Condo Insurance vs. HOA Master Policy: What is Covered?
The most expensive mistake a Florida condo owner can make is assuming the association's master policy covers everything. It does not, and the gap between what the association insures and what you own is exactly where uncovered losses live. Here is how to find that line in your building.
What the Master Policy Covers
Your association's master policy generally insures the building structure and common elements: the roof, exterior walls, elevators, hallways, pool, and clubhouse. Where it stops inside your unit depends on which type of master policy your association carries:
Bare walls: Covers the structure only. Everything from the unfinished drywall inward, including flooring, cabinets, and fixtures, is your responsibility.
Single entity: Covers the unit as originally built, but not upgrades you or previous owners added.
All-in: The most generous type, covering most installed fixtures and finishes, though your personal property is still excluded.
Under Florida condo law, the association's policy generally does not cover your floor coverings, wall and ceiling coverings, cabinets, countertops, appliances, or built-in fixtures within your unit. Those fall to you.
What Your HO-6 Policy Covers
Your personal condo policy picks up where the master policy stops:
Dwelling (interior build-out): Flooring, cabinetry, countertops, paint, and fixtures inside your unit
Personal property: Furniture, electronics, clothing, and everything you would take with you if you moved
Liability: If a guest is injured in your unit or your washing machine floods the unit below
Loss of use: Somewhere to live while your unit is repaired
Loss assessment: Your share when the association assesses owners after a major loss exceeds the master policy
Loss Assessment Deserves Special Attention in Florida
After a hurricane or a major casualty, associations can assess every owner for the master policy's deductible and any shortfall. The default loss assessment limit on many HO-6 policies is only $1,000 to $2,000. Raising it is inexpensive and, for coastal Brevard buildings, one of the best values in insurance.
How to Find Your Gap
Request the association's certificate of insurance and note the master policy type
Ask what the master policy hurricane deductible is and how assessments are split
Inventory your unit's upgrades and your belongings
Have your HO-6 dwelling and loss assessment limits set to match
Not sure where your association's policy ends and yours begins? Bring us your condo documents and we will map it for you. Learn more about condo insurance or request a free quote.
