Condominium Insurance
If you have purchased a condo or co-op, the bank will require insurance to protect its investment in your home. You may, however, need more insurance to cover your personal items, liability or fees that may be charged to you regarding shared areas of the building like the lobby.
You will need two separate policies to protect your investment:
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Your own insurance policy.
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This provides coverage for your personal possessions, structural improvements to your apartment and additional living expenses if you are the victim of fire, theft or other disaster listed in your policy. You also get liability protection.
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A “master policy” provided by the condo/co-op board.
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This covers the common areas you share with others in your building like the roof, basement, elevator, boiler and walkways for both liability and physical damage.
To adequately insure your apartment, it is important to know which structural parts of your home are covered by the condo/co-op association and which are not. You can do this by reading your association’s bylaws and/or proprietary lease. If you have questions, talk to your condo association, insurance professional or family attorney. Sometimes the association is responsible for insuring the individual condo or co-op units, as they were originally built, including standard fixtures. The individual owner, in this case, is only responsible for alterations to the original structure of the apartment, like remodeling the kitchen or bathtub. Sometimes this includes not only improvements you make, but those made by previous owners. In other situations, the condo/co-op association is responsible only for insuring the bare walls, floor and ceiling. The owner must insure kitchen cabinets, built-in appliances, plumbing, wiring, bathroom fixtures etc.
Also ask your insurance professional about the following additional coverages:
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Unit assessment
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This reimburses you for your share of an assessment charged to all unit owners as a result of a covered loss. For instance, if there is a fire in the lobby, all the unit owners are charged the cost of repairing the loss.
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Water back-up
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This insures your property for damage by the back-up of sewers or drains. Water back-up may not always be included in a policy. Check to see that it is included.
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Umbrella liability
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This is an inexpensive way to get more liability protection and broader coverage than is included in a standard condo/co-op policy.
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Flood or earthquake
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If you live in an area prone to these disasters, you will need to purchase seperate flood and earthquake policies. Flood insurance is available through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program. Both flood and earthquake insurance can be purchased through your insurance agent.
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Floater or endorsement
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If you own expensive jewelry, furs or collectibles, you might consider getting additional coverage since there is generally a $1,000 to $2,000 limit for theft of jewelry on a standard policy.
Let us help you choose a policy that will fit your individual needs. Protecting your assets, whether personal, business, or both, is our goal. A well-chosen policy can lessen the impact of some of life’s most common, yet unforeseen perils. We’re here to help when you are considering Condo Insurance.
Mobile / Manufactured Home Insurance
Mobile home insurance policies provide two basic kinds of coverage: physical damage and personal liability coverage. Choosing the right insurance policy is much like choosing the right mobile home. You want it to fit your needs and lifestyle, but you also want the insurance coverage to fit within your budget. These coverage options are available for rental mobile homes, commercial mobile homes, mobile homes that are used seasonally, or mobile homes located in a park or on private property. If you already have auto or homeowners insurance, you can try contacting the same insurer to see if you are eligible for a discount.
Physical Damage
Physical damage coverage pays for accidental damage to your mobile home, belongings, or other structures (such as attached patios or decks, garages or storage sheds) resulting from fire, hail, wind, theft and vandalism, or falling objects. The amount and degree of coverage varies from one policy to another, so make sure to compare policies carefully.
Some policies only cover specific causes of loss (named peril policies). This is basic coverage and while the low premiums may seem like a bargain, it could cost you hundreds of dollars in the event of a claim, if the damage is not caused by one of the named perils.
Generally, coverage under a regular policy doesn’t apply while the mobile home is in transit. Also, like regular homeowners insurance, flood is not generally covered, so be sure to find out whether you are in a flood zone and can purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.
Personal Liability Coverage
Damage to property isn’t the only hazard of modern life. Liability insurance coverage applies when there is a claim or a lawsuit against you after someone is injured or their property is damaged because of your activities. That amount may be more than what comes standard with a mobile home insurance policy, so it may be wise to consider purchasing additional liability insurance. Claims might include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even property damage. However, liability coverage does not pay claims for injuries to you or the members of your household.
Not all insurance companies offer mobile home insurance in all states. Check with your agent or insurance company representative to determine the availability of coverage in your state or contact your state insurance department.
Let us help you choose a policy that will fit your individual needs. Protecting your assets, whether personal, business, or both, is our goal. A well-chosen policy can lessen the impact of some of life’s most common, yet unforeseen perils. We’re here to help when you are considering condo and mobile home insurance.
Find the right plan for your home
Talk to us today about condominium insurance.
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