If you own a condo, you should not assume that the condo company has insurance covered. Insurance for condos is very different than it is for say homeowners or even apartment dwellers. It is very important to do your research so that you can make sure you are fully covered in the event of a loss.

Janis-Shunta Insurance wants you to ask, What’s The Difference?

Whereas homeowners insurance covers the exterior and the interior of a home, plus the possessions inside, the condo insurance which is held by the condo management team, only covers the exterior of the property and possibly common areas. This means that insuring the interior of your condo is your responsibility.

What Kind of Coverage Do I Need?

In order to figure out what kind of condo insurance you should purchase, you need to check with your HOA and review the type of insurance they have first. This is your starting point. The HOA will have one of two types of policies. They will either have an "all in" policy or a "bare walls" policy." The "all in" policy covers the exterior of the building, main common areas, plus things that were built into your condo interiors such as cabinets, wiring, and plumbing. A "bare walls" policy" however requires the condo owner to be responsible and insure everything else inside the condo except the walls, ceiling, and floor. Once you have determined what is and is not already covered, then you will be able to make a wise and well-informed decision about your coverage.

The best way to purchase condo insurance is through an insurance agent. Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI will be happy to discuss your condo insurance needs. You can call our friendly staff to today or drop into our Muskegon, MI office to learn more.