If you have recently purchased a condo, your next step is to look at getting condo insurance. This is fairly straightforward, but you may want to keep a few things in mind that can help you get the best rates, while enjoying the most comprehensive coverage possible.
A condo complex will usually have insurance through the condominium corporation and you may think that you are covered by that. This is definitely not the case. The insurance held by the corporation will not cover the contents of your condo. Only the items which are owned by the condo corporation are covered by the condo corporation policy.
If you have purchased upgrades for your condominium, such as improvements to flooring in the kitchen and bathroom, you will need a policy to cover that. These upgrades can amount to a large sum of money, so you definitely want to protect your investment. You will also need to make sure that your condo insurance policy will also cover the contents of your condo. This will ensure that items such as clothing, electronics, and furniture are protected in the event that there is a fire or other damage.
You will need to ask your corporation some questions as well, in order to find out what your unit holder responsibilities are. This will enable you to select a condo insurance policy that will mesh well and allow you to meet your responsibilities should your unit or building become damaged. You will also need to ask the corporation what the minimum amount of coverage required is. This is part of your obligations as a unit holder, as some buildings may require you to have higher coverage than others. Because a condo corporation has the right to pass by-laws that govern its unit holders, you are forced to abide by any decisions regarding your insurance policy and coverage that the corporation has set out.
When you are discussing your condo insurance with your insurance company, you should find out how your policy differs from a homeowners policy. One difference you may notice is the distance from the property that personal injury claims are covered. If you own a home incorporates some property, a homeowners policy will generally cover personal injury claims that occur on that property. But if you live in a condo complex, your needs are different. Many condo insurance claims will only cover personal injury claims that take place up to one hundred and fifty feet from your door.
Another question that you might want to ask your condo corporation is who is covering their portion of the insurance. You may find that you can get a deal if you also sign on with this company. If you do so, this can help make sure that your coverage is seamless and there are no gaps between the corporation’s coverage and your own. If you do not choose to go with the same company, see if you can get a copy of the policy so that you can show it to your own company. This will ensure that there are no gaps or missed areas.
As you can see, condo insurance coverage can be somewhat more complex than a regular homeowner’s policy. You may have options as to your coverage and the details of your policy, such as a higher or lower deductible. Make sure that you are getting a policy specifically designed for a condo living situation so that you know your coverage is up to date and comprehensive enough to cover you properly.
By asking the right questions in the right areas, you can make sure that you are getting the best condo insurance policy to cover you and your items. With luck, you will never need it. But in the event that you do, the last thing you want is to discover that there are problems or gaps that leave you out in the co
About the author: Ken Henry has some great suggestions on finding the solutions to your insurance questions. Get homeowners insurance rates from the best companies, plus save big money on auto and homeowners insurance
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