ANSWER
For a condo in Massachusetts, the key policy is an HO-6 condominium unit owners policy. Massachusetts says condo associations usually insure the building and common areas, while the unit owner needs coverage for what the master policy doesn’t cover inside the unit, plus personal liability.
YOUR NEXT DECISION
Turn the answer into your next step
- Get the condo master policy and association rules.
- Buy an HO-6 policy.
- Confirm whether you need loss assessment coverage.
- Check lender and condo association insurance requirements.
The policy you need
Buy an HO-6 condominium unit owners policy for your condo. Massachusetts explains that condo associations usually cover the building, common walls and grounds, but the unit owner needs coverage for everything not covered by the master policy.
- HO-6 is the condo version of homeowners insurance.
- It typically covers the unit owner’s property, personal liability and additional living expense or loss-of-use protection.
- Many condo bylaws or trust agreements also require owners to carry insurance, and a mortgage lender may require it too.
What to confirm before you buy
Get a copy of the condo association’s master policy and the association rules first, then match your HO-6 to the gap between that policy and your unit’s responsibilities. Massachusetts says many condo agreements also allow the association to assess owners for extra costs tied to a loss covered by the master policy.
- Confirm whether the master policy is bare walls, walls-in or all-in, because that changes what your HO-6 must cover.
- Check whether your policy includes loss assessment coverage for special assessments from the association.
- If you want the state regulator, the Division of Insurance Consumer Service Unit is the official Massachusetts contact for insurance questions.
Practical step
Ask the condo association for the master policy and governing documents before closing, then ask your insurer to quote an HO-6 that covers your unit, belongings, liability and any needed loss assessment protection.
- Do not assume the master policy covers interior fixtures or improvements.
- Do not rely on a generic renters policy if you own the condo unit.
- If you need state help understanding the policy structure, Massachusetts Division of Insurance is the official source.
Sources
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