Vacant Buildings Program Overview
First Choice’s Vacant Buildings program provides flexible property and liability solutions for residential and commercial buildings that are unoccupied for an extended period. The program offers monoline property and general liability options, and in many cases can consider a special cause of loss or replacement cost endorsement—important features when the standard carrier has vacancy exclusions or severe limitations.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
This program is built for agents placing transitional or short-term vacancy exposures, including:
- Condo units that are unoccupied between owners or tenants
- Vacant retail or office spaces awaiting new tenants
- Rental homes or apartments between leases
- Residential properties in transition or probate
- Commercial buildings listed for sale or undergoing tenant turnover
Properties undergoing renovation may be considered depending on the scope and controls in place. Typical account examples you may place through First Choice:
- A small investor with a single-family rental that has been vacant for several months while marketing for a new tenant.
- An owner of a downtown retail unit that is currently unoccupied while interior renovation and utility shutoffs are scheduled.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
- No restriction on length of vacancy — the program can accept long-term and short-term vacant risks.
- Flexible policy terms — choose from 3-, 6-, or 9-month terms to match transitional needs.
- Special form and replacement cost — may be offered where appropriate and underwriter-approved.
- Property values up to $5 million are eligible for consideration.
- General liability limits available up to $1 million / $3 million.
Underwriting Notes and Restrictions
First Choice evaluates every submission with an emphasis on risk controls and property condition. Accounts that generally do not fit the program include:
- Properties with planned or scheduled demolition
- Buildings that have swimming pools on the premises
- Structures with existing structural damage or unresolved water/ fire damage at the time of application
Well-maintained properties with documented controls (secured entry, regular inspections, active utilities as required, monitored alarms where applicable) are the best fit.
Territories and Admitted Status
This program is available in most states. State availability includes: AL, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MA, MI, MO, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI. The Vacant Buildings program is offered on a non-admitted basis in most states, which gives First Choice flexibility to tailor coverage and forms to individual risk profiles.
Why Work With First Choice Insurance Intermediaries?
First Choice Insurance Intermediaries, Inc. is a wholesale broker experienced in placing hard-to-place and transitional property risks. Their Vacant Buildings program pairs targeted underwriting expertise with responsive service, helping you place accounts that standard admitted markets may decline or restrict. Use this program when you need tailored terms, short-term policy periods, or replacement cost options for vacancy exposures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this program?
This program is ideal for residential or commercial buildings that are temporarily vacant, including rental properties, office or retail spaces, and properties undergoing controlled renovation.
Can properties under renovation be covered?
Yes. Properties undergoing renovation can be considered depending on the nature and extent of the work, safety controls, and whether contractors’ operations are properly managed and documented.
Are there limitations on how long a building can be vacant?
No. The program does not impose a maximum vacancy period and will consider both short-term and longer-term vacancies.
What are common risks that are not eligible?
Properties scheduled for demolition, those with swimming pools on-site, or buildings with existing structural damage at submission are generally ineligible.
Is this program available in all states?
The program is available in most states (see the availability list above). Coverage and form availability vary by state—contact First Choice for state-specific guidance.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.