Personal Liability Insurance: What Happens When Someone Gets Hurt on Your Property

Some people purchase condos in Dorchester, MA, as investment properties to rent out and generate income. If this is your situation, it’s important to take extra precautions when insuring your property. Vargas & Vargas Insurance can provide the advice you need to determine the best course of action for protecting your condo investment.

Standard condo insurance policies are typically designed for owner-occupied properties. When you rent your condo to tenants, insurers often classify this as a business activity. As a result, standard condo insurance may not cover all risks, particularly those involving liability. For example, damage to your property caused by tenants or liability for injuries sustained by tenants or their guests may not be covered. While your condo association’s master policy provides coverage for common areas, it does not cover risks within your individual unit. To fully protect your investment, you should consider additional insurance options tailored to rental properties.

If you rent out a condo, several insurance options can help you protect your investment:

• Require Renter’s Insurance: Ask tenants to carry renter’s insurance before signing a lease. This protects their belongings and provides additional liability coverage.
• Landlord Insurance or Rental Dwelling Coverage: These policies offer coverage for property liability risks and potential loss of rental income.
• Loss Assessment Coverage: This helps cover special assessments if damage to common areas exceeds the condo association’s master policy limits.
• Umbrella Insurance: Umbrella policies provide extra protection against medical claims and lawsuits after your primary policy’s limits are exhausted.

Discuss your condo insurance needs when renting your unit in Dorchester, MA. Contact the agents at Vargas & Vargas Insurance to get started on a policy that fits your situation.