HO-6 Insurance: Condo Insurance Explained
HO-6 insurance protects your condo unit, belongings, and liability — filling the gaps your condo association’s master policy leaves.
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
4.7 / 516K reviews
)
Written byCatherine Hiles
)
Catherine HilesInsurance, Personal Finance Writer
16+ years in personal finance and insurance writing
Certified Financial Education Instructor
)
Edited byKatie Powers
)
Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Featured in
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
Reviewed byDavid Marlett
)
David MarlettAdvisor
25 years teaching risk management and insurance course
Former commercial lines underwriter
Updated
Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam. We earn an agent commission only if you buy a policy based on our quotes. Our editorial team follows a rigorous set of editorial standards and operates independently from our insurance partners. Learn more.
HO-6 insurance, also known as condo insurance, is a type of coverage for owners of condominiums or cooperative units. It’s designed to protect your individual unit and personal belongings, plus personal liability.[1]
In this guide, you’ll learn more about what HO-6 insurance does and doesn’t cover, the difference between HO-6 and master condo policies, the coverage limits you may need, and how to find the best condo insurance.
Quick Facts
Most condo associations and lenders require condo owners to have condo insurance.
Your HO-6 insurance doesn’t protect the building’s exterior or any common areas you share with other condo owners, like the lobby or pool.
Many factors determine the cost of HO-6 coverage, including the age of the building, your claims history, and the coverage limits you choose.
What HO-6 insurance is and who needs it
HO-6 insurance is a type of homeowners insurance coverage for condominium and cooperative unit owners. You’ll often see it described as condo insurance.
Unlike standard HO-3 homeowners insurance, which covers the entire structure of the home, HO-6 insurance covers only the parts of the condo or co-op the policyholder owns. Condo insurance also differs from HO-4 renters insurance, which covers only your personal property and not the building’s structure.
Instead, HO-6 insurance has elements of both renters and homeowners insurance, including some structural coverage, personal property and liability coverage, and loss of use coverage.
Your condo, co-op, or homeowners association, sometimes called a COA or HOA, also carries insurance that covers the building’s structure, such as the roof, walkways, basement, and other common areas. The premiums for this coverage come out of your monthly condo association or HOA dues.
State laws generally don’t require you to have homeowners insurance, but your co-op or condo bylaws likely will. If you have a mortgage on your condo, your lender will also require you to carry coverage.
Find Cheap Condo Insurance
Get personalized home insurance quotes in minutes
Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 16,372 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
What HO-6 insurance covers
HO-6 insurance is designed to fill coverage gaps the condo association’s master policy leaves. A standard HO-6 policy typically includes these coverages:[2]
Dwelling coverage
Dwelling coverage protects the structural parts of your condo unit that the master policy doesn’t cover. For example, if a fire damages your building, your HO-6 coverage helps pay to repair damage to your unit’s walls, floors, or ceiling.[3]
Personal property coverage
Personal property coverage protects your personal belongings in the event of a covered loss. So if someone stole your laptop, HO-6 insurance would help pay to replace it.
Liability coverage
Personal liability coverage helps pay legal costs if you or a family member causes injury or property damage to someone else, like a guest tripping and falling in your unit.
Loss of use coverage
Loss of use coverage, also called additional living expenses coverage, helps pay for expenses like a hotel and meals if you need to temporarily leave your unit due to damage after a covered peril.
Loss assessment coverage
Loss assessment coverage helps pay your share of condo repair costs when your association’s insurance falls short.
Optional HO-6 endorsements and add-ons
Several HO-6 endorsements and add-ons can help increase your coverage levels. Here are a few additional coverage options to consider:
Flood insurance: Your condo association or mortgage lender may require you to have flood coverage if you live in a high-risk flood zone.
Earthquake insurance: Consider this add-on if you live in an earthquake-prone region.
Vacant condo coverage: If you live in your condo only part of the year, your standard condo insurance policy may limit coverage. Vacant condo coverage helps ensure your unit has coverage.
Water backup coverage: This add-on helps cover damage in your condo unit from a sewer or drain backup.
Umbrella liability coverage: Consider extending your liability coverage with an umbrella policy if you have considerable financial assets.[4]
HO-6 insurance vs. condo association master policy
A condo association master policy protects the main structure of a shared building against covered perils, like fire, windstorms, and sudden and accidental water damage. Several types of master policies exist:
Bare-walls policies cover the building up to the drywall and subfloor. In this case, your unit owners insurance policy covers all interior finishes and fixtures inside your unit.
Single-entity policies cover the main building structure and fixtures in individual condo units. They don’t cover any improvements or additions you make to your unit.[5]
All-in policies cover all exterior and interior finishes of the building, including improvements or additions to individual units.[6]
Here’s a glance at what master policies and HO-6 policies cover.
