Condo Insurance FAQ

Your condo association's master policy typically covers the building's structure and common areas like hallways, lobbies, and roofs. However, it usually does not cover anything inside your individual unit - like your personal belongings, appliances, flooring, cabinetry, or liability if someone is injured inside your home. That's where your HO-6 condo insurance comes in. It protects the "walls-in" - everything from the drywall inward - plus personal property, loss of use, and liability.

The amount of coverage you need depends on the value of your belongings, any upgrades or renovations inside the unit, and the gaps in your HOA's master policy. We recommend doing a quick home inventory and reviewing your HOA documents with your insurance broker. In Massachusetts, many unit owners are underinsured because they assume the HOA covers more than it does. A good rule of thumb: make sure you have enough to rebuild your unit's interior and replace your belongings in a total loss.

Condo insurance typically covers sudden and accidental water damage - like a burst pipe or overflow from a neighbor's unit. However, it doesn't cover flood damage from rising water or weather-related flooding. For that, you'd need a separate flood insurance policy. In New England, with our cold winters and older plumbing, water damage is a major risk - so having the right coverage matters.

Yes, condo insurance covers your personal property - everything from furniture and electronics to clothing and kitchenware. It also covers improvements and upgrades, such as granite countertops, hardwood floors, or custom lighting - but only if you select the right policy limits. If you've remodeled or made upgrades, let your insurance broker know so your coverage reflects your condo's true value.

If you're renting your unit long-term (like to a tenant), your standard condo policy likely won't cover tenant-caused damage or liability. You'll need a landlord or rental property endorsement. For short-term rentals (like Airbnb or Vrbo), coverage becomes more complex - and many policies exclude this altogether. If you plan to rent, tell your insurance broker upfront so they can tailor your policy properly and avoid coverage gaps.

If someone slips, falls, or gets injured inside your condo - or if you accidentally cause damage to someone else's property - your condo policy's liability coverage kicks in. This can help pay for medical expenses, legal fees, and damages. Standard limits start around $100,000, but we often recommend at least $500,000 or more.

Great question - many condo owners miss out on easy savings. You might qualify for discounts if you:

• Bundle your condo and auto insurance
• Have a security system or smoke detectors
• Are in a gated or secured building
• Maintain a claims-free history
• Choose a higher deductible

Ask your insurance broker to do a quick policy review - they'll make sure you're not overpaying.

Flood insurance is not included in standard condo policies. If your building is in a FEMA-designated flood zone - or you live near a coast, river, or low-lying area - we strongly recommend adding a separate flood insurance policy, even if your HOA carries one.

In addition to FEMA-backed options, there are also private flood insurance policies, which often offer better pricing and broader coverage - especially if your property qualifies.

Just remember: damage caused by rising water from outside your unit is never covered under your regular condo policy - flood insurance is the only way to protect against that risk.

Yes, it might. If your HOA changes from "all-in" to "bare walls" coverage (or vice versa), your personal policy must adjust to fill in the new gaps. We recommend reviewing your HOA's declarations and insurance agreement annually - or having your insurance broker review it - to make sure you're fully protected.

You should review your policy annually, or anytime you:

• Upgrade or renovate your unit
• Buy new furniture or electronics
• Change your HOA's master policy
• Rent out your unit
• See a big change in market value or cost of materials

We review your policy prior to renewal ever year to make sure that you are still getting the best coverage at the most competitive price.