Condo Insurance Cost Calculator (HO-6)
Estimate annual HO-6 walls-in condo insurance cost. Covers what your HOA master policy does not — interior fixtures, personal property, and loss assessment.
What Your HOA Master Policy Does (and Doesn't) Cover
The HOA master policy comes in three flavors. Bare walls: covers only the building shell and common areas — drywall, structural elements, lobby, pool, roof. Everything inside your unit (flooring, cabinets, fixtures, appliances) is YOUR responsibility. Single entity: covers original fixtures (the cabinets and flooring the developer installed) but NOT your upgrades. All-in: covers all fixtures including upgrades. Most US condos run single-entity master policies. Source: Community Associations Institute (caionline.org). Last updated: May 2026.
Why Loss Assessment Coverage Is Critical
When the HOA master policy has a major claim that exceeds its limit (e.g., $5M roof damage on a $3M policy), the HOA passes the shortfall to all unit owners as a special assessment. Your share might be $15,000-$40,000 — payable typically in 30-90 days. Loss assessment coverage on your HO-6 pays this for you. Standard policies include $1,000-$2,000 — wildly inadequate. Increase to $50,000 minimum, $100,000+ for older or coastal buildings.
Walls-In Coverage A — How Much Do You Need?
Rough rule: $35-$55 per square foot of unit size for standard construction, plus the cost of any upgrades you've made. A 1,200 sq ft condo with stock fixtures needs about $50,000. The same condo with a $40,000 kitchen remodel and hardwood floors needs $90,000. Document upgrades with receipts and photos — adjusters depreciate aggressively on undocumented improvements.
Common HO-6 Coverage Gaps
(1) Water damage from above-unit overflow — most policies cover this but check the limit (often $5,000 sub-limit). (2) Mold remediation after covered water loss — typically $5,000 sub-limit. (3) Sewer backup — explicit endorsement required, $50-$100/yr. (4) Identity theft — increasingly available as $25/yr rider. (5) Equipment breakdown (HVAC, water heater) — endorsement ~$30/yr. The 4 endorsements above add about $200/yr to your premium and close most real-world coverage gaps.