When you buy a condo, your HOA dues already pay for an insurance policy. Many owners assume that policy covers them. It covers the building. It usually does not cover your furniture, your kitchen remodel or the guest who trips on your rug. That is what your own condo policy is for.
The short version:
- The HOA’s master policy covers the building and the shared areas.
- Your own condo policy, called an HO-6, covers the inside of your unit, your belongings and your liability.
- How much you need depends on which kind of master policy your HOA has.
- Condo insurance from MIS Insurance starts as low as $79 a month. Prices vary.
What the HOA’s master policy covers
The California Department of Insurance describes it this way: the condominium association generally purchases insurance for the building structure and common areas. That means the roof, the outside walls, hallways, elevators and other shared spaces.
What is left to you
| What is damaged or who is hurt | HOA master policy | Your condo policy |
|---|---|---|
| Roof, outside walls, hallways, shared areas | Yes | No |
| Flooring, cabinets and fixtures inside your unit | Depends on the master policy | Yes |
| Upgrades and remodeling you paid for | Usually no | Yes |
| Furniture, electronics, clothing | No | Yes |
| A guest hurt inside your unit | No | Yes |
| A place to stay while your unit is repaired | No | Yes |
The three kinds of master policy
- Bare walls: the HOA covers the building structure only. You insure everything inside your unit, including flooring, cabinets, counters and fixtures.
- Single entity: the HOA also covers the original fixtures in your unit. You insure your upgrades and your belongings.
- All-in: the HOA covers the interior including improvements. You mainly insure your belongings and your liability.
Your HOA can tell you which one it has. Send us the master policy and we will match your coverage to it, so you are not paying twice or leaving a gap.
Loss assessment: the bill owners do not expect
If a covered loss costs more than the HOA’s insurance pays, the HOA can split the difference among the owners. That bill is called an assessment. Loss assessment coverage on your condo policy helps pay your share.
How much does condo insurance cost?
Condo insurance from MIS Insurance starts as low as $79 a month. Prices vary. Yours depends on where the unit is, its size, the coverage limits and deductible you choose, and your claims history.
Many carriers have stopped offering condo coverage in California in recent years. We work with carriers that still write condos. If you have had claims or your insurance company dropped you, we can still find you a policy.
Common questions
Does my mortgage lender require condo insurance?
Most lenders do. We can send proof of insurance to your lender.
Does condo insurance cover earthquakes or floods?
No. Those are usually excluded. Your insurer is required to offer you earthquake coverage for an added premium, and flood insurance is a separate policy.
I rent my condo out. Is a condo policy enough?
No. A condo you rent to a tenant needs landlord insurance. If you rent it by the night on Airbnb or Vrbo, you need short-term rental insurance.
I rent the condo I live in. What do I need?
You need renters insurance. The owner’s policy does not cover your belongings.
Need a condo insurance quote?
Start at our condo insurance page, or call 800-726-0640, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm Pacific. MIS Insurance Services is an independent agency rated 4.9 stars across more than 3,100 Google reviews.
Coverage we can help with
- General liability insurance, as low as $59 a month
- Workers’ compensation insurance, as low as $83 a month
- Commercial auto insurance, as low as $79 a month
- Homeowners insurance, as low as $69 a month, and as low as $175 a month for brush-area homes and homes with claims
- Condo insurance, as low as $79 a month
- Renters insurance, as low as $11 a month
- Landlord and investment property insurance, as low as $75 a month
- Short-term rental insurance, as low as $85 a month
- All property insurance
Prices vary by business, property, location and coverage.
This article is general information, not legal advice. What a policy covers depends on the policy you buy, and California’s rules change. Confirm the details for your own situation with your agent. Last reviewed October 2026.