Guide to Buying Condo Insurance

Condos are protected by two types of insurance policies — your personal condo insurance policy and your HOA’s master policy. Your HOA’s master policy insures the building structure and common elements, but what it covers inside your unit depends on the master policy type: “bare walls,” “single-entity,” or “all-in.” Your HO‑6 condo policy fills the gaps by covering your belongings, personal liability, loss of use, and, when needed, interior fixtures/finishes and loss assessments. For an overview of how HO‑6 and master policies interact, see the NAIC consumer guide and the Insurance Information Institute (III).

Finding the best condo insurance is a game of maximizing coverage for the price while ensuring you’re not paying for coverage you don’t need. In 2024–2025, premiums have generally risen due to higher catastrophe losses, elevated reinsurance costs, and construction inflation — trends reflected in NOAA’s record 28 billion‑dollar U.S. disasters in 2023 and ongoing high insured catastrophe losses reported by industry sources. Compare identical quotes across multiple carriers, bundle where possible, and ask about mitigation and protective‑device credits (see III guidance on lowering home insurance costs).

Condo insurance coverage 

If you want complete peace of mind, you have to know exactly what is covered by your condo insurance, and what things you’re going to have to get separate coverage for. Start by confirming your HOA’s master policy type and all deductibles — including any hurricane or wind/hail percentage deductibles, which commonly range from 2% to 5% of the insured value in coastal states (III explainer). Many master policies now carry large flat deductibles (often $25,000–$100,000+) for property or water losses in multi‑family buildings; your HO‑6 “loss assessment” coverage can help with your share when those deductibles are assessed, subject to policy terms (III: Loss assessment).

What condo insurance covers

Your personal property

Your stuff is valuable. Condo insurance makes sure that the things you own are covered against damage or theft. Many HO‑6 policies can be upgraded to replacement cost on contents, and high‑value items (jewelry, art) are typically scheduled separately to remove sublimits and broaden covered causes of loss (III overview).

Interior damage

Most elements inside of a unit like the wiring, ceilings, walls and the plumbing are not covered by a typical master’s policy but are covered by personal insurance. Whether you need “walls‑in” coverage depends on the HOA form: in “bare walls,” you insure drywall‑in (cabinets, flooring, built‑ins); in “single‑entity,” you insure improvements/betterments beyond original specs; in “all‑in,” the HOA covers most interiors but you still insure personal property and liability (NAIC HO‑6; III). Consider adding ordinance or law coverage on your HO‑6 if you’re responsible for interiors, to address code‑required upgrades during repairs.

Master policy coverage limits

If the damage costs exceed that of your HOA’s master policy, then this coverage will make up the difference. Associations can also levy assessments to fund large deductibles or uninsured portions of a covered loss. HO‑6 loss assessment coverage typically includes a small default limit (often starting around $1,000) but can usually be increased to much higher limits for added premium — coverage applies only to covered causes under your policy (III: Loss assessment).

Housing displacement

This covers your living expenses in case you are forced to move out of your condo temporarily due to damages. Loss of use (additional living expense) helps pay for reasonable temporary housing and increased costs when a covered loss makes your unit uninhabitable.

 Guest liability

If there’s an accident and someone gets injured on your property, condo insurance will cover part or all of the legal or medical expenses that may accrue.
Personal liability on an HO‑6 addresses injury or property damage you’re legally responsible for; many owners choose higher limits and add a personal umbrella for extra protection (III).

What condo insurance doesn’t cover

Many of the coverage gaps in a typical homeowner’s policy exist for condo insurance as well. Getting coverage for these exclusions usually requires you to pay for a separate policy. Standard HO‑6 policies exclude flood and earthquake; water/sewer backup is often excluded unless you add an endorsement; and maintenance/gradual damage is not covered (III).

 General wear and tear

This covers the normal degradation of your building caused by simply living on the property. It is not damage or deterioration caused by neglect or abuse. Insurers treat wear, tear, and maintenance as non‑accidental, thus excluded.

Floods

If you live in a high-risk area, then you have to get a separate policy to cover damage caused by floods. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is generally the primary provider of this type of insurance. Associations often purchase an NFIP Residential Condominium Building Association Policy (RCBAP) for the building; unit owners can purchase contents and “walls‑in” coverage as needed (FloodSmart condo guide). Under NFIP’s Risk Rating 2.0, premiums are transitioning to risk‑based prices with annual increases generally capped (often up to 18% per year) until reaching full risk rates (FEMA: Risk Rating 2.0).

Earthquakes

If your unit and belongings are damaged in an earthquake, your stuff won’t be covered. Deciding not to purchase a separate policy for earthquakes when you live in a low-risk area can save you money. In higher‑risk areas like California, many condo owners buy earthquake coverage through the California Earthquake Authority or private markets.

 Damage caused by pests

Condo insurance doesn’t cover pest removal or the damage caused by pests. If you have termites, bed bugs, roaches, mice or birds causing problems, you’re going to have to pay out of pocket.

