Condo Insurance in Fort Lauderdale: Why HO-6 Coverage Matters

If you own a condo in South Florida, you might assume your HOA's master insurance policy has you covered. It doesn't — at least not completely. The master policy typically covers the building's exterior, common areas, and shared systems. Everything inside your unit — your walls, floors, cabinets, fixtures, appliances, and personal belongings — is your responsibility.

That's where an HO-6 condo insurance policy comes in. It's designed specifically for unit owners and covers the gaps between your HOA's master policy and what you actually need to be protected. In a hurricane-prone market like South Florida, those gaps can be enormous.

What Your HO-6 Condo Policy Covers

Interior Dwelling (Walls-In)

Covers your unit's interior: flooring, cabinets, countertops, fixtures, built-in appliances, and any upgrades or renovations you've made.

Personal Property

Protects your belongings: furniture, electronics, clothing, jewelry. Choose replacement cost coverage to get full value, not depreciated amounts.

Loss Assessment

Covers your share of HOA special assessments after a covered loss. Critical in Florida; standard limits are too low. We recommend $25K–$50K+.

Liability Protection

Covers legal expenses and damages if someone is injured inside your unit. Consider pairing with an umbrella policy for broader protection.

Loss of Use / ALE

Pays for temporary housing and living expenses if your unit is uninhabitable after a covered loss: hotel stays, meals, laundry, and more.

Water Damage

Covers sudden, accidental water damage inside your unit: burst pipes, appliance failures, upstairs neighbor's leak. Subject to policy terms.

Bundle Auto + Condo for Maximum Savings

Condo owners who bundle their HO-6 policy with auto insurance typically see meaningful multi-policy discounts. Add flood and umbrella coverage to close every gap. We'll show you the full picture.

Get a Bundle Quote →

Master Policy vs. HO-6: Understanding the Gap

Bare Walls vs. All-In Master Policies

Your HOA's master policy falls into one of two categories. A "bare walls" policy covers only the building's structure (studs, concrete, roof, exterior. Everything inside your unit is entirely your responsibility. An "all-in" policy extends further, covering original fixtures, flooring, and appliances as built by the developer. But even all-in policies don't cover upgrades, renovations, personal property, or your liability.

Before we quote your condo insurance, we'll ask to review your HOA's master policy. This ensures your HO-6 coverage starts exactly where the master policy ends. No overlap, no gaps, no surprises.

Loss Assessment: The Coverage Most Condo Owners Get Wrong

If a hurricane damages your building's roof or common areas and the HOA's master policy doesn't fully cover the repairs, the association can levy a special assessment on all unit owners. Standard HO-6 policies include $1,000–$2,000 in loss assessment coverage — nowhere near enough in South Florida. We typically recommend $25,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on your building and location.

Flood Insurance for Condo Units

Your HO-6 policy does not cover flood damage. If your building is in or near a flood zone (and most of coastal Fort Lauderdale is), you need a separate flood insurance policy. Both NFIP and private flood options are available for condo units, and they're often more affordable than homeowners flood policies.

Condo Insurance FAQ

What does condo insurance (HO-6) cover?
An HO-6 policy covers your unit's interior (walls-in), including upgrades, fixtures, flooring, cabinets, and personal belongings. It also provides liability protection and loss assessment coverage if your HOA levies a special assessment after a covered loss.
How is condo insurance different from homeowners insurance?
Homeowners insurance covers the entire structure. Condo insurance (HO-6) covers only your individual unit from the walls in. Your HOA's master policy covers the building's exterior, common areas, and shared systems, but it doesn't protect your unit's interior, upgrades, or personal property.
What is loss assessment coverage and do I need it?
Loss assessment coverage pays your share of an HOA special assessment after a covered loss. For example, if a hurricane damages the building and the HOA's master policy doesn't fully cover repairs. Standard policies include $1,000–$2,000, but in South Florida we typically recommend $25,000–$50,000 or more.
Does my HOA's master policy cover my unit?
Partially. Most HOA master policies are "bare walls" or "all-in." A bare walls policy covers only the building structure. Everything inside your unit is your responsibility. An all-in policy covers more, but still doesn't cover your personal property, upgrades you've made, or your liability. Always review your HOA's master policy with your agent.
How much condo insurance do I need in Fort Lauderdale?
At minimum, you need enough dwelling coverage to rebuild your unit's interior to its current condition, including any upgrades. For a typical Fort Lauderdale condo, this ranges from $50,000 to $200,000+ depending on finishes. Personal property, liability, and loss assessment coverage should be added based on your specific situation.