Condo insurance (HO-6) in Washington

What condo insurance (HO-6) covers

Condo unit owners buy HO-6 policies covering the interior of their unit (walls, cabinets, fixtures you installed), personal belongings, liability, and improvements. The HOA's master policy covers the building structure and common areas. Understanding what each policy covers prevents expensive gaps.

• Interior unit property. covers the items inside the unit walls: flooring you installed, cabinets, built-in appliances, or upgraded drywall — but not the structural walls themselves
• Personal property. your furniture, electronics, clothing, and other belongings, same as renters insurance
• Liability. covers your responsibility if a guest is injured within your unit or you cause damage to common areas
• Improvements and alterations. covers renovations and upgrades you made (new kitchen, hardwood floors, bathroom remodel) — important coverage many owners skip
• Loss assessment coverage. protects you if the HOA assesses unit owners to cover deductible gaps in the master policy or shortfalls in common-area insurance
• Earthquake. not covered under standard HO-6; available as an add-on (Washington sits atop earthquake faults)

Master policies and your HO-6

The HOA's master property policy covers the building structure, roof, lobby, parking areas, and common systems. Your HO-6 covers what the master does not — but you must understand the master policy's deductible. If the master policy has a $50,000 deductible and a water leak from the roof damages your unit, the HOA may assess you (and all owners) to cover that deductible. Loss assessment coverage in your HO-6 pays that bill.

Common gaps between master and HO-6

• Deductible exposure: the master policy deductible ($25,000 to $100,000+) may be assessed to unit owners; loss assessment coverage protects you (typically $10,000 limit)
• Water damage from neighbors: if a neighbor's burst pipe damages your unit, your HO-6 covers your damage (water from above is usually a master policy gap, especially if the source is neighbor negligence)
• Plumbing within your unit: the master covers building main lines; your HO-6 covers plumbing inside your four walls, but damage from backed-up sewers is often excluded
• Earthquake: the master does not cover earthquake; your HO-6 does not either unless you add an endorsement
• Improvements you made: the master covers what was there when you bought; your renovations are your responsibility via HO-6 improvements coverage

Washington condo underwriting and inspections

Most Washington carriers require a homeowners insurance inspection for condos over 20 years old, checking roof condition, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems in common areas. Older condos or those with prior water damage claims may face underwriting scrutiny or rate increases. Some carriers limit their exposure to HOAs with reserves below certain thresholds.

What affects your Washington condo rate

• Age and condition of the building (older buildings pay more)
• HOA financial health and reserve adequacy (underfunded HOAs = higher rates)
• Building water damage history (one prior claim can trigger rate increases or underwriting restrictions)
• Personal property limit and improvements coverage (higher = higher premium)
• Building construction type (wood vs. concrete; concrete may lower rates)

How to lower your Washington condo rate

• Bundle condo with auto and umbrella for multi-policy discounts (15–20% common)
• Increase your deductible from $500 to $1,000
• Add a $25,000 loss assessment limit to protect against HOA deductible assessments
• Document improvements and renovations; list them on your policy
• Avoid filing small claims (even one water claim can double your future premium)

Why buy Washington condo insurance through Maru

Condo insurance is complex because it sits between you and the master policy, and many owners are left with confusing gaps. Maru ensures your HO-6 includes loss assessment coverage, confirms your improvements are properly scheduled, and helps you understand the master policy's deductible so you're not blindsided by an HOA assessment. We re-shop annually across our carrier network so your rate keeps pace with the market.

Frequently asked questions

Vadim — Maru Insurance
Licensed independent insurance agent · WA & FL
Written and reviewed by a licensed Maru advisor. Maru Insurance is an independent agency (WA License WAOIC #1365574, FL License #G363233) representing multiple A-rated carriers across Washington and Florida.