Intentional injury 

If you intentionally hurt someone on your property, you are 100% liable for the medical and legal repercussions.

How much does condo insurance cost?

Condo insurance premiums vary significantly and are highly contingent on which state you live in. The latest official benchmark is the NAIC’s HO‑6 state averages using 2022 policy‑year data (published 2024), which show hurricane, hail, and wildfire‑exposed states (e.g., Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado) among the highest, and Upper Midwest/Mountain West states (e.g., Wisconsin, Idaho, Utah, New Hampshire) among the lowest (NAIC report; III trends). Private market analyses updated for 2025 indicate HO‑6 premiums continued to rise through 2024–2025, widening the gap between high‑ and low‑risk states (Bankrate; ValuePenguin).

Check out this table to figure out how much you can expect to pay.

Data collected from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners:  Insurance Report 2017. Note: The latest NAIC edition provides 2022 HO‑6 averages (published 2024). For current 2025 state averages based on standardized coverage profiles, compare recent analyses from Bankrate and ValuePenguin; methodology and assumptions differ from NAIC “average expenditure.”

What factors go into pricing condo insurance

Like any type of insurance, the price of condo insurance depends on a combination of circumstantial and personal factors. In 2024–2025, key drivers include catastrophe exposure (hurricane, hail/tornado, wildfire), construction cost inflation, and association (HOA) trends like higher master-policy deductibles and tighter water-damage terms (NOAA; III).

Circumstantial

HOA’s master policy

If there are gaps in your HOA’s master policy, you will have to pay more to cover the difference. Master policies with “bare walls” provisions and large deductibles (e.g., $25,000–$100,000+ flat or 1%–5% hurricane/wind) shift more cost to owners, who often need higher HO‑6 interior building property limits and loss assessment coverage (III; III: hurricane/wind deductibles).

Location

While your state of residency is one of the most significant factors in determining the cost, it’s not the only locational factor. If you live in a high-risk area near a coastline, on a fault line or anywhere where there’s extreme weather, your premiums will undoubtedly be higher. NOAA documents a persistent cadence of billion‑dollar weather events that keeps base rates and deductibles elevated in exposed states (NOAA).

Credit history

Like most insurance policies, better credit equates to a better rate. Many insurers use credit-based insurance scores where allowed; some states restrict or ban their use for homeowners pricing. Check your state’s rules and your insurer’s filings (III explainer).

Condo age and condition

Modern units are typically more energy-efficient and are in far less need of repairs. If you have an older one, you can expect higher premiums.
Updates to roofs, plumbing, electrical, and monitored leak detection can reduce loss frequency and may qualify for credits; older systems and prior water losses generally increase rates (III cost‑reduction tips).

Up to you

Amount of coverage

The more coverage you get, the higher your premium. To ensure that you don’t overpay for coverage you don’t need, get a policy that matches the value of your property. Match interior building property (additions/alterations) to whatever your HOA does not cover, set a realistic personal property limit (consider replacement cost), choose adequate liability, and increase loss assessment limits if your association carries large deductibles (NAIC; III).

Deductible

The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your policy kicks in. The lower the deductible, the higher your premium. In coastal states, separate hurricane or wind/hail percentage deductibles (commonly 2%–5%) may apply on HO‑6 and master policies; in Florida, the hurricane deductible applies once per calendar year for hurricane losses (III; Florida CFO).

Discounts

Each insurance provider will have its own set of unique discounts you might qualify for. When trying to find the best policy, you should always look at the discounts offered to see how much you can lower your rates.
Common savings include bundling with auto, protective devices (monitored alarms, water‑leak sensors/automatic shutoff), claim‑free history, and process discounts (paperless/auto‑pay). Always compare net premiums with identical limits and endorsements (III tips).

When do I need condo insurance?

There are gaps in the HOA’s master policy

If your HOA’s policy caps out at a certain point and the damage costs exceed this level, then you’ll be stuck with the remaining bill if you don’t have coverage. High master deductibles (often $25,000–$100,000+ or 1%–5% for wind/hurricane) also drive assessments to unit owners; increasing your HO‑6 loss assessment limit can help cover your share when the cause is covered (III: Loss assessment).

Damage occurs on the inside of your unit

Since most master policies only cover the exterior, you need to have the policy to cover any damage that occurs inside your condo. Confirm whether your HOA is “bare walls,” “single‑entity,” or “all‑in” and tailor your HO‑6 “additions and alterations” coverage accordingly (NAIC HO‑6 overview).

You live in a high-risk area

Some locations in the U.S. are more prone to disasters than others. Those that are exposed to these risks should protect themselves with an insurance policy. Coastal hurricane zones often use percentage deductibles (2%–5%+); wildfire and hail corridors face higher base rates and tighter terms (III; NOAA). In Florida, Citizens policyholders face a phased flood insurance requirement through 2027, which is increasing flood take‑up among condo owners (Citizens flood requirement).

