Condo Insurance in Massachusetts
Boston’s condo market ranges from triple-deckers in Dorchester to high-rise units downtown—and each building has different master policy rules. Vargas & Vargas Insurance helps Massachusetts condo owners align HO-6 coverage with their association’s bylaws, protecting interior finishes, belongings, liability, loss of use, and loss assessments.
Massachusetts Condo Coverage Made Easy
We review your condo documents, determine “all-in” vs. “bare walls,” and tailor dwelling and personal property limits accordingly. Our Dorchester team explains assessments, deductibles, and special gaps like water backup—so you understand what’s yours vs. the association’s.
Understanding Coverage & Smart Add-Ons
Dwelling/Improvements (Walls-In)
Covers interior build-out: floors, cabinets, fixtures, and upgrades that aren’t under the master policy.
Personal Property
Protects your belongings—furniture, clothing, electronics—often with replacement cost options.
Personal Liability
Responds to injuries or property damage you’re legally responsible for, inside or just outside your unit.
Loss of Use (Additional Living Expense)
Pays for temporary housing if a covered loss makes your home uninhabitable.
Loss Assessment
Helps cover certain special assessments levied by the association after a covered loss.
Water Backup & Sump Overflow
Adds protection for damage from backed-up drains or sump failures—crucial for garden-level units.
Equipment Breakdown
Covers sudden failure of systems like HVAC or appliances, subject to policy terms.
Scheduled Personal Property
Higher limits and broader perils for jewelry, art, instruments, or collectibles.
Identity Fraud Expense
Assists with certain costs after an identity theft incident.
Why Work with an Independent Agent for HO-6?
Every association is different. Vargas & Vargas Insurance translates your bylaws into a coverage plan, then shops multiple carriers to balance price and protection—so your condo coverage actually matches your building.
Special Considerations for Boston-Area Condos
Older plumbing, shared walls, and elevator or roof assessments can affect coverage. We’ll right-size limits and endorsements for your address and floor level.
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts Condo Insurance
What is condo (HO-6) insurance and what does it cover?
Condominium insurance (HO-6) is designed specifically for condo owners. It typically covers:
- The interior of your unit (walls, floors, ceilings, built-in fixtures)
- Personal belongings
- Personal liability protection
- Loss of use (if you need to live elsewhere due to a covered claim)
- Some structural coverage, depending on what the condo association’s master policy does or doesn’t cover
To know exactly where your unit's coverage ends and your association’s begins, contact our office—we’ll help you review both policies.
What’s the difference between a condo association master policy and my HO-6 policy?
The master policy is held by your condo association and usually covers common areas, shared walls, the building's exterior, and liability for shared spaces.
Your HO-6 policy picks up where the master policy stops—covering your unit’s interior, your belongings, and your personal liability. To avoid coverage gaps, it’s essential to compare both policies.
Contact us to help clarify what you're responsible for insuring.
What does condo insurance not cover?
Condo insurance doesn’t typically cover:
- Damage to the building exterior or shared spaces (that’s the association’s responsibility)
- Flooding or earthquakes (you’ll need separate coverage)
- Wear and tear, pest damage, or mechanical breakdowns
We recommend reviewing the exclusions section of your policy carefully. Have questions? Reach out to our team—we’re happy to walk through your coverage with you.
How much condo insurance coverage do I need?
That depends on what the master policy covers and the value of your upgrades and belongings. If you’ve remodeled your kitchen or added custom fixtures, you’ll need more dwelling coverage.
We’ll help you calculate what’s appropriate. Contact our office directly for a free policy review.
Does condo insurance cover water damage?
Condo insurance may cover sudden and accidental water damage inside your unit (e.g., a burst pipe or appliance leak). However, damage from flooding, poor maintenance, or water seeping through shared walls may not be covered.
To be sure, and to see if water backup or flood coverage is right for you, give us a call.
Is condo insurance required?
If you have a mortgage, your lender likely requires an HO-6 policy. Even if it’s not required, having coverage is crucial to protect your investment and personal belongings.
Not sure what your condo association or lender requires? Contact us and we’ll help verify it.
Does condo insurance cover upgrades and improvements?
Yes—most HO-6 policies include “building property” coverage that protects improvements you've made (e.g., upgraded flooring, custom cabinets, or built-ins).
If you’ve renovated your condo, make sure your policy reflects those upgrades. Reach out to us to adjust your coverage if needed.
Will my condo insurance cover a guest injury in my unit?
Yes. Condo insurance typically includes personal liability coverage, which helps cover medical expenses or legal costs if someone is injured inside your unit or due to your negligence.
If you’re unsure how much liability protection you need, contact us directly—we’ll help you choose the right limits.
What if I rent out my condo—does standard condo insurance still apply?
No. If you're renting out your unit (even short-term), you may need a landlord or rental property endorsement—or a separate policy altogether—to ensure proper coverage.
Don’t assume you're covered. Call us so we can help you protect your property and rental income.
How do I update or file a claim on my condo insurance?
If you need to make a change or file a claim:
- Document any damage with photos
- Prevent further damage if possible
- Contact our agency first—we’ll guide you through the process, advocate on your behalf, and make sure your interests are protected
Don’t go straight to the insurance company—start with us for the best outcome.
Let’s Get Your Condo Coverage Right
Share your bylaws and a quick inventory of improvements—Vargas & Vargas Insurance will tailor your HO-6 to your building and your budget.