What Does an HO6 Condo Insurance Policy Cover? Avoid These Costly Gaps in Protection | Blog | Vargas & Vargas Insurance

What happens if a pipe bursts in your condo and you’re the only one affected—are you covered?

What if your lender is worried about your unit’s walls, ceilings, or flooring—does your current policy account for that?

In this article, we’ll clarify exactly what your HO6 condo insurance policy covers (and doesn’t), and why understanding the limits of your condo association’s master policy could save you thousands of dollars.

By the end, you’ll know how to protect your personal property, avoid surprise repair costs, and ensure your coverage meets both your lender’s and your own needs.

What Is an HO6 Condo Insurance Policy?

An HO6 condo policy is  personal insurance  for condo unit owners. It’s designed to cover what your condo association’s master insurance policy doesn’t.

In most cases, your condo association’s policy only protects the  structure’s exterior and shared spaces , like the roof, hallways, and lobbies. But inside your unit? That’s your responsibility—and that’s where your HO6 comes in.

Here’s what your HO6 policy typically covers:

  • Personal Property  – Your furniture, clothing, electronics, and personal items.
  • Loss of Use  – Pays for additional living expenses if your unit becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event (like fire or water damage).
  • Personal Liability  – Covers you if someone is injured in your condo or if you’re sued.
  • Medical Payments to Others  – Pays for medical expenses if a guest is injured on your property.
  • Legal Defense  – Helps cover your costs if a liability claim turns into a lawsuit.

Why Your Lender Cares About the Inside of Your Condo

Most lenders require you to carry an HO6 policy to ensure the  interior structure of your unit —like  walls, ceilings, floors, and fixtures —is protected. These aren’t covered by the master policy unless damage meets specific, often high, thresholds.

So if your lender is concerned about your walls and flooring, they’re right to be.  You could be underinsured and not even know it.

Where Your HOA Master Policy Stops—and You Start Paying

Here’s where things get risky: many condo associations have  high deductibles  on their master policies, or policies that only apply when multiple units are affected. That means damage that only affects your unit often isn’t covered.

Example: The $24,000 Mistake

Let’s say a pipe bursts in your condo, causing $24,000 in water damage. Now consider:

  • Your condo association has a  $25,000 deductible  on their master policy.
  • Only your unit is affected .

In this scenario,  you’re responsible for the full $24,000 —because the damage didn’t exceed the deductible. The master policy won’t cover it.

The Fix: Add Interior Dwelling Coverage to Your HO6 Policy

To protect yourself from situations like this, make sure your HO6 policy includes  unit interior dwelling coverage —often referred to as  building property coverage .

This add-on helps cover:

  • Damage to walls, floors, ceilings, cabinets, fixtures , and more.
  • Gaps left by the condo association’s master policy deductible.

In the burst pipe example, having  at least $25,000 in dwelling coverage  on your HO6 policy would mean  you pay nothing out of pocket —your insurance would cover the full cost.

Review Your Coverage Before You Need It

Most condo owners don’t review their insurance until it’s too late. Don’t make that mistake. Here’s how to avoid costly surprises:

  • Step 1:  Get a copy of your condo association’s master policy.
  • Step 2:  Check the policy  deductibles  and look for any  “per unit” language .
  • Step 3:  Talk to your insurance agent to confirm your HO6 policy includes  sufficient dwelling coverage .
  • Step 4:  Adjust your policy limits to align with the master policy requirements.

Don’t Wait Until You Have a Claim—Protect Yourself Today

At the end of the day, we’ve all encountered confusion and frustration around what our condo insurance actually covers. This is especially true if your HOA has a high deductible or a limited master policy. Now that you’ve learned from Vargas & Vargas Insurance how to identify and fix coverage gaps, it’s time to take the next step.

Contact Vargas & Vargas Insurance today at  617-298-0655  to review your condo insurance and make sure you’re fully protected. Whether you’re a first-time condo buyer or a long-time owner,  we’ll help you tailor your HO6 policy to meet your exact needs .

Don’t wait for a costly surprise.  Reach out to our experienced team now and gain peace of mind.

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What Happens to My Auto Insurance After a Hit & Run?

