- Insurance Guide
- Property Insurance
- Comparing Condo Insurance
Comparing condo insurance: A guide to getting the coverage you need
Understand your HOA’s coverage first
Homeowners Association (HOA) master policies generally fall into two categories: bare walls and walls in.
Bare walls-in coverage covers the building structures and common areas, but it doesn’t cover items inside the individual unit, such as drywall, cabinets and flooring. Walls-in coverage covers structure elements, common areas and more of the unit interior, including built-in appliances, fixtures and installations.
Key coverages to compare
Condo insurance provides several types of coverage designed to protect things that aren’t covered within your master policy. Key coverages include:
Personal property coverage
Personal property can include belongings such as electronics, clothing, furniture and jewelry. The amount should reflect what it would cost to replace these items today, not what you originally paid for them. Photos, receipts or a home inventory can help estimate the right amount.
Dwelling coverage (walls in)
This may help cover parts of your unit such as:
- Walls
- Flooring
- Cabinets
- Countertops
- Built-in fixtures
The amount needed depends on what the HOA master policy already covers.
Liability coverage
Helps if someone is injured in your home or if you accidentally damage neighboring condos.
Loss of use
Helps cover temporary housing and related expenses if a covered event is making the condo unlivable.
Loss assessment
If the HOA’s policy falls short of a claim and the association bills you for the difference, this coverage is designed to help cover your share of that cost.
Optional add-ons
Some other add-ons that are available include water backup, building property enhancement and natural disaster endorsements. The HOA’s master policy can help you decide whether these optional coverages are worth considering.
Know what you’re paying for (and what you’re not)
Rates (also known as premiums) and deductibles typically work hand in hand. A lower monthly rate often means you’ll pay a higher out-of-pocket amount when a claim occurs, while a higher monthly rate may result in a lower out-of-pocket amount.
In addition to comparing cost and coverage, it can be helpful to review what the policy doesn’t cover. Common exclusions may include flooding, earthquakes, sewer backup and damage caused by natural wear and tear. If you are worried about any of these risks, you may want to explore additional coverage to fill these gaps.
Prepare before you compare
Before requesting a quote, it can be helpful to gather a few important details:
1. HOA governing documents and master policy
Confirms coverage type to determine how much individual coverage is needed.
2. A personal property inventory with estimated replacement values
Provides an estimate of how much it would cost to replace belongings at today’s price.
3. A note of any unit improvements (floors, counters, appliances) that may not be covered in the master policy
May help determine how much walls-in coverage may be needed.
4. An estimate of how much liability coverage you want
Offers a starting point when comparing liability coverage options.
Reputation matters
Companies may differ when it comes to how efficiently they manage claims and support their policyholders. Before choosing a policy, it can be helpful to review the following:
Financial strength and stability
A company’s financial strength and stability may show their ability to pay claims and meet the needs of their policyholders. Reviewing this information can help you better understand their overall financial health.
Claims handling process and reputation
Claims experiences can vary from one insurer to another. Looking at the claims process and reputation of the company can help provide you with an understanding of how efficiently the claims are processed and how a policyholder is protected after a loss.
Customer service and digital tools
Many companies offer easily accessible digital tools like mobile apps. Features like this make it easier to manage your policy, access information and track a claim through its process.
These factors, alongside rates and coverage, can provide a clearer picture when comparing quotes.
Putting it all together
Understanding the coverage that is available to you is an important part of evaluating your choices.
As you explore your coverage options, the TruStage® Auto & Home Insurance Program offers condo insurance options that may help meet your coverage needs. Bundling condo and auto insurance may offer additional convenience and savings opportunities. Get a condo insurance quote to explore available options.