Start with the master policy
Associations insure the building under a master policy, but they differ on where the association's coverage stops and yours begins. Some cover only the bare walls; others include original fixtures and finishes.
Personal · Condo · WA · ID · OR · AZ
Condo Insurance
For people who own a condominium unit. Your association's master policy covers some of the building; a unit-owner policy is built for what the master policy leaves to you.
Get a condo insurance quote
Prefer to talk first? or call 206 · 363 · 1110.
What to review
The questions that matter
Walls-in coverage
Covers the parts of the unit the association doesn't: depending on the master policy, that can include upgraded flooring, cabinets, fixtures and other improvements.
Loss assessment
If the association assesses unit owners for a covered loss, or for its master-policy deductible, loss assessment coverage can pay your share, up to its limit.
Belongings, liability and loss of use
Personal property covers your belongings. Personal liability responds to covered claims that you injured someone or damaged their property, including water damage to a neighbor's unit. Loss of use pays extra living costs while the unit can't be lived in.
If you rent the unit out
Renting your condo to tenants changes the coverage you need. Tell the insurer; a unit-owner policy may need a rental endorsement or a different form.
Illustrative example
a washing-machine leak
A supply hose fails, and water damages your unit's flooring and the unit below. Your walls-in coverage may pay to replace your upgraded flooring, your liability coverage may respond to the neighbor's claim, and if the association's policy pays for building repairs and then assesses owners for its deductible, loss assessment may cover your share. Which policy pays what depends on the master policy, your policy and the cause.
What to prepare
- The association's master-policy coverage summary and deductible (your HOA or property manager can provide it)
- Unit address and year built
- Upgrades or renovations you've made
- The value of your belongings
- Your current declarations page
- Claims in recent years
- Whether you rent the unit out
Questions people ask
Quick answers
- Partly. The master policy covers the building as its documents define it, which may leave out your unit's interior or your improvements. A unit-owner policy covers what's left to you.
- Compare it with your association's master-policy deductible. If that deductible is large, a low default limit can leave a gap.
- Some sudden water damage can be covered, depending on the cause and the policy terms. Gradual leaks, flood and lack of maintenance are commonly excluded.
Go deeper