Condo Insurance (HO-6) 2026 — Compare Coverages & Close Master-Policy Gaps
Own a condo or townhome? An HO-6 condo policy protects what your HOA’s master policy doesn’t—your unit’s interior finishes, your belongings, personal liability, loss of use, and even special loss assessments. As an independent agency, we compare multiple carriers to help you set the right limits, endorsements, and deductibles for your building’s rules and your budget.
Independent agency. We work for you, not a carrier. Licensed insurance producer (NPN 16944666).
Quick facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Policy type | HO-6 (condominium unit-owners policy) |
| Interior coverage | “Improvements & betterments” (walls-in): flooring, cabinets, fixtures, built-ins |
| Personal property | Furniture, clothing, electronics; choose ACV or replacement cost |
| Loss of use | Hotel, meals, extras if a covered loss makes your unit unlivable |
| Liability & medical | Personal liability for injuries or damage you cause; guest medical payments |
| Loss assessment | Helps pay your share of HOA special assessments from covered losses |
| Key add-ons | Water backup, equipment breakdown, ordinance/law, scheduled valuables |
| Deductibles | All-peril plus possible wind/hail or named-storm deductibles (varies by state) |
| Last updated | October 25, 2025 |
Coverage snapshot (what an HO-6 typically includes)
Dwelling (walls-in)
Covers interior finishes you’re responsible for—cabinets, counters, flooring, drywall, fixtures, and built-ins. Set limits to match your building’s bylaws and finishes.
Personal property
Your belongings in the unit and sometimes off-premises. Consider replacement cost and schedule high-value items (jewelry, watches, cameras, fine art).
Loss of use
Pays for additional living expenses (ALE) if a covered claim temporarily displaces you (hotel, meals, laundry, pet boarding up to policy limits).
Personal liability
Covers injury or property damage you’re legally responsible for (e.g., water leak into a neighbor’s unit). Often paired with umbrella coverage for higher limits.
Medical payments
No-fault coverage for guests who are injured in your unit, typically with smaller limits for quick medical bills.
Loss assessment
Helps with HOA special assessments arising from covered losses to common areas. Consider higher limits—big buildings can mean big deductibles.
| Coverage | Typical options | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dwelling (walls-in) | $25k–$250k+ | Match improvements & betterments and HOA bylaws |
| Personal property | $25k–$200k+ | Consider replacement cost; schedule high-value items |
| Personal liability | $300k–$1M | Umbrella can extend liability above $1M |
| Medical payments | $1k–$10k | No-fault guest medical |
| Loss of use (ALE) | 20%–40% of personal property limit | Higher costs in urban cores may need more |
| Loss assessment | $10k–$100k+ | Aim to cover the HOA’s master deductible share |
| Water backup | $5k–$25k+ | Separate endorsement; common condo claim |
| Ordinance or law | 10%–25% of dwelling | Helps with code-required upgrades after a claim |
HOA master policies (why they matter)
Your building’s master policy defines where the HOA’s coverage stops and your HO-6 begins. We’ll review your bylaws/Declarations to align limits and close gaps.
- All-in (single-entity): HOA covers many interior items; you still insure personal property, liability, loss of use, and often betterments not originally included.
- Walls-in: HOA covers some interior parts, but you’re responsible for finishes/fixtures and upgrades.
- Bare walls: HOA stops at structural shell; you insure most interior finishes and fixtures.
Pricing, deductibles & ways to save
Your premium reflects building type/age, fire protection, location, claims history, personal property limits, dwelling upgrades, and deductibles. These levers help you save without losing protection:
- Bundle: Combine condo + auto (and umbrella) for multi-policy savings.
- Right deductibles: Adjust all-peril; in coastal/wind zones, check wind/hail or named-storm deductibles.
- Water backup: Add the endorsement with a sensible limit—common, relatively low-cost upgrade.
- Device credits: Ask about discounts for monitored alarms, leak sensors, and automatic water shut-off.
- Valuables strategy: Schedule jewelry/fine art to remove sub-limits and reduce out-of-pocket risk.
| Factor | Why it matters | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Building & bylaws | Master policy type and deductible drive your needed limits | Share HOA docs with us; align loss-assessment & dwelling |
| Finishes & upgrades | Higher-end interiors cost more to replace | Document renovations; set accurate walls-in limits |
| Water & liability risk | Stacked plumbing and shared walls raise severity | Water-backup endorsement; umbrella for higher liability |
| Protection class | Fire services, sprinklers, construction type affect rates | Confirm safety systems; keep alarms/sprinklers maintained |
Service areas & local help (near me)
We help condo owners across major metro areas and our 19-state footprint—so you can get expert advice from an independent agent no matter where your HOA is located.
| Metro areas | Licensed states |
|---|---|
| Phoenix, Tucson, Scottsdale • Dallas, Austin, Houston • Miami, Tampa, Orlando • New York City, Buffalo • Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose • Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham • Atlanta, Savannah • Virginia Beach, Richmond • Columbus, Cleveland • Detroit, Grand Rapids • Oklahoma City, Tulsa • Albuquerque, Santa Fe • Des Moines, Iowa City • Wichita, Overland Park • Omaha, Lincoln • Charleston (SC), Greenville • Sioux Falls, Rapid City • Charleston (WV), Morgantown • Birmingham, Huntsville | AZ, AL, TX, CA, NY, OH, FL, NC, VA, GA, OK, NM, IA, KS, MI, NE, SC, SD, WV |
Condo insurance FAQs
What’s the difference between my HOA master policy and my HO-6?
The master policy covers the building and common areas; your HO-6 covers the inside of your unit (walls-in), your belongings, liability, loss of use, and loss assessment—based on your HOA’s bylaws.
How much “walls-in” (dwelling) coverage do I need?
Enough to replace your interior finishes and upgrades. We review your finishes, renovation costs, and HOA documents to set a realistic limit.
What is loss-assessment coverage and how much should I carry?
It helps pay your share of HOA special assessments after covered losses (or large master deductibles). Many owners choose $25k–$100k+ depending on the building’s deductible.
Am I covered if water leaks from an upstairs unit?
Sudden and accidental water damage is typically covered (subject to cause and limits). Add water-backup for drain/sewer backups—these are often excluded without an endorsement.
What if I do short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) in my condo?
Many HO-6 policies exclude or restrict short-term rentals. Tell us your plans—we’ll look for endorsed or specialty options and confirm HOA rules.
Disclosure
Blake Insurance Group LLC is an independent agency. We compare multiple carriers to find coverage and value for your needs. We do not represent every carrier in the market, and availability/eligibility can change by state and program. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. Licensed insurance producer (NPN 16944666).
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Blake Insurance Group
Phone: (888) 387-3687
Email: info@blakeinsurancegroup.com
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Blake Nwosu
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