Coverage Area | Master Policy | HO-6 Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Bare walls | Common areas and individual unit bare structures only | Individual unit, including sinks, cabinets, appliances, flooring, and wallpaper |
| Single entity | Common areas and individual units, excluding improvements and additions | Improvements and additions to the individual unit |
| All-in | Common areas and individual units, including improvements and additions | No dwelling coverage needed |
HO-6 insurance vs. HO-3 insurance
HO-3 insurance is the most popular type of homeowners insurance policy. It offers financial protection against 16 named perils, including fire, windstorms, explosions, theft, and vandalism. But it’s available only for freestanding structures, so you can’t use it to cover your condo.
Instead, condo owners need to carry HO-6 condo insurance, a specialized type of home insurance that covers the interior of your condo. Consult an insurance agent for advice if you’re not sure which coverage type applies to you.
Compare Home Insurance Quotes Instantly
Find an HO-6 policy to protect your condo
Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 16,372 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
What HO-6 insurance doesn’t cover
Like HO-3 insurance, HO-6 insurance protects against 16 named perils. But coverage doesn’t apply in several scenarios, including:
Floods: Standard condo insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, so you’ll need a separate policy. You can purchase flood insurance from a private insurer or through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Earthquakes: Condo insurance policies generally don’t cover earthquake damage. You can purchase an endorsement or a separate earthquake insurance policy if you live in an area prone to seismic activity.
Normal wear and tear: Insurers expect condo owners to maintain their units to prevent issues like mold and pest infestations.
Damage the association’s policy covers: Your policy generally doesn’t cover structural elements of your condo protected under the master policy for the COA or HOA.
Read your HO-6 policy carefully to understand which perils it excludes, or check with your agent. Knowing this information can help prevent an unpleasant surprise when you file a claim with your condo insurance.
How much HO-6 insurance coverage do you need?
The amount of HO-6 insurance coverage you need depends on what the association’s master policy covers and what unit upgrades you’ve made.
Here’s what to consider when determining how much condo insurance coverage you need:
Dwelling coverage: First, review your condo association’s insurance documents to determine what it covers. The amount of dwelling coverage you need for your condo depends on whether the master policy is bare-walls, single-entity, or all-in.
Personal property coverage: To determine the right amount of coverage, make a home inventory that includes your furniture, clothing, and electronics. Consider whether you need special coverage for high-value items, like jewelry, art, and collectibles.[7]
Personal liability coverage: Condo liability insurance limits generally start at $100,000. If you have a moderate or high net worth, consider increasing your limits to $300,000 or $500,000 or purchasing an umbrella policy.
How much HO-6 insurance costs
HO-6 insurance typically costs less than single-family home insurance because it has less dwelling coverage. The average monthly cost for an HO-6 policy ranges between $274 and $937, according to Insurify data. But your exact cost depends on the following factors:
The location and age of your building
Your unit’s size and value
The coverage limits you choose
Your chosen deductible
Your claims history
Your credit history
Available condo insurance discounts
Shop around with several insurers to compare condo insurance quotes before choosing a condo insurance policy. You can also ask neighbors and friends for recommendations on insurance companies. When comparing quotes, look at both coverage amounts and costs to find the best insurance company for your budget.
Average annual HO-6 condo insurance premiums by state
Condo insurance costs can vary depending on your state. The table below shows the average annual condo premium for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage in each state.
State | Average Annual Cost With $300,000 in Dwelling Coverage |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $924 |
| Alaska | $384 |
| Arizona | $636 |
| Arkansas | $984 |
| California | $672 |
| Colorado | $816 |
| Connecticut | $540 |
| Delaware | $384 |
| Florida | $1,740 |
| Georgia | $720 |
| Hawaii | $456 |
| Idaho | $564 |
| Illinois | $672 |
| Indiana | $624 |
| Iowa | $696 |
| Kansas | $996 |
| Kentucky | $948 |
| Louisiana | $1,716 |
| Maine | $360 |
| Maryland | $564 |
| Massachusetts | $504 |
| Michigan | $708 |
| Minnesota | $612 |
| Mississippi | $960 |
| Missouri | $864 |
| Montana | $588 |
| Nebraska | $936 |
| Nevada | $408 |
| New Hampshire | $360 |
| New Jersey | $348 |
| New Mexico | $816 |
| New York | $396 |
| North Carolina | $1,020 |
| North Dakota | $708 |
| Ohio | $492 |
| Oklahoma | $1,416 |
| Oregon | $420 |
| Pennsylvania | $372 |
| Rhode Island | $708 |
| South Carolina | $756 |
| South Dakota | $684 |
| Tennessee | $912 |
| Texas | $1,296 |
| Utah | $480 |
| Vermont | $300 |
| Virginia | $468 |
| Washington | $444 |
| Washington, D.C. | $396 |
| West Virginia | $504 |
| Wisconsin | $444 |
| Wyoming | $516 |
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.
Shop for an HO-6 Home Insurance Policy
Insurify partners with top insurers for real-time quotes
Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 16,372 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
How to buy HO-6 insurance
If you’re ready to buy your condo homeowners insurance policy, follow these steps to get HO-6 coverage:
Review your condo association’s master policy. This document tells you exactly what the master policy covers so you can determine how much HO-6 insurance you need.
Inventory your personal property. Use a pen and paper, a spreadsheet, or an app to list out your personal belongings and their values. Take photos or videos of each item in case you need to make a future claim.
