ANSWER
A condo usually needs two layers: the HOA’s master policy and your own HO-6 policy. The exact split depends on the condo’s master-policy type, so the first step is to read that policy or ask the HOA what it covers.
YOUR NEXT DECISION
Turn the answer into your next step
- Get the HOA’s master-policy declarations page.
- Read the condo bylaws or CC&Rs for ownership and insurance responsibilities.
- Buy an HO-6 policy that matches the gap left by the master policy.
- Add loss assessment coverage if you want protection from special assessments tied to a covered loss.
What your condo association should cover
The HOA is expected to carry a master or blanket hazard policy for the building, plus liability insurance for common areas. For FHA project review, the HOA also needs fidelity insurance, and if the condo is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, flood insurance is required for the building and common areas.
- HUD says the master hazard policy should equal 100% of current replacement cost, excluding land and other normally excluded items.
- HUD also requires HOA liability coverage for common elements and a fidelity bond for projects with more than 20 units.
- If the property is in a flood zone, the HOA must maintain flood insurance on the condominium buildings and common areas.
What you usually need to buy for your unit
You typically need an HO-6 condo policy for your unit. If the HOA’s master policy does not include interior unit coverage, then the owner must carry “walls-in” coverage for interior improvements and betterments, and the HO-6 also protects your belongings and personal liability.
- HO-6 fills the gap left by the master policy.
- Coverage often includes interior finishes, personal property, and liability.
- If the HOA policy already covers some interior items, your HO-6 should be sized to avoid paying twice for the same protection.
What to verify before you buy
Ask for the master-policy declarations page, the condo bylaws or CC&Rs, and any insurance rules the HOA places on owners. Those documents show where the HOA coverage ends and your HO-6 begins.
- Confirm whether the master policy is bare walls, single entity, or all-in.
- Check whether interior finishes and improvements are covered by the HOA.
- If you are financing the condo, the lender may also require HO-6 coverage.
Sources
- CONDOMINIUM PROJECT APPROVAL and PROCESSING GUIDE ↗
- Form HUD 9992 ↗
- Condo Master Policy vs HO-6: What Your HOA Covers (and What It Doesn’t) ↗
- Condo Insurance (HO-6): What It Covers & Best Providers in 2025 ↗
- What Is Condo (HO-6) Insurance? | Charlotte, NC ↗
- Understanding Your Condo Insurance vs. Your HOA's Master Policy ↗
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