rather than providing a single product, they present options from several insurers so you can choose the best combination of coverage and price.
Simply Business
Pros
- Compare multiple RGI quotes in one place
- Quick online quoting process — minutes to get prices
- Good range of coverage options from different underwriters
- Often the cheapest option due to competitive comparison
- Accepts third-party referencing reports
Cons
- Acts as a broker rather than underwriter — claims handled by the insurer
- Quality and coverage varies between underwriters presented
- Less specialist landlord expertise than dedicated providers
- Customer service can be generic compared to specialist brokers
3. Superscript — Best for Digital-First Landlords
Superscript (formerly known as Digital Risks) is a modern, digital-first insurance provider. Their RGI product is designed for landlords who want to manage everything online — quoting, purchasing, policy management, and claims.
Superscript
Pros
- Fully digital process from quote to claim
- Clear, jargon-free policy documents
- Monthly payment option available at no extra cost
- Quick claims notification through online portal
- Modern interface with good user experience
Cons
- Requires their own referencing — may duplicate existing checks
- Cover limited to £2,500/month — not suitable for premium properties
- Newer provider with less track record than established brokers
- Legal expenses cover capped at £50,000
4. Hamilton Fraser — Best Overall RGI Provider
Hamilton Fraser
Hamilton Fraser is one of the most established names in landlord insurance. They are the underwriter behind the mydeposits deposit protection scheme and the NRLA insurance offerings. Their RGI product offers the highest standard coverage — up to £5,000/month rent cover with £100,000 legal expenses.
Hamilton Fraser
Pros
- Highest rent cover available — up to £5,000/month
- Industry-leading £100,000 legal expenses cover
- Established reputation with decades of landlord insurance experience
- Accepts own or third-party referencing
- Linked to mydeposits for integrated deposit and insurance management
Cons
- Premium pricing — higher than comparison site alternatives
- Phone or email preferred for complex policy discussions
- Portfolio discounts less generous than some competitors
- Claims process can be documentation-heavy
5. CIA Insurance — Best Bundled Cover
CIA Insurance (formerly CIA Landlords) offers RGI as part of broader landlord insurance packages. Their strength is bundling RGI with buildings, contents, liability, and legal expenses insurance for a single competitive premium.
CIA Insurance
Pros
- Excellent bundled packages combining RGI with other landlord insurance
- Competitive pricing when bundled with buildings and contents
- Own referencing service available through the platform
- Good for landlords who want all insurance in one place
Cons
- RGI on its own is less competitive than standalone providers
- Coverage period options vary — check if 12 months is available
- Legal expenses cover capped at £50,000 on standard policies
- Online experience less polished than digital-first competitors
6. NRLA — Best for Members
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) offers RGI to its members through a partnership with Hamilton Fraser. Members benefit from negotiated rates and the NRLA's referencing service, which integrates directly with the insurance cover.
NRLA
Pros
- Discounted rates for NRLA members
- Integrated with NRLA referencing service for seamless cover
- Backed by Hamilton Fraser — strong underwriter
- Member support and guidance on claims process
- Additional member benefits beyond just insurance
Cons
- Requires NRLA membership (£95/year) which adds to total cost
- Not available to non-members
- Must use NRLA referencing for guaranteed integration
- Cover limits may be lower than Hamilton Fraser's direct product
How to Maximise Your Claim
If you need to make a claim on your rent guarantee insurance, follow these steps to maximise your chance of a successful payout:
- 1. Reference thoroughly before the tenancy starts: This is non-negotiable. If the tenant was not properly referenced, your claim will be rejected. Use the insurer's own referencing or ensure your third-party report meets their requirements.
- 2. Document everything from day one: Keep copies of the tenancy agreement, referencing reports, rent payment records, and all correspondence with the tenant. Digital records are ideal.
- 3. Act quickly when rent is missed: Most policies have a notification window (e.g., within 30-60 days of the first missed payment). Do not delay in notifying your insurer — late notification can void your claim.
- 4. Follow the insurer's arrears protocol: Most insurers specify the steps you must take before claiming — typically written notices at specific intervals. Follow these precisely and keep copies of all communications.
- 5. Use the insurer's recommended solicitors: Most policies require you to use panel solicitors for eviction proceedings. Using your own solicitor without approval may not be covered.
- 6. Keep detailed records of all losses: Track every missed rent payment, every cost incurred, and every communication. The more comprehensive your records, the smoother your claim.
Latch tip: Latch automatically tracks rent payments, flags arrears, and maintains a complete communication log with tenants. If you ever need to make an RGI claim, your Latch records provide the documentation trail insurers require — payment history, arrears timeline, and dated tenant correspondence all in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rent guarantee insurance worth it?
For most landlords, yes. The average eviction now takes 6-9 months, and a single non-paying tenant could cost £6,000-£15,000+ in lost rent and legal fees. Premiums of £150-£300/year are a small price for this protection.
What does rent guarantee insurance not cover?
Most policies exclude: pre-existing arrears, unreferenced tenants, legitimate rent disputes, commercial tenancies, and sometimes benefit-dependent tenants. Always read the exclusions carefully.
Do I need to reference tenants for RGI?
Yes. Almost all providers require tenants to pass referencing as a condition of cover. Some offer their own referencing, others accept third-party reports.
Can I claim for Section 8 evictions?
Yes. RGI covers rent arrears regardless of the eviction route — Section 8, the new Renters' Rights Act grounds, or any other lawful possession process.
How long does rent guarantee cover last?
Most policies cover 6-12 months of rent losses, with some premium policies offering up to 24 months. Legal expenses cover typically continues until possession is obtained.
Our Recommendation
Best Rent Guarantee Insurance UK 2026
For the best overall rent guarantee insurance, Hamilton Fraser leads the market with the highest coverage (up to £5,000/month) and £100,000 legal expenses. For portfolio landlords seeking bundled discounts, Alan Boswell offers the best multi-property value. For quick quote comparison, Simply Business lets you compare multiple underwriters in minutes. Whichever provider you choose, the key principle is the same: reference thoroughly, document everything, and act quickly when arrears begin.
Best for: Hamilton Fraser for best overall coverage. Alan Boswell for portfolio landlords. Simply Business for quick quote comparison.
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Get Started with LatchDisclaimer: This article provides general guidance on rent guarantee insurance and does not constitute financial or insurance advice. Policy terms, coverage, premiums, and exclusions vary between providers and may change. Always read the full policy wording and consult a qualified insurance adviser before purchasing cover.
