Condo Insurance (HO-6): What It Covers & What You Need

Condo owners are in a unique position: you own your unit but share the building with other owners. The HOA's master policy covers the building. Your HO-6 policy covers everything inside your unit. Without both, there are dangerous gaps.

What Your Condo Policy (HO-6) Covers

Dwelling Coverage (Your Interior)

• Interior walls, floors, ceilings
• Kitchen cabinets, countertops, built-in appliances
• Bathroom fixtures, flooring, tile
• Any improvements or upgrades you've made
• Important: If you renovated your kitchen for $30,000, your dwelling coverage should reflect that

Personal Property (Your Stuff)

• Furniture, electronics, clothing, appliances
• Same as renters insurance personal property coverage
• Choose replacement cost over ACV
• Schedule high-value items (jewelry, art) separately

Liability Coverage

• Guest injuries inside your unit
• Damage your unit causes to neighboring units (your pipe bursts and floods the unit below)
• Legal defense costs
• Recommended: $300,000 minimum

Loss of Use

• Temporary housing if your unit is uninhabitable after a covered loss
• Hotel, meals, and related expenses

Loss Assessment Coverage

• If the HOA's deductible or shortfall is assessed to unit owners, this pays your share
• Standard: $1,000-$2,000 (often insufficient)
• Recommended: $25,000-$50,000 (check your HOA's master policy deductible)

Understanding the Master Policy

Request a copy of your HOA's master policy and check:

• "Bare walls" coverage: HOA covers the structure only — you cover ALL interior finishes
• "Single entity" coverage: HOA covers the structure PLUS original interior finishes — you cover upgrades and personal property
• "All-in" coverage: HOA covers everything except personal property and improvements — you cover less
• Master policy deductible: If the HOA has a $25,000 deductible, unit owners may be assessed for it

Real Cost Example

• $50,000 dwelling (interior improvements)
• $40,000 personal property
• $300,000 liability
• $25,000 loss assessment
• $1,000 deductible
• Cost: ~$35-$55/month ($420-$660/year)

Bottom line: Your HOA's master policy covers the building shell. Your HO-6 covers your interior, your stuff, and your liability. Without it, a fire or water event means rebuilding your kitchen, replacing your furniture, and defending any lawsuits — all out of pocket. At $35-$55/month, it's essential protection.