Considering taking a HUD 241(a) loan to cover repairs, improvements, or an expansion of a property that already has a HUD loan? Great choice: These loans can offer amazing benefits for you as an investor.

Worried about extra requirements you may be subject to? With this guide, I'll take you through additional insurance requirements you could face (and may just want to consider anyway) with a HUD 241(a) loan.

Overview of HUD 241(a) Loans

HUD 241(a) loans provide supplemental financing for existing HUD-insured multifamily properties that need repairs, additions, or improvements. These loans can be used for projects such as repairing or replacing major building components, improving energy efficiency, upgrading accessibility, or expanding the property. HUD 241(a) loans offer long-term, fixed-rate financing with terms up to 20 years, as well as the potential for non-recourse financing and government-backed mortgage insurance.

Note that HUD 241(a) loans cannot used for new construction or substantial rehabilitation projects. For those purposes, other HUD loan programs like the HUD 221(d)(4) loan would be more appropriate — and, in all honesty, may offer better terms.

Assess Your Insurance Needs for a HUD 241(a) Loan

When a property is already covered by a HUD-insured loan, it will have existing insurance coverage in place to meet HUD's requirements. However, when going for a HUD 241(a) loan for improvements or additions, it's essential to reassess the property's insurance needs to ensure adequate coverage for the new work being done.

Borrowers should work closely with their lender and insurance broker to:

Review existing insurance policies and coverage amounts
Determine if the current coverage is sufficient for the planned improvements or additions
Identify any additional insurance requirements specific to the HUD 241(a) loan
Adjust insurance coverage as needed to comply with HUD guidelines and protect the property

In many cases, the existing insurance policies may need to be updated to reflect the increased value of the property after the improvements or additions are completed. Additionally, if the HUD 241(a) loan involves extensive repairs or improvements, a modified form of builder's risk insurance or an installation floater may be necessary to cover the specific work being done.

Let's get into the general insurance below, but note that (as above) your existing policy may cover most, if not all, of these requirements.

Required Insurance Coverage

When obtaining a HUD 241(a) loan, borrowers must maintain the following insurance coverage:

Property Damage Insurance

Property damage insurance protects the multifamily property against damage caused by events such as fire, wind, hail, and vandalism. HUD requires a minimum coverage amount equal to the replacement cost of the property, with a deductible not exceeding the greater of $25,000 or 1% of the property's insurance replacement cost.

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance protects against third-party claims for bodily injury or property damage occurring on the property. HUD requires a minimum coverage of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million in aggregate.

Potential Flood Insurance

If the multifamily property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), HUD requires flood insurance coverage. The amount of coverage must be at least equal to the lesser of the replacement cost of the property or the maximum coverage available under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Potential Earthquake Insurance

For multifamily properties located in areas with a high seismic risk, HUD may require earthquake insurance. The specific requirement and amount of coverage will depend on the property's location and the results of a seismic risk assessment. HUD will typically require a Probable Maximum Loss (PML) study to determine the potential exposure and the appropriate level of earthquake insurance coverage.

Recommended Additional Insurance Coverage

In addition to the required insurance coverage, borrowers should consider obtaining the following insurance policies to further protect their multifamily property investment:

Business Interruption Insurance

Business interruption insurance helps cover lost rental income and extra expenses incurred when a covered event forces the multifamily property to suspend operations. This coverage can be crucial in ensuring the property's financial stability during a temporary closure.

Boiler and Machinery Insurance

Boiler and machinery insurance, also known as equipment breakdown insurance, covers damage to mechanical and electrical equipment caused by events such as power surges, mechanical breakdowns, and operator error. This coverage can help protect the multifamily property's essential equipment and systems.

Modified Builder's Risk Insurance or Installation Floater

While builder's risk insurance is not a standard requirement for HUD 241(a) loans, it may be necessary for more extensive repair or improvement projects. In these cases, a modified form of builder's risk insurance or an installation floater can provide coverage for the specific work being done on the property. The coverage amount and requirements will depend on the scope of the project.

Other Insurance Considerations

HUD may require additional insurance coverage based on the multifamily property's specific characteristics, location, and risk factors. Borrowers should work closely with their lender and an experienced insurance broker to determine the exact insurance requirements for their HUD 241(a) loan.

Insurance Compliance and Monitoring

To maintain compliance with HUD 241(a) loan insurance requirements, borrowers must provide annual insurance renewals and updates to their lender and HUD. Failure to maintain proper insurance coverage can result in serious consequences, including loan default and, possibly, foreclosure.

Partner With Janover Insurance Group

Understanding your insurance requirements for any kind of HUD loans can be...complicated. Partnering with an experienced insurance broker like Janover Insurance Group is essential to ensure you have the right coverage in place.

Our team is intimately familiar with the HUD loan process, and we use our massive network of top-rated insurers to make sure you have the right coverage at the right price that meets HUD's requirements. Complete this quick form to get a free insurance quote from us.

In this article:

Overview of HUD 241(a) Loans
Assess Your Insurance Needs for a HUD 241(a) Loan
Required Insurance Coverage
Property Damage Insurance
Liability Insurance
Potential Flood Insurance
Potential Earthquake Insurance
Recommended Additional Insurance Coverage
Business Interruption Insurance
Boiler and Machinery Insurance
Modified Builder's Risk Insurance or Installation Floater
Other Insurance Considerations
Insurance Compliance and Monitoring
Partner With Janover Insurance Group
Get Financing

Multifamily Insurance Requirements for HUD 241(a) Loans