Condo Insurance (HO-6): What It Covers and How Much You Need
Your HOA's master policy doesn't cover everything. What condo insurance covers, how master policy types change what you need, and loss assessment coverage.
Updated October 7, 2026 · 5 min read
Key takeaways
- Condo insurance (an HO-6 policy) covers your unit's interior, your belongings and your liability.
- Your HOA's master policy covers the building and common areas, but what it covers inside your unit varies.
- Read your HOA documents to see whether the master policy is "all-in" or "bare walls."
- Loss assessment coverage helps pay your share of special assessments after a covered loss to the community.
How condo coverage is split
When you own a condo, two policies work together. Your association's master policy, paid through your HOA dues, covers the building and common areas. Your own HO-6 policy covers what the master policy doesn't, plus your belongings and personal liability.
Know your master policy type
The Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner describes three common types:
- All-in: covers the building and interior finishes like fixtures, cabinets and flooring.
- All-in excluding improvements: covers original finishes, but not upgrades you or past owners made.
- Bare walls: covers only the structure, up to the drywall and subfloor. You insure everything inside.
Your HOA's governing documents and master policy say which type you have. The answer determines how much dwelling coverage your HO-6 needs.
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What an HO-6 policy covers
- Your unit: walls, floors, ceilings, fixtures and improvements, as defined by your condo documents.
- Personal property: your furniture, electronics, clothing and other belongings.
- Liability: if someone is hurt in your unit or you damage a neighbor's unit, such as a leak that spreads downstairs.
- Loss of use: extra living costs if your unit can't be lived in after a covered loss.
- Loss assessment: your share of special assessments the association charges after a covered loss to common areas, or when the master policy's deductible is passed on to owners.
How much to buy
- Match your dwelling coverage to what the master policy leaves to you.
- Estimate your belongings' replacement cost, and consider replacement cost contents coverage.
- Check the master policy deductible. If the HOA can assess owners for it, choose loss assessment coverage that's at least that much.
- Consider liability of at least $300,000, or more with an umbrella policy.
Like regular homeowners policies, HO-6 policies don't cover flood. If your building is in a flood-prone area, ask about flood coverage for your unit and contents.
Frequently asked questions
Is condo insurance required?
No state law requires it, but most mortgage lenders and many HOAs do.
Does my HOA's insurance cover my belongings?
No. The master policy covers the building and common areas. Your belongings need your own HO-6 policy.
What is loss assessment coverage?
It helps pay your share of a special assessment the association charges owners after a covered loss, such as a large deductible or damage to common areas.
Sources
How this guide was made: researched and drafted with AI assistance (Wren AI), and checked against the government and industry sources listed above. Wren AI is an AI tool, not a person or a licensed insurance agent.
This guide is general information, not insurance, legal or tax advice. Coverage, rules and prices vary by state, insurer and policy. Confirm details with a licensed agent before you buy. Read our editorial policy.