Condo (HO-6) vs. HOA Master Policy

In a condo, coverage is shared between two policies - yours and the association's - and the line between them isn't always where people expect. This page shows which policy handles what.

At a glance

Condo (HO-6) vs. HOA Master Policy — At a glance
	Condo (HO-6) HO-6	HOA Master Policy
What it covers	Your unit's interior - often walls-in - plus your belongings, liability, improvements you've made, and loss assessments charged by the association.	The building's common structure and shared areas - roof, exterior walls, hallways, elevators, and grounds - and the association's liability.
When it applies	Damage or liability tied to the inside of your unit or your personal property.	Damage or liability involving the building itself or areas shared by all owners.
Typical cost	Paid by you as the unit owner; generally modest since it insures less than a whole house.	Paid by the association through your HOA dues, spread across all owners.
Key limits or exclusions	Where it stops depends on the master policy type; typically excludes the base building structure.	Often excludes the interior finishes, fixtures, and contents of individual units; a deductible may be passed to owners via assessment.
Best suited for	Every condo owner - it fills the space the master policy leaves to you.	The association as a whole; it is arranged by the HOA, not the individual owner.

Two policies, one dividing line

A condo is covered by a pair of policies that meet at a boundary. The HOA master policy insures the building and shared areas on behalf of all owners. Your HO-6 insures your unit's interior, your belongings, and your liability - the parts the master policy hands off to you.

Exactly where that boundary sits depends on the master policy's type. A "walls-in" or "bare walls" master leaves more to your HO-6, including interior finishes and fixtures, while an "all-in" master covers more of the interior for you.

Loss assessment coverage

When a covered loss exceeds the master policy's limits or deductible, the association can bill each owner a share. HO-6 policies include loss assessment coverage for exactly this, which is why the master policy's deductible amount is worth knowing before a claim happens.

Where to find it in your policy

Your HO-6 Declarations page

Look for Coverage A - Dwelling (your interior/improvements limit), Coverage C for belongings, and a Loss Assessment limit.

The HOA master policy certificate

Request the association's evidence of insurance and check whether it is described as walls-in, bare walls, or all-in - this sets where your responsibility begins.

Your CC&Rs and bylaws

The association's governing documents spell out the maintenance and insurance responsibilities split between owner and association.

What it looks like on a real claim

Example 1 — A burst pipe damages your unit

A pipe inside your wall fails, ruining your flooring, cabinets, and belongings for $25,000 under a bare-walls master policy.

Condo (HO-6)

Pays the interior finishes, cabinets, and belongings up to your limits, less your deductible.

HOA Master Policy

Does not pay interior finishes under a bare-walls master; it would respond only to the base building structure.

Example 2 — A large loss triggers an assessment

A fire in a shared hallway exceeds the master policy, and the HOA assesses each owner $5,000.

Condo (HO-6)

Loss assessment coverage pays your $5,000 share, up to that limit, less any deductible.

HOA Master Policy

The master policy pays the shared-area damage up to its limit; the shortfall is what generated the assessment.

The bottom line

Choose your HO-6 limits by first reading the master policy: the more it leaves to you (bare walls), the higher your interior and improvements coverage should be. Also carry enough loss assessment coverage for the master policy's deductible.

The most common mistake is assuming the HOA's policy covers your unit's interior and contents. It usually stops at the base structure, leaving the finishes, fixtures, and your belongings to your HO-6.

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