Stoermer Insurance Brokers is an Ohio-based excess & surplus lines wholesaler with more than 30 years placing vacant property insurance for retail agents across Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Our Vacant Property program is built to help you place vacant, unoccupied, and renovation risks that standard markets often decline or limit. We work with multiple carriers, including admitted and E&S options, and can place eligible risks with an A.M. Best–rated A++ market when underwriting criteria are met.
Overview of the Program
Our program provides targeted protection for commercial buildings and dwellings that are vacant, unoccupied, or undergoing renovation. We offer primary vacancy coverage (Fire and Extended Coverage) with Vandalism & Malicious Mischief specifically included for vacant risks. When properties meet updated underwriting requirements, Special Form coverage may be available. Policies can be written on admitted paper where state rules and carrier appetite permit; otherwise we use E&S markets to deliver coverage quickly.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
- Commercial buildings, small office/retail spaces, and multi-unit dwellings that are vacant or between tenants.
- Single-family dwellings and higher-value homes that present vacancy or renovation concerns for standard markets.
- Properties undergoing phased or short-term renovations where a temporary vacant policy is needed.
- Low- and high-value buildings that meet basic protection, maintenance, and inspection requirements.
We prefer accounts with routine vacant-property management — periodic inspections, secured access, winterization where required, and clear renovation timelines. We may decline or apply restrictive terms to accounts with ongoing major code violations, significant unrepaired damage, or unmanaged environmental exposures.
Examples you might submit:
- A three-story mixed-use building that is empty while the owner completes a six-month interior renovation and needs short-term coverage.
- A high-value single-family home awaiting sale that has been vacant for several months but has scheduled inspections and a verified protection plan.
- A multi-family property between tenants where the owner has implemented locked access, monitored inspections, and temporary loss control measures.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
- Basic perils: Fire and Extended Coverage.
- Vandalism & Malicious Mischief specifically included for vacant exposures.
- Special Form may be available for properties meeting underwriting updates.
- Short-term policy options (3, 6, or 9 month terms) to align with renovation schedules or temporary vacancy.
- Flexible deductible options to help tailor pricing and account placement.
- Capacity for both lower- and higher-value properties through multiple admitted and non-admitted markets.
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
Underwriting focuses on physical condition, security measures, intended use, and renovation timelines. Typical submission requirements: property condition photos, age and construction details, reason and expected duration of vacancy, protection and inspection plans, and renovation specifications when applicable. Clear documentation speeds placement and improves available terms.
Minimum premiums and forms vary by state, carrier, and policy form. Submit the full account details through your usual wholesale channel for an accurate indication of premium and available terms.
Territories and Availability
The Vacant Property program is available in IN, KY and OH. Where state regulation and carrier appetite allow, admitted options are possible; otherwise we place through E&S markets. Availability and specific forms vary by state and by the individual account.
Why Work With Our Team on Vacant Property Business
- 30+ years of niche wholesale placement experience for vacant and renovation exposures.
- Access to several markets, including an A.M. Best A++ carrier for eligible risks.
- Short-term policy options that align with renovation timetables and temporary vacancies.
- Responsive underwriting focused on placing difficult vacancies quickly and cleanly for retail agents.
Need a Vacant Property quote? Submit your risk details through your usual wholesale channel. Provide photos, renovation timelines (if any), and information on security/inspections to allow prompt review. Mention this ad and receive 15% commission on your next new business order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this vacant property program?
Commercial buildings, dwellings, and renovation projects that are vacant or unoccupied and that have documented protection and inspection plans. Both lower- and higher-value properties can be considered when they meet carrier requirements.
Can you write short-term policies for renovation projects?
Yes. We can issue short-term policies (3, 6 or 9 month terms) to match renovation timetables or temporary vacancy periods. Be sure to include project timelines and expected completion dates in your submission.
Are there admitted options available?
Some admitted options are available depending on the state and the specific risk. More often, placements are written through E&S markets; we will indicate admitted availability on submission.
What does underwriting typically require for a vacancy placement?
Underwriters generally request property condition details, photos, reason and expected duration of vacancy, security measures, inspection plans, and renovation specifications if applicable. Clear documentation speeds placement and improves terms.
How do I get a quote or submit a risk?
Submit risk details through your usual wholesale channel. Provide photos, renovation timelines (if any), and information on security/inspections to allow prompt review. We will respond with available markets and indicative terms.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.