Condo insurance
Condo insurance (HO-6) in Washington
Condo insurance, known as an HO-6 policy, covers the parts of a condominium the association's master policy doesn't: your interior finishes and improvements, your belongings, your personal liability, and your share of a special assessment after a covered loss to common property.
Start with the HOA master policy
Short answer: Your coverage needs depend on whether the association's master policy is "bare walls" or "all-in". Ask the HOA for the master policy summary before choosing limits.
| Master policy type | The HOA covers | Your HO-6 should cover |
|---|---|---|
| Bare walls | Structure and common areas only | Interior walls, floors, cabinets, fixtures and everything inside |
| Single entity | Structure plus original interior fixtures | Upgrades and improvements you made, plus belongings |
| All-in | Structure, fixtures and improvements | Belongings, liability and assessments |
Loss assessment coverage
Short answer: If a covered loss to common property exceeds the master policy — or falls under its deductible — the HOA can bill each owner. Loss assessment coverage pays your share.
Washington condo master policies can carry large deductibles, especially for earthquake. Match your loss-assessment limit to the master deductible your HOA could pass through.
How much condo insurance do I need?
Short answer: Enough to rebuild your unit's interior to its current finish, replace your belongings, cover liability, and pay a realistic assessment.
Read the HO-6 condo insurance guide for a worked example.
Frequently asked questions
Does my HOA's insurance cover my condo?
Partly. It covers the building and common areas, and sometimes original fixtures. Your belongings, upgrades, liability and assessments are yours to insure.
What is HO-6 insurance?
HO-6 is the policy form for condominium unit owners — the same thing as condo insurance.
Keep exploring
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- Renters insuranceRenters insurance covers your belongings, liability and extra living costs. What it covers, what landlords require, and why it's the easiest bundle with auto.
- The HO-6 condo insurance guideA practical HO-6 guide: reading your HOA master policy, setting dwelling and loss-assessment limits, and what condo insurance covers in Washington.
- SeattleSeattle home insurance for craftsman and older homes: knob-and-tube and old plumbing, steep-slope landslide areas, sewer backup, earthquake and high rebuild costs.
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