Condo Insurance vs. HOA Master Policy: Who Covers What?

Learn what a Florida HOA master policy may cover, what condo insurance covers, and how to avoid costly gaps after damage or a special assessment.

TL;DR:** Your HOA’s master policy generally protects the condominium association’s shared building interests, while your condo insurance protects your belongings, personal liability, and often the parts of the unit the association policy leaves to you. The exact dividing line depends on your condominium documents and the master policy wording, especially whether coverage is bare walls, single-entity, or all-in. For condo owners in Lantana, West Palm Beach, and across Palm Beach County, the smart move is not assuming the HOA “has the building covered.” Request the documents, compare them with your own policy, and make sure your limits reflect what you could actually be responsible for after a loss. Florida condo living is wonderful. Insurance paperwork, less so. Let’s make it plain English. At a glance | Coverage question | HOA master policy | Your condo insurance, often called an HO-6 policy | |---|---|---| | Exterior walls, roof, common hallways, elevators | Usually covered, subject to policy terms and deductibles | Usually not your primary responsibility | | Shared amenities, such as a clubhouse or pool | Usually covered | Usually not covered as association property | | Interior unit finishes, cabinets, flooring, fixtures | Depends heavily on the master policy and condo documents | Often your responsibility, particularly under bare-walls coverage | | Furniture, clothing, electronics, décor | Generally not covered | Typically covered, subject to your selected personal-property coverage | | Personal liability for injuries or damage you cause | Generally not covered for your individual liability | Typically covered, subject to your liability limit and exclusions | | Temporary living costs after a covered loss | Generally not covered for an individual owner | May be…