HO-6 Condo Insurance vs HOA Master Policy — What Each Covers for Water Damage
Condo owners carry two policies: the HO-6 unit policy and the HOA master policy. Where water damage falls between them, and who pays the gap.
Condo insurance involves two separate policies that cover different parts of the building. The HOA master policy covers the building structure — exterior walls, roof, hallways, elevators, and shared mechanical systems. Your individual HO-6 policy covers your unit's interior and your personal property. The boundary between these two coverages — called the 'walls-in' line — is defined by your HOA's declaration documents and varies by building.
Master policies come in two forms: 'bare walls-in' covers only the structural shell and leaves all interior fixtures (cabinets, flooring, appliances, drywall) to your HO-6; 'all-in' or 'all-inclusive' covers interior fixtures to the original builder specification and leaves only your improvements and personal property to HO-6. Knowing your HOA's master policy type is critical — most condo owners do not find out until they file a claim.
For water damage specifically: if a pipe in a shared wall bursts and floods your unit, the HOA master policy typically covers structural damage to the unit back to original specification (under all-in) while your HO-6 covers your personal property, upgrades you made (granite counters, hardwood floors you installed), and your deductible. The deductible gap — where your HO-6 must cover the HOA's deductible if you caused the damage — can be $10,000–$25,000 in newer buildings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does my HO-6 condo policy cover for water damage?
Your HO-6 covers: personal property (furniture, electronics, clothing), interior improvements you made beyond builder spec, additional living expenses if the unit is uninhabitable, personal liability if water from your unit damages a neighbor, and the HOA's deductible if you caused the damage (critical — check your policy's loss assessment coverage limit).
What is the HOA master policy deductible and why does it matter to me?
HOA master policy deductibles have risen dramatically — $10,000–$50,000 in many newer buildings. If water damage originates in your unit (your pipe burst, your dishwasher leaked), you may be responsible for the entire HOA deductible before master policy coverage kicks in.
Your HO-6 loss assessment coverage pays this — but only up to your policy's limit. Most HO-6 policies default to $1,000 loss assessment coverage, which is dangerously low. Increase it to $25,000–$50,000 for under $20/year.
Do I need both HO-6 and coverage from the HOA's master policy?
YesAbsolutely — they are not redundant. They cover different parts of the loss.
A bare-walls HOA master policy leaves all interior surfaces and fixtures entirely to your HO-6. Without your own policy, a burst pipe that destroys your unit's kitchen cabinets, flooring, and appliances would be entirely your out-of-pocket expense.
Who do I call right now for water damage?
Call (888) 840-6512. The line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and connects you with an IICRC-certified water damage restoration company that serves your area. A recorded menu picks up first: choose water damage or mold, key in your 5-digit ZIP code, and hold through the short silence while the call is passed to the company.
Describe what you can see — where the water is coming from, how long it has been there, and whether it smells — the more specific you are, the faster the right company is on the line. If the source is a pipe or an appliance, shut the main water valve first. Have four things ready and the call goes quickly: the address, when the water started, what is wet now, and whether you have filed an insurance claim.
Still not sure which of these is your situation? (888) 840-6512 · toll-free · answered 24/7