A market guide for independent insurance agents. Last reviewed: June 2026.
Agents search 'Vacant Express' by name, so let's settle it: Vacant Express is active. It is the MGA brand of J.H. Ferguson & Associates, writing on Diamond State Insurance Company paper, all within Global Indemnity Group (the Penn-America family) — in business since 1978, A-rated paper, direct agent appointments plus aggregator access (INVO, Express Markets). Global Indemnity reorganized its MGA platform under 'Penn-America Underwriters' in October 2025, so expect possible branding changes.
Beyond Vacant Express, the class has solid admitted options for dwellings (Foremost, American Modern), a monthly reporting-form workaround for investor portfolios (REInsurePro), instant E&S for vacant commercial (Pathpoint), and US Assure's unsold-dwelling product on Zurich paper.
Markets identified through editorial research (June 2026) and agent placement discussions. Items marked "verify" carry details we could not confirm at the primary source.
| Market / Program | Type | How Agents Access It | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vacant Express (J.H. Ferguson / Global Indemnity) | MGA, A-rated paper | Direct agent appointment + aggregators | Vacant dwelling, vacant commercial, renovation, builders risk, landlord, seasonal — since 1978. |
| Foremost (Farmers) | Admitted | Independent agents | Vacant home program; named perils with optional V&MM. |
| American Modern | Admitted specialty | Appointed agents | Vacant homes program. |
| REInsurePro | Program (A- or better paper) | Appointed agents, 45 states | Investor properties up to 20 units on a monthly reporting form — pay vacant rates only while actually vacant; renovation OK. |
| Pathpoint — Vacants | Digital E&S | Free agent portal | Monoline GL, property, or package on vacant buildings and land; quotes in under 5 minutes. |
| US Assure (Zurich; Ryan Specialty) | Admitted builders risk | Open appointment, no volume commitment | Zurich Builders Risk to $75M plus Unsold Dwelling for finished vacant new homes. Acquired by Ryan Specialty Aug 2024. |
| Burns & Wilcox / Breckenridge (Lloyd's) | Wholesale E&S | Wholesale submission | Vacant commercial and lessor's risk through Lloyd's coverholders. |
Real placement discussions from independent agents about vacant property insurance.
Yes. It is J.H. Ferguson & Associates' MGA brand on Diamond State Insurance paper, within Global Indemnity Group (Penn-America family). A 2025 MGA-platform reorganization may bring branding changes.
Pathpoint quotes monoline GL, property, or packages on vacant commercial online in minutes. Burns & Wilcox and other wholesalers reach Lloyd's programs for larger or odd risks.
Quote it as renovation/builders risk — Vacant Express, REInsurePro, and US Assure (Zurich) all have renovation or builders risk products. A vacant policy that becomes a construction site mid-term is a cancellation waiting to happen.