The unit is vacant for an extended period

Many people only use condos part of the year making them prime targets for burglars. Protect your things from theft by getting a policy. For water‑loss prevention while away, consider monitored leak sensors and automatic shutoff valves, which some insurers credit (III).

You are displaced from your home

If the damage to your condo is severe enough to displace you, condo insurance will ensure that your living expenses are covered while you wait for repairs. Loss of use helps pay for reasonable additional living expenses after a covered loss.

A guest gets injured

Anytime someone gets hurt on your property, you are potentially liable for the legal and medical costs if you lack the proper coverage. Personal liability on your HO‑6 responds to many of these situations; consider higher limits or a personal umbrella for extra protection (III).

How much condo insurance should I get?

Everyone’s policy is going to be different since condo insurance should always be tailored to your personal needs. Even so, there are at least two common factors you should take into consideration when determining how much you need. First, verify your HOA’s master policy type and all deductibles (all‑peril, wind/hail, named storm/hurricane, water damage). Then right‑size your HO‑6 limits for interior building property (if the HOA doesn’t cover it), personal property (often at replacement cost), personal liability, loss of use, and loss assessment (NAIC; III).

The first thing you should look at is what your HOA’s master policy covers. Avoiding any policy overlap is a great way to save some money. If the HOA carries large wind/hail or hurricane deductibles, consider higher HO‑6 loss assessment limits to handle potential special assessments; confirm your policy covers assessments tied to those perils where available (III deductibles).

Second is that you should consider the overall value of your unit including everything inside. The more valuables you have, the more coverage you should get. It’s also a great way to ensure you’re not overestimating your policy amount. Many owners select liability limits in the $300,000–$500,000 range and add water/sewer backup and ordinance‑or‑law endorsements where applicable (III).

Overall, picking the right amount of coverage is a balance between having enough while ensuring you aren’t over-covered.

What are the best companies that offer condo insurance?

Progressive: Fast and easy claims processing with strong digital tools and bundling options; compare loss assessment and water‑backup endorsements side‑by‑side across carriers to align with your HOA exposure. Check recent satisfaction trends alongside price (J.D. Power 2024).

USAA: Best for military service members with replacement cost on personal property for many members and consistently high satisfaction; membership eligibility required (J.D. Power).

Liberty Mutual: Great bundle discounts and useful add‑ons like water backup (availability varies by state). Compare deductible structures (including wind/hail) and available loss‑assessment limit options.

Amica: Superb customer service per many consumer studies; review recent satisfaction benchmarks and quote identical coverage selections for apples‑to‑apples comparisons (J.D. Power 2024).

Farmers: Expansive policy options
including water/sewer backup and higher loss‑assessment limits in many states; review wind/hail or named‑storm percentage deductible terms (commonly 2%–5% in coastal regions). Also price a strong regional carrier if available in your area (e.g., Erie) and a national like State Farm or Nationwide for bundling alternatives (J.D. Power).

FAQ

What insurance do you need for a condo?

Homeowners insurance is mandatory if you have a mortgage, but condo insurance isn’t mandatory. The type of insurance you need is determined by your HOA. While some require additional coverage, others don’t. In practice, lenders typically require HO‑6 when there’s a mortgage, and HOAs must maintain master coverage that meets investor standards (see Fannie Mae project standards). Verify the master policy type and deductibles, then tailor your HO‑6 to fill the gaps (NAIC).

Regardless of what you are required to have, you should look into covering anything you don’t want to pay out of pocket to replace. That usually means contents at replacement cost, adequate liability, loss of use, interior building coverage if the HOA doesn’t cover it, and higher loss‑assessment limits if your association has large deductibles (III).

 Who has the cheapest condo insurance?

With an average of $249 per year, people in Wisconsin have the lowest premiums. In terms of insurance companies, it depends. There are many factors that go into the cost that it’s difficult to crown one company as the absolute cheapest option.

However, a good place to start looking would be Liberty Mutual due to its extensive list of discount bundles.

Who has the best condo insurance?

Depends on what you value the most from an insurance provider. If you’re looking for great customer service, then Amica should be your go-to, if you want more policy customization then Allstate is a great choice. Also compare strong regionals (e.g., Erie in‑footprint) and check recent satisfaction benchmarks, as regional carriers frequently lead overall satisfaction (J.D. Power 2024).

How much should I insure my condo for?

You should always get a policy that covers the entire value of your condo and your belongings. Set interior building (additions/alterations) limits to match what the master policy doesn’t cover, insure personal property (ideally at replacement cost), choose sufficient liability (many select $300,000–$500,000), and consider higher loss assessment limits beyond the small default (often around $1,000) to handle HOA deductibles and shortfalls arising from covered perils (III: Loss assessment).

If you can’t afford complete coverage then you should focus on protecting your most valuable assets or the things that will cost you the most out of pocket in case of damage. Prioritize liability and loss assessment, set a workable contents limit at replacement cost, and consider a higher deductible to lower premium; add endorsements like water/sewer backup and ordinance‑or‑law where they fit your risk (III).