Overview — Vacant Dwelling Insurance from Cochrane & Company
Cochrane & Company offers a focused Vacant Dwelling Insurance program designed for agents who need reliable placement for dwellings that are vacant, recently vacated, under renovation, or otherwise difficult to place in the standard market. This program combines DP-3 (special form) property coverage with optional premises liability solutions so you can write both property-only and combined liability accounts through a single point of submission.
Why use this program?
- Underwriting experience with cancelled or non-renewed dwellings that other markets will not accept.
- Flexible term options — annual or short-term (3, 6, or 9 months) to match renovation schedules or seasonal vacancy.
- Broad coverages commonly requested by agents: Fire, Extended Coverage, Vandalism & Malicious Mischief, and DP-3 (Special Form).
- Liability options include Premises Liability Operation and Monoline Premises Liability to protect against third-party exposures during vacancy.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
This program is a good fit for agents placing:
- 1–4 family residences that are vacant or unoccupied and have been cancelled or non-renewed by prior markets
- Homes undergoing renovation or phased construction (builders risk scenarios)
- Seasonal or high/low value properties that require tailored limits and valuation
- Properties with recent loss history where standard carriers have declined placement
Accounts that typically do not fit include heavily damaged structures slated for demolition or properties used for high-hazard activities without mitigation. Underwriting decisions are made case-by-case.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
- Special Form (DP-3) available for broader named-peril protection on buildings.
- Named peril coverages such as Fire, Extended Coverage, and Vandalism & Malicious Mischief.
- Liability options: Premises Liability and Monoline Premises Liability to address visitor exposures during vacancy or construction.
- Customizable terms: choose short-term policies for renovation projects or annual policies for longer vacancy periods.
- Deductible options to help balance client cost vs. risk tolerance.
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
Cochrane & Company evaluates each risk individually. Typical considerations include property condition, security measures, length of vacancy, planned renovations, and prior loss history. Expect underwriters to request recent photos, scope of renovation work if applicable, and details on patrols or security.
Minimum premium and final pricing vary by state, carrier, and the specifics of the risk. Cochrane & Company works with multiple markets (carriers vary) to find the appropriate fit for unusual or high-exposure accounts.
Territories and Licensing
This program is offered through Cochrane & Company in the following states: AK, CA, ID, MT, NV, NM, ND, OR, WA, WY. Coverage availability and form may vary by state; consult the program underwriter for state-specific guidelines.
Note: carriage/placement options are handled on a market-by-market basis; confirm admitted versus non-admitted status with underwriting at submission.
Why Work with Cochrane & Company on Vacant Dwelling Risks
- MGA expertise: focused underwriting for dwellings outside traditional markets.
- Single-source solutions for property and premises liability exposures.
- Flexible policy terms to match renovation timelines and seasonal vacancies.
- Practical approach to difficult-to-place risks — we consider mitigations and may accept accounts declined elsewhere.
Example Scenarios
You might have a client who recently completed an eviction and needs immediate fire and vandalism protection while the property is marketed for rent — short-term coverage can bridge the gap. Or you might place an investor renovating a 3-unit building that requires builders risk-style protection and premises liability during construction. Cochrane & Company’s program is structured to handle these types of placements with flexible terms and tailored coverages.
How to Submit
Prepare basic property details, vacancy timeframe, renovation scope (if applicable), recent photos, and prior carrier history. Underwriters will review exposures and recommend appropriate limits, deductibles, and any required loss control measures.