Condo Insurance That Covers What Your HOA Doesn't

Your HOA has insurance — but it probably doesn't cover what you think it does. We help condo owners across Fort Lauderdale understand exactly where their association's policy stops and their own HO-6 coverage needs to begin.

Why Condo Owners in Fort Lauderdale Need Their Own Policy

Fort Lauderdale is one of the most condo-dense cities in Florida. From the Intracoastal to Las Olas, Victoria Park to East Fort Lauderdale, tens of thousands of residents live in buildings governed by HOA master policies — and most assume that coverage protects them. It covers the building's exterior, the roof, and the common areas. It does not cover the interior of your unit, your personal belongings, or your liability if someone is injured inside your home. That's where your HO-6 policy comes in.

What Does HO-6 Insurance Actually Cover in Florida?

An HO-6 policy — sometimes called condo unit owner insurance — is designed specifically for the portion of the property that's yours. Florida's condo insurance market has its own rules, and coverage can vary significantly depending on how your HOA's master policy is written.

 

A standard HO-6 policy in Florida typically covers:

Florida Condo Law Changed — Here's What That Means for You

Following the Surfside collapse and subsequent Florida legislation, condo associations across Broward County have faced new inspection requirements, reserve funding mandates, and structural reporting obligations. These changes have created real uncertainty for unit owners about what their associations now carry, what's been deferred, and whether their own coverage needs to be updated.

 

We follow these legislative changes closely. If you're not sure whether recent Florida condo law affects your coverage situation, give us a call. We'll tell you what's relevant to your building and your policy — in plain language, without the run-around.

Three Coverage Gaps We See Most Often in Fort Lauderdale Condo Policies

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The HOA Covers the Building, Not Your Belongings

A lot of condo owners assume the association's policy extends to their personal property. It doesn't. Furniture, electronics, clothing, and valuables are your responsibility — and without an HO-6, they're uninsured.

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Interior Improvements Aren't Always Covered by Default

If you've updated your kitchen, replaced the flooring, or renovated your bathrooms, those improvements may not be covered under a bare-bones unit-owner policy. We make sure your coverage reflects the actual value of your interior — not just the original builder-grade finishes.

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Loss of Use Is Often Underestimated

If a covered event makes your unit uninhabitable, loss of use coverage pays for temporary housing while repairs are made. Many policies carry limits that don't account for Fort Lauderdale's rental market. We size this coverage to what it actually costs to stay somewhere nearby.

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Liability Inside Your Unit Is Your Responsibility

The HOA's liability coverage protects the association — not you personally. If a guest slips and falls inside your unit, that's your exposure. Personal liability coverage on your HO-6 is what responds to that kind of claim.

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Questions We Hear from Condo Owners

  • My HOA has insurance. Do I really need my own condo policy?

    Yes. The HOA master policy covers the building structure and common areas — it doesn't cover your personal belongings, the interior of your unit, your personal liability, or your living expenses if you're displaced. An HO-6 fills those gaps.

  • What does HO-6 insurance cover in Florida?

    An HO-6 policy covers your unit's interior from the walls in, including flooring, fixtures, and any improvements you've made. It also covers personal property, personal liability, and loss of use if your unit becomes uninhabitable after a covered event.

  • How do I know if my condo coverage is keeping up with Florida's new condo laws?

    The legislation passed after Surfside changed reserve and inspection requirements for associations, which can affect what master policies cover and how associations manage their finances. We stay current on these changes and can walk you through what's relevant to your specific building and coverage.

  • What if my upstairs neighbor causes water damage to my unit?

    Water intrusion from another unit is one of the most common condo claims in South Florida. Your HO-6 policy is what covers your damaged interior, your belongings, and your temporary housing costs while repairs are made — the HOA policy typically doesn't respond to this kind of loss on your behalf.

  • Does it matter what kind of master policy my HOA carries?

    It matters a lot. "Bare walls in" and "all-in" master policies define very different coverage boundaries. We review your HOA documents alongside your HO-6 to make sure there are no gaps between the two — and that you're not paying to duplicate coverage you already have.

We've Been Covering Fort Lauderdale Condos Since 1993

We're a Fort Lauderdale agency, founded by Fort Lauderdale natives, and we've been helping condo owners in Broward County sort through their coverage since 1993. Every policy we write is handled in-house — no call centers, no outsourcing, no runaround. When you call us, a real person picks up. We work with multiple carriers so we can find the right fit for your building, your unit, and your budget.

 

If you're buying a condo, renewing your policy, or just not sure what you have, we're glad to take a look. Reach out and we'll get you sorted.