An empty building still needs coverage.
Property and liability for vacant, unoccupied and under-renovation commercial buildings, for 3, 6 or 12 months or until the building is leased.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Vacancy changes your policy
Most commercial property policies limit or remove coverage for vandalism, water damage and glass breakage once a building has been vacant for a set period, commonly 60 days.
A vacant building policy is written for that situation, and can move to standard coverage once tenants move in. I place vacant buildings with carriers that write short terms and renovations.
- PropertyFire, wind and other covered causes.
- LiabilityInjuries to trespassers and visitors.
- Short terms3, 6, 9 or 12 months.
- RenovationBuildings being repaired or converted.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Building: address, type, year built and square feet.
- Vacancy: how long and why.
- Security: utilities, locks and inspections.
- Plans: lease, renovate, sell or demolish.
- Value: building value.
- Ownership: personal, trust or LLC, and any lender.
Vacant building insurance, answered
Does my current policy cover a vacant building?
Often only partly. Many policies restrict coverage after 60 consecutive days of vacancy. Check your vacancy clause.
Can I insure a building during renovation?
Yes. Tell me about the work so the policy fits, and whether builder's risk is needed.
How short can the policy be?
Three months is common. Terms of 6, 9 or 12 months are also available.
What happens when I find a tenant?
The building moves to a standard commercial property or lessor's risk policy.
Do you offer vacant commercial building insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Send the building. I'll shop it.
The address, how long it's been vacant and your plans are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued. Some policies may be placed with nonadmitted (surplus lines) insurers, which are not members of the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA).
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.