What Type Of Insurance Do I Need For A Co-op Or Condo?

If you live in a condo or co-op, then you need a different type of insurance than other homeowners and renters. The combination of personal and common property makes it vital for you to find a policy that gives you the specific coverage you need.

Knowing what type of insurance you need and what it covers will help you choose a policy that protects you from significant financial losses if your property is damaged or stolen or if you are sued by someone who was hurt on your property.

Your Co-op’s Insurance Does Not Cover Your Property

Some condo owners assume that their condo association or co-op has insurance that protects them from significant financial loss caused by storms, fires, theft and other disastrous events. The truth is that your condo association’s insurance only covers common property and the building.

Most associations have policies that do not cover anything inside your condo or co-op. You need a condo insurance policy to make sure that you have adequate protection.

Condo Insurance Policies Cover Your Personal Property

When you purchase a condo insurance policy, it should cover damage caused to your property by fires, storms and other events. Your policy should state exactly which types of disasters are covered. Some companies do not include flooding and earthquake coverage with their standard policies, so you will have to purchase supplemental insurance to protect yourself from these events.

Your policy should also protect you from theft. If someone breaks into your condo and steals property, then you can get reimbursed for the value of stolen items.

Condo Insurance Offers Liability Protection

Your condo insurance policy will protect you from liability if someone is hurt on your property. Again, your co-op or condo association’s insurance will not cover you if someone is hurt inside your condo.

If a guest of yours slips by the co-op’s pool, then the co-op’s insurance covers that liability. If your guest slips on some water in your bathroom, however, you need an individual policy to protect you.

• Your co-op or condo association’s insurance policy does not protect you.
• Getting your own condo insurance policy will protect you from financial loss if your property is damaged or stolen.
• A condo insurance policy will protect you from liability if someone gets hurt in your condo or co-op.