ANSWER
For a condo, you usually need an HO-6 condo policy for the unit’s interior, belongings, liability, and loss assessment coverage. In California, you should also consider separate earthquake coverage because standard condo and homeowners policies do not cover earthquake damage.
YOUR NEXT DECISION
Turn the answer into your next step
- Ask the insurer how your condo association’s master policy is written: all-in or bare walls.
- Confirm whether your policy includes loss assessment coverage and enough personal property coverage.
- If you want earthquake protection, check whether your insurer participates in CEA.
- Ask whether you need separate flood insurance if your condo is in a flood-prone area.
What to buy for a condo
A condo owner typically needs an HO-6 policy, not a standard HO-3 homeowners policy. The condo association’s master policy usually covers the building exterior and common areas, while the unit owner’s policy covers the interior of the unit, personal belongings, personal liability, additional living expenses, and often loss assessment coverage.
- HO-6 is the condo owner’s policy type.
- The master policy and your policy cover different parts of the property.
- Loss assessment coverage can help if the association charges owners for part of a covered loss or deductible.
What it does not cover
Standard condo insurance does not cover earthquake damage, and it does not cover flooding. The California Department of Insurance says homeowners, renters, and condominium insurance policies do not cover natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides.
- Earthquake damage needs separate coverage or a separate policy.
- Flood damage is also excluded from standard condo insurance.
- Do not assume the HOA’s policy fills these gaps.
California earthquake coverage
In California, the state says the California Earthquake Authority offers earthquake policies for condo unit owners, but you cannot buy one directly from CEA. You must buy it through an insurance company that participates in CEA, and you must already have a residential property insurance policy in place with that company.
- CEA condo policies can include up to $100,000 for your share of certain association assessments after covered earthquake damage.
- Earthquake coverage is purchased through a participating insurer, not directly from CEA.
- Keep your condo policy in force before applying for CEA earthquake coverage.
Sources
KEEP EXPLORING
More UC Santa Cruz resources when you need them
Ask a follow-up about UC Santa Cruz
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.