Vacant Building & Vacant Land Policy Feature Checklist
What to confirm in a vacant building & vacant land policy — what's standard, what's often limited, and what to add if needed — plus the gap most often missed.
Pull out your current vacant property policy and check the box next to each feature you can confirm it includes — anything unchecked is worth a quick conversation with your advisor.
Tick each feature you can confirm your policy includes — anything left unticked is a good question for your next policy review.
| Confirm? | Policy feature | What to confirm | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vacancy Permit or Vacancy Clause Removed | Standard property policies commonly cut or suspend coverage after 60 days vacant — confirm this policy is written for vacancy. | Standard | |
| Fire & Lightning | The core peril for vacant buildings — confirm it applies for the full term regardless of vacancy. | Standard | |
| Vandalism & Malicious Mischief | Often excluded or limited once a building is vacant — confirm it is included. | Often limited | |
| Water Damage & Freezing | Burst pipes are common in unheated buildings — often limited unless heat is maintained or plumbing drained. | Often limited | |
| Theft of Fixtures & Materials | Covers stripped copper, fixtures, and building materials — often excluded for vacant property. | Often limited | |
| Premises Liability | Covers injuries to trespassers, inspectors, and visitors — needed for both buildings and land. | Standard | |
| Renovation / Builders Risk | Covers the building and materials during renovation — a vacant policy may not cover construction. | If needed |
The gap most often missed in this coverage
The most commonly missed gap in this coverage is the vacancy clause. Many standard property policies suspend vandalism, water, and theft coverage — and reduce other payments — once a building is vacant for 60 days, and half of vacant-building fires are intentionally set. Owners should confirm the policy is written for vacancy, secure every opening, and inspect the building at least weekly.
Send us the checklist and we'll review your vacant building & vacant land coverage line by line, then market it across multiple carriers that compete for your account.
Related: Vacant Building & Vacant Land Insurance · Vacant Building & Vacant Land Supplemental (apply) · All coverage checklists
Frequently asked questions
What should a vacant building & vacant land policy include?
Standard features to confirm in a vacant building & vacant land policy include Vacancy Permit or Vacancy Clause Removed, Fire & Lightning, Premises Liability. This checklist also flags the features that are often limited or sublimited and the ones to add if needed, with a plain-English note on each.
Is this checklist insurance advice?
No. It is a free educational tool to help you have a more informed conversation with a licensed professional. It affords no coverage and is not insurance, legal, or financial advice — only your actual policy language governs what is and isn't covered.
Can Cory Washington & Co. review my vacant building & vacant land coverage?
Yes. Share your checklist and we'll review your program line by line, market your account across multiple carriers, and explain the trade-offs in plain English. Cory Washington & Co. LLC is licensed in all 50 states.
This checklist is a free educational tool from Cory Washington & Co. to help you review your own coverage and have a more informed conversation with a licensed insurance professional. It is general information only — not insurance, legal, or financial advice, and not a recommendation to buy, change, or cancel any policy. Coverage terms, availability, limits, and requirements vary by policy, carrier, and state, and only the language in your actual policy governs what is and isn’t covered. Checking or leaving blank any item above does not indicate that you are adequately insured or under-insured. Using this checklist does not create a client, agency, or fiduciary relationship. Always consult a licensed professional about your specific situation.