The main types of homeowners insurance are defined by their coverage level, such as HO-1 (basic) and HO-3 (special form), with HO-3 being the most common. Other types include HO-2 (broad coverage), HO-5 (comprehensive coverage), HO-4 (renters insurance), HO-6 (condo owners), and HO-7 (mobile homes). 

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As a homeowner in a condominium, you generally only need HO-6 insurance, also called condo insurance. This policy is designed to cover your personal belongings, any upgrades or improvements you make inside your unit (like flooring, cabinets, or appliances), and your personal liability if someone is injured inside your unit. Unlike a typical homeowner’s policy (HO-3) for a single-family home, the building’s master insurance policy, maintained by the condo association, already covers the structure itself and common areas. That’s why you don’t need a full homeowner’s policy for the walls and roof—HO-6 focuses on what’s yours inside the unit.

 

Regarding vendors or repairmen you hire: your HO-6 policy does not typically cover them. Contractors, repairmen, and service providers are expected to carry their own liability insurance in case they are injured or cause damage while working in your unit. However, your HO-6 policy may cover damage caused by their work. For example, if a plumber accidentally floods your unit, your policy could cover the resulting damage to your personal property or improvements, and others impacted. Always confirm with your insurance company and ensure vendors have their own insurance before hiring them. Also, be sure that you the homeowner is listed as the certificate holder. 

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The Board of Directors may at times require homeowners to provide vendors with extensive or unusually high insurance coverage. However, such requirements should be applied consistently, and ideally, held to an even higher standard for vendors hired directly by the Association. If the Association imposes strict insurance requirements on homeowners’ contractors, it should ensure that its own vendors, especially those performing work in common areas that impact all residents, maintain equal or greater liability coverage.

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When you closed on the purchase of your Condo, you agreed to in writing that you would maintain insurance coverage as outlined in the Declaration, and would be responsible for any and all damage caused by you and your permittees.