An Industry Leader in Vacant Building Insurance since 1978
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does "vacant" mean?

"Vacant" is defined as follows:
A dwelling that contains no more than 4 residential units
A dwelling that is totally vacant and not undergoing repairs, remodeling or renovations of any kind

2. What does the Vacant Residential Program provide?

The program provides coverage for three types of exposures:
Totally vacant dwellings including qualifying mobile homes and individual condominium/townhouse units
Totally vacant dwellings including qualifying mobile homes and individual condominium/townhouse units that are undergoing
     remodeling or renovations

Builders Risks (new ground up construction)

3. What qualifies for coverage under the Vacant Dwelling Program?

The following vacant dwellings qualify for the program:
Dwellings with not more than 4 residential units
Dwellings with 3 residential units and 1 commercial unit
Dwellings with 2 residential units and 2 commercial units
A fully skirted mobile home that is anchored down and/or on a permanent foundation
Individual condominium/townhouse units
A building intended for demolition does not qualify as a "vacant" dwelling
A dwelling constructed of logs does not qualify

4. What is the difference between a "vacant" dwelling policy and a "vacant dwelling renovations" policy?

The "vacant" dwelling policy is strictly intended to provide coverage for a "vacant" building that will have no occupancy or activity whatsoever except to show to potential buyers or renters. The Vacancy Warranty (F135) attached to the policy suspends coverage if the insured fails to meet this requirement.

The "vacant dwelling renovations policy" does not have the Vacancy Warranty (F135) attached therefore, it allows for activities related to remodeling or renovating.

5. What property coverage form is provided?

Coverage is provided using the Commercial Basic Causes of Loss Form CP1010 along with either CP0010 (Building & Pers Prop Coverage Form), CP0020 (Builders Risk Coverage Form) or CP0018 (Condominium Unit Owner Coverage Form).

7. What policy terms are offered?

The standard term is 12 months. However, 3 and 6 month terms are available in many states. Premium for the first 3 months is always fully (100%) earned (except in Michigan and Texas).

8. If I select a 12 month term, are premium installments available?

Yes, for a 12-month policy term, deposit + 3 installments; for a 6-month policy term, deposit + 1 installment.

9. What is the maximum property limit available?

$5,000,000 and is subject to underwriting acceptance.

10. What is the minimum applicable deductible?

The minimum property deductible is $250 per building. Deductible options up to $5,000 are available.

11. Is there a minimum policy premium?

Yes, the minimum policy premium, in all states except Michigan, is $100. There is no minimum policy premium in Michigan.

12. Does Coinsurance apply?

Yes, an 80% coinsurance clause applies to building and personal property; 100% coinsurance applies to renovation values and builders risks.

13. How is the property valued?

Property valuation is on an Actual Cash Value basis.

14. How will I be billed?

The applicant will be billed directly upon approval of the policy. All subsequent premium payments will also be billed directly to the billing party on the policy.

15. What payment types are accepted?

We accept check, credit/debit card, and PayPal payments.

16. Is Premises Liability coverage offered?

Yes it is. Limits up to $1,000,000 Combined Single Limit (CSL) are available.

17. Fire Damaged Properties – are you willing to consider?

Yes we will consider a fire damaged dwelling as long as it can be shown that the claim has been closed and all damages have been repaired.

18. Vacancies over 1 year – will you consider?

Length of vacancy is not an issue under this program as long as the property is in good condition, properly secured and checked regularly.

19. Will you consider writing a builders risk or building renovations policy if the current insurance company does not want to renew or extend the policy?

Yes, these situations are eligible for coverage depending on the individual circumstances involved with the current carrier's unwillingness to renew or extend the policy.

20. How do I obtain a commercial quote?

To obtain a commercial quote, all you need to do is:
a. Print out the vacant building application (same as the one used for vacant residential dwellings)
b. Complete the application fully and email or fax the completed application to:
J.H. Ferguson & Associates, LLC
e:
f: 312.705.4289

21. What is considered a commercial building?

A commercial building is any building that is used strictly for commercial purposes and does not meet the definition for a dwelling.

22. My dwelling is situated in a windstorm exposed area. Can I still get coverage from you?

Yes, we do write coverage in windstorm areas. However, this coverage will be written on a non-admitted basis and will be subject to increased rates and deductibles to contemplate the severe windstorm exposure.

23. Do I need an excess and suprplus license to place any business with you?

You must be a licensed agent in the state for which you are placing business. However, J.H. Ferguson holds surplus lines licenses in every state we offer coverage. We will act as your wholesale producer for coverage on a non-admitted basis.

24. What is the financial strength of the company issuing the non-admitted policy?

The non-admitted company is rated "A" (Excellent) XI by A.M. Best.

Admitted Domestic Insurer
Rated "A" (Excellent) XI by A.M. Best
AM Best