Overview of the Program From Commercial Sector Insurance Brokers
Commercial Sector Insurance Brokers offers a focused Vacant Building Insurance program designed for independent agents who need reliable markets and practical underwriting for vacant or unoccupied commercial buildings. As a wholesale broker with longstanding relationships across multiple markets, we work with agents to secure property, liability and ancillary coverages for a range of vacant exposures — from short-term between-tenant gaps to longer-term redevelopment projects.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
This program is best suited for commercial buildings that are currently vacant but have a clear plan for re-occupancy, sale, renovation or demolition. Typical classes we place include:
- Retail strip centers and standalone storefronts
- Small office buildings and professional suites
- Light industrial and warehouse space
- Multi-tenant commercial blocks and mixed-use properties
- Properties undergoing renovations or marketing for lease/sale
We typically decline locations with active vandalism, extensive deferred maintenance, or confirmed condemned status. Complex environmental hazards, unknown occupancy histories, or severe arson history may require placement in specialty markets.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
- Property coverage tailored to vacant risks, including options for building, contents, and debris removal.
- Optional limited liability and premises liability coverage where available to address third-party exposure during vacancy.
- Flexible terms for vacancy periods, renovation timelines, and soft costs exposure during redevelopment.
- Access to 7+ underwriting markets experienced with vacant exposures, providing competitive placement options.
- Admitted placements available in some states; non-admitted solutions can be arranged when appropriate.
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
Underwriters will evaluate: reason for vacancy, length of vacancy, property condition, location, value, prior loss history, and loss control measures in place (e.g., active monitoring, boarded windows, sprinkler/alarms). Typical information to provide with submissions:
- Completed ACORD applications and property schedules
- Photos showing building condition and security measures
- Planned timeline for re-occupancy or disposition
- Loss runs for the past 3–5 years
Minimum premium: $5,000. Higher limits, specialty coverages, or adverse loss history may increase the premium or require placement with a specific market.
Territories and Availability
This program is available through Commercial Sector Insurance Brokers across the following states: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY. Admitted paper is available in some states; non-admitted solutions are used where needed.
Why Work With Commercial Sector Insurance Brokers on Vacant Building Risks
As a wholesale broker, Commercial Sector Insurance Brokers combines market access with hands-on underwriting guidance. We help you prepare submissions to increase placement success and can often offer multiple market options so you can choose the best fit for your client’s tolerance and budget. Our team focuses on pragmatic solutions for sensitive vacant-property exposures and supports short timelines for binding coverage where necessary.
Example Account Scenarios
- You have a client who owns a two-story retail building left vacant after a tenant departed; they plan a cosmetic renovation and relisting. We can pursue short-term vacant coverage with limits sized to the building value and include basic liability during contractor work.
- A landlord holds a vacant warehouse while negotiating a long-term lease. With updated security and monitored alarms, we can seek competitive property-only or broader packages through our vacancy markets.
Please call Commercial Sector Insurance Brokers today for more information and to discuss specific submissions.