By carlos vargas • November 21, 2025
If someone hits your car and drives off, it’s called a hit and run . Imagine leaving the grocery store to find your bumper smashed with no note or witnesses. It’s not just the damage that’s frustrating; it’s the uncertainty about what to do next. Why Are Hit & Runs Confusing? Many drivers aren't sure what to do because we aren’t often taught how insurance works for these situations. But the more you know, the more protected you’ll be. At Vargas & Vargas Insurance , we guide drivers through hit and run claims, breaking down the process in simple terms. Key Questions Answered: What is a hit & run under Massachusetts law? What auto insurance helps in this situation? Will your premium go up? What immediate steps should you take? What Is a "Hit & Run"? A "hit and run" involves another driver damaging your car or injuring you and leaving without giving their info. It could happen in a parking lot, on the street, or even at home. Massachusetts law requires you to report it and file a claim. Coverage That Helps in a Hit & Run Your auto policy can help—if you have the right coverage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): Essential for covering injuries to you or passengers. Collision Coverage: Covers car damage but requires you to pay the deductible. Note: Massachusetts is a no-fault state , needing collision and/or UM coverage for protection. Will Your Insurance Rates Rise? It depends. If considered a not-at-fault accident, rates might not increase. However, lack of a police report or a history of claims might affect rates. Reporting it properly is crucial. What Actions Should You Take? Call the police immediately to file a report. Take photos of all damage and surroundings. Seek witnesses or security camera footage. Contact your insurance agent for advice on filing a claim. Keep all records , like police reports and photos. The Bottom Line You can't control reckless drivers, but you can control your preparedness. Here's what you need to know: Have collision and uninsured motorist coverage for protection. A police report is essential. Your agent is your best ally for making claim decisions.  If you’ve returned to your car to find damage without a note, you know the stress. Now you know the steps to take and the protections you need. At Vargas & Vargas Insurance , we’re here to make this simple and stress-free. Unsure if your policy protects you from a hit & run? Call us at 617-298-0655 . Let’s ensure you’re covered before it happens.

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

By carlos vargas • November 21, 2025
In this post, we'll guide you through what happens when someone is injured on your property, how personal liability insurance can provide protection, and the steps you should take immediately if an accident occurs. By the end, you'll understand common scenarios that trigger personal liability coverage, what's included (and not included) in a standard policy, how claims are managed, and practical tips to protect yourself both before and after an accident. Understanding Personal Liability Insurance Personal liability insurance is designed to protect you financially if you are found legally responsible for someone’s injury or damage to their property. Typically, this coverage is part of your homeowners or renters insurance policy. If an incident occurs on your property and you’re held responsible, your personal liability insurance can help cover: Medical expenses for the injured person. Legal defense costs if you’re sued. Settlement or judgment amounts awarded to the injured party. Without this coverage, you could face out-of-pocket expenses which could amount to thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the situation. Common Injury Scenarios on Your Property Personal liability coverage may be applicable in situations like: A guest slipping on an icy walkway. A child falling off a swing in your backyard. A delivery driver tripping over a loose step. A neighbor’s fence being damaged by a tree falling from your yard.  Accidents can happen even if precautions are taken, and unfortunately, being "careful" doesn't automatically shield you from legal or medical bills. What’s Not Covered It's crucial to understand that personal liability insurance doesn't cover everything. Most policies exclude: Injuries to you or household members. Intentional acts causing harm. Certain high-risk situations, such as injuries from business activities conducted at home (unless you have separate business liability coverage). Understanding these exclusions can prevent surprises and the frustrations often accompanying a denied claim. What Happens After an Injury on Your Property If someone is injured on your property: Get medical help immediately — the priority should be the person’s safety and well-being. Document the incident — take photos, collect witness statements, and record all details. Notify your insurance company — report the incident promptly, even if unsure whether the injured party will make a claim. Avoid admitting fault — stick to the facts when speaking with the injured person and your insurer. Once a claim is filed, your insurance company will: Investigate the incident. Determine whether your policy covers the claim. Handle negotiations, settlements, or defense in court if necessary. How to Protect Yourself Before an Accident Happens While insurance covers the unexpected, prevention is better than reaction. Reduce your risk by: Keeping walkways clear of ice, snow, and clutter. Repairing loose steps, handrails, and flooring. Properly maintaining landscaping and trees. Providing adequate lighting for entrances and pathways. Regular maintenance not only keeps your property safe but shows responsible behavior if a claim is filed. The Role of Your Insurance Broker An experienced insurance broker can help you: Review your policy to ensure adequate liability coverage limits. Clarify exclusions so you understand what's not covered. Guide you through the claims process if an injury occurs. Suggest umbrella insurance for additional liability protection beyond your standard policy limits. Having a broker means you aren't navigating these situations alone — you'll have someone familiar with your policy advocating for you. The Bottom Line Accidents can occur anywhere to anyone at any time. If someone gets hurt on your property, personal liability insurance can safeguard your finances, cover legal costs, and help manage the situation professionally. The key is understanding how your coverage works before you need it. This involves knowing your policy limits, understanding exclusions, and ensuring you have sufficient protection in place. Additional Resources: Insurance Information Institute – Understanding Liability Coverage NAIC – Consumer’s Guide to Home Insurance