Condo owners share a building and a master policy that shapes what a personal HO-6 must cover. Two terms lead to most choices. Bare walls and all in. Know which one your association carries, and you can right-size your own coverage without gaps or overlap.
1. Bare Walls Cover Structures And Shared Areas
A bare walls master policy protects the roof and framing, as well as common spaces, but stops at the drywall inside each unit. Floors and cabinets and fixtures become your job. Your HO-6 policy should cover interior finishes, personal belongings, and personal liability. This setup is common, which makes a solid HO-6 essential for full protection.
2. All In Extends Into Units For Original Fixtures
An all-inclusive master policy includes built-in items inside each unit, such as vanities, tubs, and original counters. It still does not insure furniture or clothes or electronics. Your HO-6 policy should focus on belongings and liability, plus any upgrades you have installed. Knowing this split prevents you from paying twice for the same interior items.
3. Improvements And Betterments Need Special Treatment
If you added wood floors or upgraded the kitchen, treat those items as improvements. Some policies only restore builder-grade materials after a loss. Your HO-6 can add coverage for betterments, so repairs match the finish you actually own. This detail protects the value you created through careful upgrades.
4. Loss Assessment Helps With Building Deductibles
If a building claim triggers the master policy deductible, the association can assess unit owners for a share. Loss assessment coverage on your HO-6 can help with that bill, which can be large in high-rise settings. It is a low cost line that carries big value when a shared repair becomes urgent.
Many condo claims involve water from pipes or drains. Ask how the master policy treats leaks inside walls and add water backup coverage on your HO-6. Clear rules now reduce finger-pointing after damage shows up, which speeds repairs and keeps neighbors cooperative during a stressful moment.
Bare walls and all sound technical, yet they guide simple choices. The master policy frames what the building handles. Your HO-6 policy completes the picture for interiors, belongings and liability. Request the master summary and bylaws, share them with us and adjust the limits to your finishes. With both policies aligned, you protect your space and your savings with confidence.
