Condo insurance is essential for anyone who owns a condo unit. It protects you against liabilities that aren’t covered by your condo association’s insurance policy, such as coverage for your personal belongings, unit upgrades, and legal liability to others. Plus, condo insurance is often required by banks and lenders before advancing a mortgage, and most condo associations necessitate proof of it before moving in.
Why Condo Insurance Is Important
Condo associations already have insurance that covers the main structure and common areas of the property, like the building elevators or the main lobby. But it rarely extends to the individual units of condo owners; these are considered your responsibility.
So, in cases that involve unit improvements, loan assessments, and your personal belongings, your condo association’s policy won’t apply. Condo insurance fills these gaps and protects you in case of unexpected mishaps and expenses.
What Does Condo Insurance Cover?
Condo insurance generally includes coverage for personal property, unit upgrades and improvements, and personal liability. But you can also speak with your insurance provider for any potential additions, like extended water damage, identity theft, or other products designed for landlords.
Here’s a list of the common items condo insurance covers:
Personal Property
Also known as ‘contents insurance,’ this coverage protects your personal belongings and items within your unit should they be damaged for reasons such as fire and theft. Typically, this covers a certain worth of your property, so if you have more valuable items, you may want to consider upgrading your policy.
Unit Upgrades and Improvements
Condo fees usually only cover the value of your unit at the time of construction. Any enhancements, like new flooring or added kitchen fixtures, may not be included. Condo insurance covers these changes, and can also adjust if the value of your renovated unit goes up.
Personal Liability
Personal liability coverage protects you if someone is accidentally injured within your unit or if you accidentally damage someone else’s property. For example, if someone falls in your condo, your condo insurance may be able to help you pay for any medical bills or legal fees associated with the incident.
Additional Living Expenses
If you can’t live in your unit due to unforeseen circumstances, coverage for additional living expenses will cover the costs of living elsewhere while any damage is fixed.
Loss Assessment
When there’s damage to common property that exceeds the coverage of your condo association’s policy, you may have to pay part of the deductible. However, with loss assessment coverage, your condo insurance will pay for your portion.
Choosing the Right Condo Insurance Policy for Your Needs
Choosing the right condo insurance policy is important to protect your property investment and your personal belongings. When shopping for a plan, be sure to determine the coverages that you need and to consider additional endorsements where needed, comparing policies from reputable insurance providers. Also, you should always read your policy carefully and review it regularly to ensure that it’s sufficient for you.
