How do I know if my condo has bare walls or all-in coverage?

It's stated in the master policy and often summarized in the association's insurance certificate or bylaws. Look for language like 'bare walls,' 'studs-in,' 'single entity,' or 'all-in/all-inclusive.' If it isn't clear, the property manager or insurance agent can confirm — and it directly determines how much HO-6 coverage you need.

What is loss assessment coverage and do I need it?

Loss assessment coverage is a part of your HO-6 policy that pays your share when the association levies an assessment after a covered loss — for example, to cover a large master-policy deductible. It's usually inexpensive and frequently set too low, so it's worth checking the limit, especially in catastrophe-exposed areas.

Can the master policy's deductible become my responsibility?

Yes. If a covered loss occurs, the association may pass its deductible to owners through a special or loss assessment. A high master deductible — particularly a percentage-based wind deductible — can translate into a significant bill, which is what loss-assessment coverage is designed to absorb.

Owner guide

What's the difference between 'bare walls' and 'all-in' condo insurance?

Two condos can have identical-looking insurance and wildly different exposure for the owner, depending on one phrase in the master policy. 'Bare walls' versus 'all-in' decides where the building's coverage stops and yours has to begin.

The short answer

Your building's master policy is either 'bare walls' (it insures the structure but not what's inside your unit) or 'all-in' (it also covers fixtures, cabinets, and built-in features). Bare walls pushes far more onto your individual HO-6 policy. Knowing which one your building carries is the difference between being covered and a costly gap after a loss.

What the master policy covers

Every condo association carries a master policy on the building and common areas. The question is how far 'into' your unit it reaches. A 'bare walls' (or 'studs-in') policy covers the structure up to the unfinished walls, floor, and ceiling — but not the drywall, flooring, cabinets, or fixtures inside. An 'all-in' (or 'all-inclusive') policy extends to the original fixtures and built-in features of the unit.

Where your HO-6 picks up

Your individual HO-6 policy covers what the master policy doesn't — your belongings, and depending on the master policy's reach, your interior finishes and built-ins. Under a bare-walls master policy, your HO-6 has to do far more work: if a pipe bursts, the master policy may rebuild the structural shell while your HO-6 pays for drywall, flooring, and cabinets. Owners who assume the building 'covers everything' discover the gap only after a claim.

The other number that matters: the deductible

Beyond bare-walls vs. all-in, the master policy's deductible can become your problem. A high master deductible — especially a separate, percentage-based wind or named-storm deductible — can be passed to owners through a loss assessment. 'Loss assessment coverage' on your HO-6 is the buffer for exactly that, and it's frequently set too low. Reading the master policy's deductibles alongside your HO-6 limits is the only way to see your real exposure.

What to check

Determine whether the master policy is 'bare walls' or 'all-in'.
Find the master policy's standard deductible and any separate wind/named-storm deductible.
Check your HO-6 for dwelling/interior coverage matched to the master policy's reach.
Confirm your HO-6's loss-assessment coverage limit is adequate.
Look for wind, flood, or water-damage exclusions on either policy.

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