Coverage Education
HO-6 vs. Master Policy
Understand where the association master policy stops and where an individual unit owner’s HO-6 policy should begin. We help Florida condo boards and residents reduce coverage gaps, avoid duplicate assumptions, and make better insurance decisions.
Comparison
Who Covers What
In most Florida condo communities, the master policy is designed to protect common elements and association-insured property, while the HO-6 policy helps protect the unit owner’s interior exposures, personal property, liability, and loss assessment risk. Exact responsibilities depend on governing documents, carrier forms, and how the association’s policy is written.
Master Policy
Typically responds to association property, shared structures, and other insured common elements. It may also include general liability and other association-level protections, but it does not automatically eliminate every unit-level exposure.
HO-6 Policy
Usually helps with personal contents, interior improvements or betterments, personal liability, additional living expenses when covered, and certain assessments charged back to the unit owner after a covered loss.
Common Gap Areas
Deductible responsibility, unit interior boundaries, water damage, ordinance or law issues, and special assessments are frequent areas of confusion. Boards should not assume owners understand these distinctions without guidance.
Board Best Practice
Review governing documents alongside the current master policy and communicate clearly with residents about what the association insures versus what each owner should discuss with their personal agent.
Why This Matters for Florida Boards
When a claim happens, confusion over policy boundaries can slow recovery, frustrate residents, and create avoidable disputes. A clear insurance communication strategy supports better budgeting, better expectations, and stronger risk management.
Our team helps associations evaluate master property structure, deductible strategy, hurricane-related exposures, and owner communication so boards can make informed decisions with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
General educational guidance for Florida condo communities. Final coverage interpretation depends on the policy form, endorsements, and association documents.
Does the master policy cover everything inside a unit?
Not necessarily. Many master policies stop short of personal property, certain interior finishes, or owner-installed upgrades. The association’s documents and policy wording control the answer.
What is loss assessment coverage on an HO-6 policy?
Loss assessment coverage may help a unit owner when the association assesses owners for a covered loss, subject to policy terms and limits. It can be important when large deductibles apply.
Who pays the hurricane deductible?
That depends on the association’s policy structure, governing documents, and how costs are allocated after a storm. This is one of the most important issues to review before hurricane season.
Should boards tell owners exactly what HO-6 limits to buy?
Boards should educate owners on association-insured versus owner-insured responsibilities, but owners should confirm their individual limits and endorsements with their personal insurance advisor.
Can owners rely on the association’s insurance certificate?
No. A certificate is only a summary and does not replace the full policy, endorsements, or governing documents. Coverage decisions should never be based on the certificate alone.
How often should the master policy be reviewed?
At minimum, boards should review coverage annually and again when property values, reserve projects, governing documents, carrier terms, or Florida compliance requirements materially change.