Insurance for vacant buildings.

Property and liability for commercial and residential buildings sitting empty between tenants, before a sale, or while plans come together, written so the 60-day vacancy clause does not strip your coverage.

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What owners of vacant buildings usually carry

Vacant building property
Vandalism
General liability, $1M / $2M
Vacancy permit
Sprinkler leakage
Umbrella

Watch for these in a vacant building policy

The 60-day clauseAfter 60 days in a row with the building vacant, most commercial property forms stop paying for vandalism, theft, glass breakage, and water damage, and cut every other loss by 15%.
Heat and waterFreeze damage is not covered unless you keep the heat on, or drain the pipes and shut off the water. Check the building on a schedule in cold months.
Shut-off sprinklersIf your policy carries a sprinkler warranty and you shut the system off to prevent freezing, a fire claim can be denied. Tell us before you shut it down.
Named perils onlyMany vacant building policies cover only fire, lightning, wind, and a short list of other causes, and pay actual cash value.
TrespassersPeople who should not be inside still bring injury claims. Board up openings, post the property, and keep a log of your inspections.

What lenders and cities ask owners of vacant buildings for

Notice to the lenderMany loan documents require you to tell the lender when a building goes vacant, and to show coverage written for it.
City registrationSome cities require vacant buildings to be registered, with proof of liability insurance.
Securing the buildingCities and lenders may require openings boarded and utilities managed while it sits empty.

Questions owners of vacant buildings ask

Straight answers.

The questions we hear most, answered plainly.

Can I keep my regular policy while the building is empty?

For the first 60 days, usually. After that you need a vacancy permit on your current policy or a policy written for vacant buildings.

Do I need liability if nobody is inside?

Yes. Trespassers, a neighbor hit by falling debris, or a fire that spreads next door can all bring claims against you as owner.

What if I plan to sell or renovate?

Tell us the plan and the dates. A building being renovated is usually not treated as vacant, and many vacant building policies can be written for a few months at a time.