What is the difference between a condo association's master insurance and my individual unit insurance?

Two Policies, Two Jobs: The association's master policy generally covers the building structure and common elements: the roof, the exterior, the hallways, the shared systems, and the spaces every owner uses. Your individual HO-6 policy covers your unit's interior, your personal property, and your personal liability. Each policy is doing a real job, and the two are designed to fit together, with one handling the building and the other handling your life inside it.

Where the Boundary Falls: The exact boundary between association coverage and individual coverage varies by project, and that variation is the most important thing to understand. In some projects the master policy covers more of the unit, in others less, and the difference can be significant for your wallet and your coverage. You cannot assume the boundary from one condo project to the next, which is why the documents matter more than the general rule.

What to Review: Buyers should review the master policy to understand exactly where association coverage ends and individual coverage begins. The master policy documents, along with the association's disclosures, tell you what is covered and what is not, and your insurance agent can then size your HO-6 to fill the gap. That review is best done before you close on the unit, so your coverage is in place on day one.

Why It Matters Financially: If the boundary is unclear or your HO-6 is sized on assumptions, you can be left paying out of pocket for damage you expected to be covered. The reverse is also true: the association's coverage and deductibles can shape what your own policy needs to include. A few minutes of document review at purchase time prevents years of unwelcome surprises.

How We Help: When we represent you in a condo purchase, we make sure the insurance conversation happens early, and we flag the questions to ask about the master policy and the HO-6. We are not insurance agents, but we know the questions that protect condo buyers. Add a good agent on the insurance side, and the coverage puzzle is solved before settlement.