What HO-6 Condo Insurance Covers

Condo insurance is designed to protect everything the HOA master policy doesn’t cover. Think of it as the personal protection for your piece of the building — everything from your belongings to the parts of the unit you’re responsible for maintaining.

HO-6 insurance typically includes:

• Personal Property Coverage – Protects belongings like clothes, electronics, furniture, and appliances.
• Interior Structure Coverage – Covers walls, flooring, cabinets, fixtures, and built-in improvements.
• Liability Protection – Covers you if someone gets hurt in your unit or you accidentally damage someone else’s property.
• Loss of Use – Pays for temporary housing if your condo becomes uninhabitable after a covered incident.
• Medical Payments – Covers minor guest injuries without lawsuits.

Since condos have shared walls, plumbing, and building systems, damage often affects multiple units. HO-6 insurance helps you avoid paying for costly repairs out-of-pocket.

Why Condo Insurance Is Essential

Many condo owners mistakenly believe that the HOA master policy covers everything — but it doesn’t. Most master policies only insure the structure, roof, and shared areas. Everything inside your unit is your responsibility, including flooring, drywall, appliances, and fixtures.

Without condo insurance, you could face thousands of dollars in repair costs from:

• Kitchen fires
• Burst pipes or water leaks
• Electrical faults
• Mold damage after plumbing failures
• Break-ins or theft
• Damage from neighboring units

HO-6 insurance is also important for liability protection. If a guest slips on your stairs, or your child damages a neighbor’s wall, liability coverage helps pay for repairs or medical bills. This protection alone can save you thousands.

Interior Structure Coverage: What It Really Protects

Condo policies include something homeowners don’t usually deal with — a unique “walls-in” coverage approach. This means your HO-6 policy covers everything starting from the interior walls inward.

Common items covered under interior structure protection include:

• Hardwood flooring and carpets
• Kitchen cabinets and countertops
• Interior walls and paint
• Built-in shelves and closet systems
• Bathroom fixtures and plumbing inside your unit

This is especially important if your condo is upgraded or remodeled. If you’ve added new floors or premium countertops, HO-6 insurance ensures you won’t lose your investment.

Condo Insurance Costs in 2025

The average cost of HO-6 condo insurance in the U.S. in 2025 ranges between $35 to $70 per month, depending on factors like location, building age, coverage limits, and your deductible preferences. Coastal states and older buildings generally have higher premiums.

Factors that affect your rate include:

• Your location (high-risk states cost more)
• Building age and construction type
• Your HOA’s master policy coverage type
• Coverage limits for dwelling and personal property
• Deductible amount (higher deductible = lower premium)
• Whether protection devices are installed (alarms, sprinklers, secure entry)
• Your insurance history and claims record

Most HO-6 policies include $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage, along with $50,000 to $150,000 in interior structure and personal property coverage. You can adjust these limits based on the value of your belongings and the cost of rebuilding or restoring your condo’s interior.

HOA Master Policy vs HO-6 Condo Insurance

One of the biggest sources of confusion is the difference between your HOA’s master insurance policy and your personal HO-6 condo policy. Understanding this difference helps you avoid large unexpected expenses after damage occurs.

Your HOA master policy typically covers:

• The building’s exterior walls and roof
• Shared hallways, elevators, and common areas
• Parking areas, pools, and amenities
• Landscaping and exterior lighting

Your HO-6 condo policy covers:

• Your unit’s flooring, walls, paint, and finishes
• Interior systems like electrical and plumbing fixtures
• Personal belongings and valuables
• Your personal liability
• Temporary housing after a covered loss

In many cases, repair responsibility begins at the drywall or studs, depending on your HOA’s policy. Some policies follow “all-in” rules while others follow “bare walls” requirements. To avoid disputes, review the master policy and confirm exactly where your coverage begins.

How Condo Insurance Works After a Claim

When something goes wrong—like a fire, water leak, or break-in—you’ll file a claim with your HO-6 insurer. Your insurance company will assess the damage inside your unit, estimate repair or replacement costs, and issue payment based on your policy limits and deductible.

Here’s the typical claims process:

1. Report the incident to your HOA and your insurance company.
2. Provide photos or videos of damage.
3. Submit inventory lists of damaged belongings (if applicable).
4. An adjuster visits your unit to assess the losses.
5. Your insurer reviews the master policy to determine responsibility.
6. You receive payment for repairs or replacements.

HO-6 policies work closely with HOA coverage, but insurance companies look closely at the cause of loss, the master policy’s limits, and the specific property lines of your unit. Keeping your documents and receipts organized can speed up your claim and reduce the stress during recovery.

How to Lower Your Condo Insurance Premium

Here are some helpful ways to reduce costs:

• Bundle your condo insurance with auto insurance for discounts.
• Increase your deductible to lower monthly premiums.
• Install smoke detectors and smart security systems.
• Choose the right coverage amount—avoid over-insuring.
• Ask about loyalty, claims-free, and safety discounts.

Reviewing your policy once a year ensures you’re paying for the right amount of protection without unnecessary extras. Many insurers adjust rates annually, so a quick comparison can save you hundreds over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is condo insurance required?

Most HOAs require condo owners to carry an HO-6 policy. If you have a mortgage, your lender will also require it to protect their financial interest.

Does condo insurance cover water damage?

Yes — if the cause is covered, such as a burst pipe or accidental overflow. However, flood damage from rising water requires separate flood insurance.

Does HO-6 insurance cover the roof?

No. Roofs and exterior structures are covered by the HOA master policy. Your HO-6 policy only covers the interior of your unit.

How much condo insurance do I need?

It depends on the value of your belongings, your unit’s upgrades, and your HOA’s master policy. Most owners choose $50,000 to $150,000 in property coverage and $300,000 or more in liability protection.

About the Author

This guide was written to help U.S. condo owners understand HO-6 insurance without the jargon. Our goal is to make financial decisions easier with clear, conversational explanations and up-to-date information.