Condo insurance covers the interior of your building, including the walls, as well as your personal property. This covers flooring, countertops, cabinets, and personal liability insurance in addition to short-term living costs in the case of a covered loss.
The grounds, common amenities (such hallways and elevators), and the exterior/physical construction of your unit are all covered by a general insurance policy that your condo association carries. In most circumstances, the association’s insurance policy does not cover your personal goods or the interior of the condo.
COMMON COVERAGES
personal belongings
Condo insurance covers a variety of items, even if they are not physically located in your condo, up to a specific amount. These include apparel, electronics, furniture, appliances, tools, and power equipment. To cover jewellery, fine art, and other pricey objects, you might need an insurance rider.
Example: When your roof leaks, clothing, furniture, and other belongings worth thousands of dollars are ruined. Unless you can demonstrate carelessness, the majority of condo association insurance coverage won’t cover your personal property. These things might be covered by your condo insurance.
Losing use
Your additional living expense coverage can cover hotel stays and meals if your condo is destroyed as a result of a covered loss and you are unable to stay there while repairs are made.
A fire damages your condo, and your two-week hotel stay will set you back $2,000 in total. The amount will be paid in full, together with any additional meal expenditures. Keep any receipts as evidence for your claim.
Liability
If you cause someone’s injuries or property damage, your personal liability insurance might provide coverage. Additional insurance for slander, libel, and other litigation is also an option.
Example: A guest you invited fractures their leg after slipping and falling on a carpet in your condo that you were aware of. Your insurance can cover their medical expenses and lost wages if they file a lawsuit against you.
Each HOA will have different requirements, however your condo association may not require you to have a condo insurance policy. They might ask you to contribute to the cost of the HOA's general policy by paying dues. Keep in mind that if you're financing your apartment, you'll require condo insurance.
Even if your condo association or landlord don't need it, it's a good idea to have renters insurance, just like if you were renting an apartment or a house. Renters insurance is typically inexpensive and can cover both your personal property and liability claims in the event that you are held liable for the injuries or property damage of others.
Condo insurance, like homeowners insurance, provides coverage for your personal property, liability-related injuries on your property, and short-term living costs. The primary distinction is that condo insurance does not provide coverage for damage to your home's exterior, including garages and external walls. Additionally, your condo policy could not provide liability protection against accidents in your condo complex's common areas, such as corridors and parking lots.
You might be able to insure your property with a condo insurance policy if you own a townhome that needs condo association membership. However, you'll need a homeowners policy that covers both the interior and exterior of your unit if you're in charge of maintaining the exterior of your townhome.