Condo insurance and homeowners insurance often get lumped together, but they don’t protect property in quite the same way. If you live in New York, where condos and single-family homes sit side by side, it’s worth knowing how these two policies differ so you can ensure nothing slips through the cracks. Your insurance representative at Kinowski Agency Inc., serving Amsterdam, NY, explains.
What a Homeowners Policy Does
Think of homeowners’ insurance as full property protection. It covers the house itself, from the roof to the foundation, as well as attached or detached structures, such as garages or fences. Since a homeowner is responsible for the entire property, the coverage is broad and all-encompassing.
Where Condo Coverage Fits
Condo insurance is more focused. That’s because your condo association carries a master policy that usually handles the building’s exterior, common spaces, and sometimes even parts of your unit’s structure. Your individual policy, known as HO-6 coverage, picks up where the association’s coverage ends. It protects your furniture, electronics, upgrades, and liability for any incidents that occur inside your unit. Depending on the master policy, you may also need to cover interior walls, floors, or fixtures.
The Liability Difference
One of the biggest distinctions comes down to liability. Homeowners must account for accidents that happen anywhere on their property. Condo owners, on the other hand, usually only need to worry about incidents within their own four walls. That difference shapes how much coverage you actually need.
The bottom line is that both policies are vital, but they serve different purposes. If you’re not sure where your condo association leaves off or if your home is fully protected, it’s smart to sit down with an insurance agent at Kinowski Agency Inc., serving Amsterdam, NY, who can walk through your situation and ensure your coverage matches your lifestyle.