Condo Water Damage: The HOA vs. Owner Insurance Maze
Water damage in a Florida condo creates one of the most confusing insurance scenarios homeowners face. Three different insurance policies may be involved — and understanding which covers what prevents expensive surprises.
Three Policies in Play
- HOA Master Policy — covers the building structure, common elements, and sometimes original unit finishes (depends on “bare walls” vs. “all-in” coverage)
- Your HO-6 Policy — covers your personal property, upgrades/improvements, and potentially interior walls/flooring depending on what the master policy excludes
- Neighbor’s HO-6 Policy — if the water originated from a neighbor’s unit, their policy may cover your resulting damage
Common Scenarios
| Scenario | Typically Covered By |
|---|---|
| Pipe burst in common element (hallway, garage) | HOA Master Policy |
| Your AC overflow damages your unit | Your HO-6 |
| Upstairs neighbor’s toilet overflows into your unit | Neighbor’s HO-6 + Your HO-6 |
| Building roof leak into your unit | HOA Master Policy (roof) + Your HO-6 (interior) |
WrightWay handles condo water damage restoration throughout SW Florida and coordinates with all involved insurance parties. Call (941) 379-8669.
