Vacant Dwelling Insurance

Overview of the Vacant Dwelling Insurance Program from Jacobs & Associates

Jacobs & Associates provides a targeted Vacant Dwelling Insurance program for residential and commercial buildings that are temporarily unoccupied. As an Excess & Surplus Lines broker, Jacobs & Associates places hard-to-place vacant properties through non-admitted carriers, giving you access to flexible short-term solutions when standard markets are not an option.

Ideal Accounts and Appetite

This program is designed for agents and brokers who need short-term protection for vacant properties. Typical fits include:

• Vacant single-family homes, duplexes, and multi-family units with or without renovations
• Vacant commercial buildings (retail, office, light industrial) undergoing renovation or between tenants
• Builders risk for residential or commercial projects during short construction or renovation periods

Accounts that generally do not fit include properties requiring flood or earthquake-only coverage enhancements, accounts with significant prior losses that remain open, or operations with ongoing occupancy and regular business activities.

Coverage Highlights and Advantages

Jacobs & Associates uses ISO forms to provide clear, standardized coverage. Key policy elements include:

• Building & Personal Property – CP 00 10
• Builders Risk – CP 00 20
• Condo Unit Owners – CP 00 18
• Basic Causes of Loss – ISO CP 10 10
• Premises Liability – ISO CG 00 01

Important underwriting limitations: this program excludes coverage for theft and water damage. Use it when you need property and liability protection for short vacancy periods but can accept those exclusions.

Policy Terms, Deductibles, and Minimums

Available term options: 3-, 6-, or 12-month policies. Quarterly installment plans are available on 12-month policies.

Standard deductibles:

• Property (no renovations): $250 per occurrence
• Property (with renovations): $500 per occurrence
• Liability: $250 per occurrence

Minimum retained premiums vary by term: annual, six-month, and three-month policies all include minimum retained amounts (see your underwriter for specifics and applied minimums on each placement).

Territories and Non-Admitted Positioning

This Vacant Dwelling Insurance program is currently available to agents placing risks in Ohio (OH). Jacobs & Associates operates as an Excess & Surplus Lines broker, placing business in the non-admitted market when standard admitted options are unavailable or unsuitable.

Underwriting Notes and Submission Tips

• Provide a clear vacancy timeline and details of any renovation work—underwriting differentiates between passive vacancy and active construction.
• Include prior loss history for the property and any active or recent claims related to water, theft, or vandalism.
• Photos of the property (interior and exterior), contractor details for renovations, and a schedule of values for builders risk submissions help speed approval.
• Expect stricter underwriting when properties are vacant for extended periods or located in higher-risk areas.

Why Work With Jacobs & Associates

Jacobs & Associates specializes in placing challenging vacant property risks through a range of non-admitted carriers. Their strengths for agents include:

• Access to multiple E&S markets for hard-to-place vacant dwellings and builders risk
• Clear use of ISO forms so coverage scope is predictable and consistent
• Flexible short-term policy terms and payment options to match transaction timelines
• Underwriting that accommodates properties with controlled renovation activity

Example Scenarios

You might have a client who owns a vacant duplex while waiting for a sale and needs short-term property and liability protection without committing to a long-term policy. Or, a commercial investor renovating a small retail strip center requires builders risk and premises liability coverage between tenants—this program can provide a temporary solution while renovations are completed.

Learn more about Jacobs & Associates on their CompleteMarkets profile.