What Is Condo (HO-6) Insurance? What Does It Cover?

Condo ownership offers a unique blend of personal living space alongside shared community amenities. While the condo association usually insures the building's exterior and common areas, individual condo owners need their own protection for their units' interiors and personal belongings.

This is where HO6 condo insurance comes in, providing coverage tailored to condominium owners.

What Is HO6 Condo Insurance?

HO6 condo insurance is a specialized form of homeowners insurance designed for owners of condominium or co-op units. Unlike traditional homeowners insurance, which covers an entire house and property, HO6 policies cover the interior of a condo unit, often referred to as “walls-in,” along with personal property and liability protection.

The condo association carries a “master policy” that typically insures shared areas like hallways, the building exterior, the roof, and amenities. In contrast, the HO6 policy fills coverage gaps left by the association’s policy.

What Does HO6 Condo Insurance Cover?

HO6 policies usually include several important coverages aimed at protecting you and your condo investment:

• Dwelling Coverage: Protects the interior structure of your unit, such as walls, ceilings, floors, installed cabinets, plumbing, and fixtures against covered perils like fire, smoke, storms, vandalism, or burst pipes. This coverage extends from the drywall inwards—owners are generally responsible for what’s inside the unit.
• Personal Property Coverage: Covers your belongings, including furniture, electronics, clothing, and valuables, if damaged, destroyed, or stolen. Some policies may require additional riders for high-value items like jewelry or art.
• Personal Liability Coverage: Protects if you are held legally responsible for bodily injury or property damage to others occurring inside your unit. It also covers legal defense costs and medical expenses for guests injured on your property.
• Loss of Use (Additional Living Expenses): Pays for temporary housing and related expenses if your condo is uninhabitable due to a covered event such as fire or water damage.
• Loss Assessment Coverage: Helps cover your share of costs if the condo association levies a special assessment to cover a loss or damage to common areas or the building’s exterior not fully covered by the master policy.

What HO6 Condo Insurance Doesn’t Cover

While HO6 policies provide broad coverage, specific risks and damages typically fall outside of the policy’s scope, including:

• Building Exterior and Common Areas: These are covered by the condo association’s master insurance policy.
• Flooding and Earthquakes: Most HO6 policies exclude flood and earthquake damage, which requires separate endorsements or policies.
• Routine wear and tear or maintenance-related damage.

Why Is HO6 Condo Insurance Essential?

Owning a condo means you don’t insure the entire building, but you are financially responsible for your unit’s interior and belongings, as well as liability risks. Without HO6 insurance, you could face considerable out-of-pocket expenses to repair damage inside your unit, replace stolen or damaged belongings, or pay legal costs from liability claims. This makes HO6 coverage critical for protecting your home, possessions, and financial security.

Secure Your Condo with the Right HO6 Insurance Coverage

Don’t leave your condo and belongings vulnerable. Contact John E. Peakes Insurance Agency today for a customized HO6 condo insurance quote or policy review. Our expert agents will help you understand your coverage needs and find affordable protection that safeguards your home and peace of mind. Call us at 1-800-800-5199 or visit our website to get started — contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References:

• https://www.progressive.com/answers/condo-101/
• https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/condo-ho6-insurance
• https://www.insurance.wa.gov/insurance-resources/condo-insurance/learn-how-condo-insurance-works