Mixed-use building insurance for storefronts and apartments.
Commercial property, liability, loss of rents and umbrella coverage for buildings that combine retail, restaurants or offices with residential units.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Two kinds of tenants, one policy
A building with a restaurant downstairs and apartments upstairs is rated on both. Carriers look at the commercial tenants' operations, especially cooking, alcohol and auto uses, as well as the habitational exposure of the residential units.
Older mixed-use buildings in Los Angeles also bring questions about wiring, plumbing and seismic retrofits. I place the building with carriers that write mixed occupancies, require the right insurance from your commercial tenants, and set loss of rents for both income streams.
- BuildingReplacement cost for the structure, including tenant improvements you own.
- Loss of rentsCommercial and residential rent lost after a covered loss.
- General liabilityInjuries in common areas, sidewalks and parking.
- UmbrellaHigher liability limits for lenders and larger buildings.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Building: address, year built, square footage and construction.
- Tenants: each commercial tenant's business and the number of apartments.
- Updates: roof, electrical, plumbing and seismic retrofit.
- Rents: annual commercial and residential rents.
- Lender: insurance requirements.
- History: current policy and loss runs.
Mixed-use building insurance, answered
Can a mixed-use building be insured on a landlord policy?
Usually not. Buildings with commercial tenants are typically written on a commercial property and liability policy rather than a dwelling policy.
Do commercial tenants need their own insurance?
Yes. Leases should require tenants to carry liability and property insurance and name the owner as an additional insured.
Does the type of tenant affect my premium?
Yes. A restaurant or auto business increases fire and liability exposure compared with offices or retail.
Is earthquake coverage included?
No. Earthquake coverage for commercial buildings is bought separately, and lenders sometimes require it.
Do you offer mixed-use building insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Send the address and rent roll. I'll shop it.
The address, tenant mix and current policy are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued. Some policies may be placed with nonadmitted (surplus lines) insurers, which are not members of the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA).
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.