Condo insurance in California, also known as HO-6 insurance, is designed to cover the interior of your unit and personal belongings that are not protected by your Homeowners Association (HOA) master policy.
Core Coverage Components:
- Building Property (Dwelling): Covers the unit's interior structure, including walls, flooring, cabinetry, and fixtures.
- Personal Property: Protects belongings like furniture, electronics, and clothing against fire, theft, or vandalism.
- Personal Liability: Provides a legal defense and pays for medical bills or repairs if you are found responsible for injuring someone or damaging their property.
- Loss of Use: Covers temporary living expenses, such as hotel stays and meals, if your condo becomes unlivable due to a covered loss.
California state law does not mandate condo insurance; however, mortgage lenders and many HOAs require it as a condition of ownership.
Key California Exclusions:
- Earthquakes and Floods: Standard HO-6 policies in California typically exclude these natural disasters. Separate policies or endorsements can be added.
- Sewer Backups: Damage from sewer or drain backups usually requires an additional endorsement.