Walls-In Dwelling (HO-6)
Covers the interior of your unit — drywall, flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, built-in appliances, and any improvements you've made. The coverage gap most condo owners don't realize exists.
Condo insurance built around what your HOA does NOT cover
Your condo association's master policy stops at the studs. Everything inside is yours to protect — and that's where most condo owners are dangerously underinsured.
Coverage options
Loss Assessment
When the association levies a special assessment after a major loss (a roof replacement, a covered liability claim against the HOA), your condo policy can pay your share — often $50,000+ in coverage available for a small premium.
Personal Property
Furniture, electronics, clothing, and belongings inside your unit and elsewhere. Critical to size correctly — most condo owners undervalue what they own by 30–50%.
Personal Liability
Protects you if someone is injured in your unit or if you accidentally cause damage to another unit (a kitchen fire, an overflowing tub). $300,000+ recommended.
Loss of Use
Hotel stays, meals, and storage if your unit becomes uninhabitable while repairs happen. Often 12–24 months of expenses.
Building Improvements
If you've renovated — new countertops, custom cabinetry, hardwood floors, smart-home wiring — these improvements typically aren't covered by the master policy. Your condo policy needs to reflect their value.
Why clients choose Geneva Insurance Group
We Read Your Master Policy
Condo coverage gaps depend entirely on whether your HOA carries a "bare walls" or "all-in" master policy. We review your association's declarations to size your HO-6 correctly — a step most agents skip.
Loss Assessment Calibration
Most condo policies include only $1,000 in loss assessment by default. After a major HOA claim, special assessments routinely hit $5,000–$25,000+ per unit. We bump this to $25,000–$50,000 for pennies a month.
Improvements & Betterments
If you've invested in renovations, we make sure your dwelling limit reflects the cost to replace those improvements — not just the original builder-grade finishes.
Bundle With Auto
Bundling condo + auto typically saves 10–20% on the auto policy. We model both scenarios so you see the math.
Frequently asked questions
What is HO-6 condo insurance?
HO-6 is the standard policy form for individually owned condo units. It covers what the HOA's master policy doesn't: typically the interior of your unit (walls-in), your personal property, your liability, and loss of use. The exact dwelling coverage you need depends on whether your HOA carries a "bare walls" or "all-in" master policy — we read your master policy declarations to size yours correctly.
How much condo insurance do I need?
Most condo owners need $25,000 to $75,000 in dwelling (walls-in) coverage, $25,000 to $100,000 in personal property, $300,000+ in liability, and $25,000+ in loss assessment. Specific amounts depend on the size and finish of your unit, the value of your belongings, and your HOA's master policy structure.
What does my HOA master policy cover?
It depends. "Bare walls" master policies cover only the building structure up to the unfinished interior — leaving you responsible for drywall, flooring, fixtures, and everything inside. "All-in" master policies cover original interior finishes but not your improvements or personal property. We pull your master policy declarations and walk you through the gap.
Is condo insurance more expensive than renters insurance?
Yes, because condo policies cover the interior structure of your unit, not just personal property. Typical condo insurance runs $250 to $700 per year depending on unit size, location, and dwelling coverage amount — still much cheaper than full homeowners insurance because you're not insuring the building exterior.
Does condo insurance cover water damage from upstairs?
Damage to your unit and belongings from a covered water event (sudden plumbing failure in a unit above) is typically covered by your HO-6, subject to your deductible. Your insurer will then subrogate against the responsible party. Slow leaks, sewer backup (separate endorsement), and floods (separate flood policy) are excluded.
Related coverage
Homeowners Insurance
For single-family homes where your policy covers the full structure — not just walls-in like a condo policy.
Renters Insurance
For tenants renting a condo from an owner — focused on personal property + liability, not the structure itself.
Umbrella Insurance
Extended liability protection that stacks on top of your condo policy — critical if you rent your unit to others on Airbnb/VRBO.