Business Insurance / Vacant Property
Vacant Building Insurance
This is the coverage nobody thinks about until a property has been empty for a while. Most property policies contain a vacancy clause that restricts or suspends coverage once a building has been unoccupied past a stated period, commonly 60 days. The policy does not lapse. It just stops responding to the losses vacant buildings actually suffer.
What It Covers
The parts of the policy, in plain terms.
Property damage while vacant
Fire, wind and other perils on a building the standard policy has effectively stopped covering.
Vandalism and theft
Usually the first thing a vacancy clause removes, and the most likely loss on an empty building. Copper and fixtures go first.
Liability
An empty building still attracts people. You remain responsible for injuries on the property.
Renovation and builder's risk
For a property being rehabbed rather than simply sitting, which is a different risk and often a different policy.
How it plays out
A commercial building has been empty for four months while it is on the market. Pipes freeze in January, burst, and run for days before anyone notices. The standard policy's vacancy clause had already kicked in and the claim is denied. A vacant property policy is written for exactly this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vacant Building questions we get.
When does my building count as vacant?
The property is between tenants for a few weeks. Is that a problem?
What if I am renovating rather than just holding it?
What Clients Say
Trusted by your neighbors.
Dave is an amazing agent, and Kim is great too. They both worked very hard to get me the best rates. I felt they had my best interest at heart, not just what was good for them.
I just finished buying a house. My previous agent couldn’t find coverage for it. My realtor told me that “Dave always has an answer for her problems.” She couldn’t have been more right.
I highly recommend David Bartal. David took the time to listen to my circumstances and worked efficiently to get me quotes quickly. Within minutes, I had both my vehicles insured at a price I could actually afford. A very happy and satisfied customer.
Also worth a look
Other coverage we write.
General Liability
The third-party coverage every contract, landlord and city licence asks you to carry.
Workers' Compensation
Required in Pennsylvania once you have employees, and priced on payroll and class code.
Commercial Insurance
General liability, property, commercial auto and BOPs, sized to how the business actually runs.
Let's get you a real number.
Tell us what you're insuring and David will shop it across our carriers. No obligation, and no pressure if your current policy turns out to be the better deal.
Independent agency / 10 carriers on file