Estimate dwelling coverage. Provide your insurer with information on what the master policy covers so they can determine how much dwelling coverage you need to protect your unit.
Compare HO-6 insurance quotes. Ideally, get quotes from at least three condo insurance companies. Compare coverage options and costs to find the best policy for you.
Choose your deductible. Your deductible is the amount you must pay for each approved claim. A high deductible typically means a lower monthly premium, but you’ll pay more out of pocket when you make a claim.
Choose add-ons. Consider whether you need to add coverage for flooding, earthquakes, or valuable personal property to ensure your policy fully protects you.
HO-6 insurance FAQs
Understanding the answers to common questions about HO-6 insurance can help you find the right coverage for your condo.
Is HO-6 insurance required for condo owners?
Most condo associations and mortgage lenders require condo owners to have HO-6 insurance. Check your condo bylaws to see what the master policy covers and determine how much coverage you need.
What’s the difference between HO-6 and renters insurance?
HO-6 insurance provides structural coverage for a condo unit, as well as personal property, personal liability, and loss of use coverage. Renters insurance (also called HO-4) doesn’t include dwelling coverage because the renter doesn’t own the home.
Does HO-6 insurance cover interior renovations or upgrades?
That depends on the type of policy your condo association has. An all-in policy covers interior renovations and upgrades to your unit. If your condo association doesn’t have an all-in master policy, your HO-6 insurance will cover these upgrades.
What’s the difference between walls-in and all-in coverage?
If your condo association’s master policy has walls-in coverage, also called single-entity coverage, it covers your unit to some degree. All-in coverage means the master policy covers your unit, including any interior additions, renovations, or upgrades.
Does HO-6 insurance cover water damage?
HO-6 insurance covers sudden and accidental water damage from a plumbing, heating, air conditioning, or automatic sprinkler system or a household appliance. It doesn’t cover flooding or water damage caused by a lack of maintenance.
What is loss assessment coverage?
Loss assessment coverage helps pay for community losses, like a windstorm-damaged roof, that exceed the master condo policy’s limits. This coverage helps prevent you from paying out of pocket in these circumstances.
How is HO-6 insurance different from homeowners insurance?
An HO-6 policy provides some dwelling coverage for a condo unit, depending on the amount of coverage the condo association’s master policy provides. A homeowners HO-3 policy provides dwelling coverage for the entire structure of a single-family home.
Sources
- Insurance Information Institute. "Insuring a co-op or condo."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Homeowners Insurance Basics."
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "A Consumer's Guide to Home Insurance."
- Insurance Information Institute. "What is an umbrella liability policy?."
- International Risk Management Institute. "Single entity coverage."
- International Risk Management Institute. "All inclusive coverage."
- Insurance Information Institute. "How to create a home inventory."
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed rates from more than 180 home insurance companies sourced directly from Insurify’s partner companies and Quadrant Information Services. Rates span all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and quote averages represent the mean price for a given coverage level and geographic area. To ensure data reliability, only insurers meeting minimum quote thresholds were included in the analysis.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for homeowners with no prior claims and good credit with a home construction year of 1980. The default coverage assumptions include:
Default Coverage Assumptions
- Dwelling coverage: $300,000
- Deductible: $1,000
- Personal property limit: $25,000
- Liability limit: $300,000
Additional data points beyond these default values are sourced from Insurify’s proprietary database. Rates are updated monthly.
Related articles
)
Condo Hazard Insurance: What It Is and How It Works
Condo hazard insurance can provide meaningful protection for your possessions, but it won’t cover every loss you may face.
)
Compare Home Insurance Quotes Side by Side
Compare real-time home insurance quotes from top companies to find the best rate for coverage that’ll protect your home and personal belongings.
)
Landlord Insurance for Condos: What to Know
Landlord insurance covers damages and liability when you’re renting your property. Insuring your condo as a landlord is a little different since the entire structure isn’t yours to insure.
)
Condo Insurance vs. Homeowners Insurance: Learn the Differences
Condo and homeowners insurance serve the same purpose, protecting your home and belongings. But they differ greatly when it comes to coverage and cost.
)
Condo Insurance Guide: Coverage, Cost, and How It Works
Condo insurance (HO-6) protects your unit, belongings, and liability where your condo association’s master policy leaves off.
)
Condo Earthquake Insurance: What Condo Owners Should Know
If you live in an area prone to seismic activity, a condo earthquake insurance policy provides essential protection that your condo master policy may not.
)
Best Condo Insurance Companies
Allstate, American Family, and Amica are among our top picks for condo insurance due to price, customer service ratings, and coverage selections.
)
High-Risk Homeowners Insurance: Best Companies for Hard-to-Insure Homes
Kin, Foremost, and Nationwide are some of the best companies if you’re a high-risk homeowner.
)
Catherine HilesInsurance, Personal Finance Writer
16+ years in personal finance and insurance writing
Certified Financial Education Instructor
Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Featured in
David MarlettAdvisor
25 years teaching risk management and insurance course
Former commercial lines underwriter