Program overview — Tenant Occupied Dwelling Insurance
J.M. Wilson Corp. offers a Tenant Occupied Dwelling Insurance program designed for independent agents who need flexible property solutions for one- to four-family rental dwellings. This program is underwritten through a panel of A-rated (or better) carriers and administered by J.M. Wilson, a Managing General Agency and surplus-lines broker founded in 1920. You can quote, bind and issue many risks online or request a phone quote when needed.
Ideal accounts and appetite
- One- to four-family tenant-occupied dwellings — owner of the structure with tenant occupants.
- Properties in Protection Classes 1–10.
- Accounting for older dwellings that have been significantly updated (special Dwelling Package available for homes over 25 years old).
- Trusts, estates, limited partnerships and family partnerships may be accepted as named insureds.
- Can consider risks with prior losses; coastal dwellings may be written excluding wind per carrier appetite.
Coverage highlights and advantages
- Forms: Basic (DP 01) or Special (DP 03).
- Valuation: Actual Cash Value (Basic) or Replacement Cost (Special).
- Coverage A limits from $75,000 to $600,000; Coverage C (contents) up to 40% of Coverage A.
- Liability: Personal Liability limits up to $1,000,000 and Medical Payments up to $5,000; Comprehensive Personal Liability available as an option.
- Deductibles: $1,000 base deductible; higher deductibles may qualify for discounts.
- Optional endorsements: Personal injury coverage and actual cash value roof endorsement available where offered.
- Flexibility: Policies may be written as property-only or as package policies depending on underwriting.
Underwriting notes and placement
- Underwriters will evaluate construction, updates, loss history and occupancy type; dwellings completely updated and over 25 years old may qualify for the Dwelling Package Special Form.
- No mandatory roof exclusion — roof age and condition are considered in pricing and endorsement availability.
- Trusts, estates and certain partnership structures are acceptable as named insureds.
- Placement can be through admitted carriers or surplus lines where appropriate — J.M. Wilson can place accounts across admitted and E&S markets to fit the risk.
- Phone quotes are available for complex or borderline risks; many standard risks can be quoted and bound online.
Territory and availability
This program is available to agents writing business in the following states: AL, AR, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NC, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV, WI. Specific coverages, forms and endorsement availability may vary by state and carrier.
Why place business with J.M. Wilson
J.M. Wilson combines long-standing wholesale underwriting experience (since 1920) with access to multiple A-rated carriers and surplus-lines capacity. That mix helps you place tenant-occupied dwellings that need flexibility on form, limits and structure — including risks with prior losses or non-standard ownership entities. You’ll benefit from online quoting and binding for eligible risks, phone-quote support for unusual submissions, and underwriting that accommodates both admitted and surplus lines placements when necessary.
Example scenarios you might submit: a landlord-owned, three-unit rental with recent interior and systems upgrades seeking replacement-cost coverage; or an estate-owned two-family rental with prior water damage that has been fully repaired and documented.
Founded in 1920, J.M. Wilson is a Managing General Agency serving independent insurance agents in 20 states. The corporation works with a variety of A or better rated carriers to offer commercial transportation, property/casualty, professional liability, personal lines and bonds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of tenant-occupied dwellings are a good fit for this program?
This program targets one- to four-family dwellings that the owner rents to tenants, including owner-held trusts, estates and family partnerships. Properties that are updated, in Protection Classes 1–10, and those that can meet basic underwriting requirements for roof and systems are good fits.
Can you place risks with prior losses or older homes?
Yes — the program can consider risks with prior losses and has a Dwelling Package Special Form for completely updated homes over 25 years old. Underwriting review of prior claims, repairs and maintenance will determine eligibility and pricing.
Are wind or coastal exposures acceptable?
Coastal dwellings can be written; some carriers may exclude wind per their appetite. J.M. Wilson can place policies with wind excluded or explore surplus lines options when needed.
How do quoting and binding work?
Many standard risks can be quoted and bound online through the J.M. Wilson platform. Phone quotes are available for complex or non-standard submissions — useful when you need quick direction on eligibility or terms.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.