ANSWER
For a condo, you usually need your own HO-6 policy for the unit’s interior and belongings, plus liability coverage. If you want earthquake protection, buy a separate California Earthquake Authority policy through a participating insurer.
YOUR NEXT DECISION
Turn the answer into your next step
- Get a copy of the HOA master policy.
- Buy an HO-6 policy for interior, belongings, and liability.
- Ask about earthquake coverage and loss assessment coverage.
- If needed, get a CEA policy through your condo insurer.
What to get for a condo
A condo owner in California generally needs an HO-6 condo policy for the inside of the unit, personal property, and liability. Your HOA’s master policy usually covers the building structure and common areas, not your unit’s interior or your belongings.
- Ask your HOA for the master policy so you know exactly where its coverage ends.
- Do not assume the HOA policy covers your furniture, interior finishes, or liability inside the unit.
- Source-backed gap to fill: earthquake damage is usually excluded from standard condo and HOA policies.
Earthquake coverage is separate
California homeowners policies do not cover earthquake damage, and condo owners can buy separate earthquake insurance for the interior of the unit, belongings, and temporary living expenses if the condo is being repaired. The California Earthquake Authority provides most earthquake insurance in California, but you must buy it through a participating insurer, not directly from CEA.
- You need a residential property insurance policy in place before getting a CEA earthquake policy.
- Your HOA may have earthquake coverage for common areas, but it may not cover the building exterior or your share of repair costs.
- CEA condo policies can also include loss assessment coverage for certain HOA earthquake repair assessments, up to $100,000.
What to ask your insurer or HOA
Before you buy, confirm what your HOA master policy covers, then match your HO-6 limits to the gaps. If you want earthquake protection, ask the insurer that writes your condo policy whether it offers a CEA earthquake policy with the same company.
- Check whether your HOA uses the policy to cover only common areas or also parts of the exterior structure.
- Ask whether loss assessment coverage is available for HOA bills after earthquake damage.
- If you want a premium estimate, CEA says to use its premium calculator.
Sources
KEEP EXPLORING
More UC Berkeley resources when you need them
Ask a follow-up about UC Berkeley
Ask a question to get the answer first. CH2 opens a tool or broader page directly only when you ask to use or view it.