How does an HO-6 policy differ from the condo's master policy?

Understanding the division of coverage between your condo association's master policy and your individual HO-6 policy is crucial for proper protection. The master policy insures the building structure, exterior walls, roof, common areas like hallways and lobbies, and shared amenities. Your HO-6 (condo insurance) protects the interior of your unit—walls, floors, fixtures, and any improvements you've made—along with your personal belongings and liability coverage. However, condo associations vary significantly in how they structure their master policies. Some are "all-in" policies that cover fixtures and built-in appliances, while others are "bare walls" (only structural elements) or "walls-in" (structural elements plus basic fixtures). We review your association's master policy declarations to identify exactly what's covered where, then tailor your condominium insurance policy to fill any gaps. This is especially important for interior finishes like upgraded flooring, custom cabinets, or renovated bathrooms that might not be covered by the master policy. We also ensure your Loss Assessment coverage is adequate for your share of master policy deductibles that could be passed through after a claim.

What is Loss Assessment coverage and how much do I need?

Loss assessment coverage pays your share of special assessments levied by your condo association—typically after a major claim exceeds the HOA's master policy coverage or deductible. If a covered loss affects common areas—roofs, hallways, amenities—the HOA may assess unit owners to cover the shortfall. Standard HO-6 policies include $1,000-2,000 in loss assessment coverage, but we recommend increasing to $25,000-50,000, especially for coastal Alabama and Georgia condos where hurricane deductibles on master policies can be substantial. A $10 million building with a 3% hurricane deductible means $300,000 the HOA must cover before insurance pays—and that gets assessed to unit owners. The cost to increase limits is minimal—often just a few dollars per month—but the protection is significant.

Are improvements and betterments covered by condo insurance?

Yes, absolutely. If you've made improvements or upgrades to your condo unit beyond what the association originally provided—such as upgraded flooring, renovated kitchens or bathrooms, custom built-ins, or improved fixtures—your unit owners insurance needs adequate coverage for those investments. Standard HO-6 policies typically include building property coverage, but the default limits may not be sufficient if you've significantly upgraded your unit. We can increase your building-property coverage limit specifically for these improvements and betterments. To ensure accurate coverage and smoother claims processing, keep receipts for major improvements, take photos before and after renovations, and maintain documentation of upgrade costs. This documentation proves the value of your improvements at claim time and helps us set appropriate coverage limits upfront.

How do I protect valuables like jewelry, bikes, or collectibles?

Standard HO-6 condo insurance policies include sub-limits for certain items. Scheduling valuables provides higher limits, broader causes of loss, and often no deductible for those items. Tell us what you own, and we'll price options for jewelry riders, fine art, instruments, or high-end bikes. This is especially important for AL and GA condo owners with valuable collections.

What information do you need for a condo insurance quote?

For a condominium insurance quote, we need your address, unit details (square footage, floor level), building age, any upgrades, protective devices, prior insurance, and any claims in the last 3–5 years. HOA documents that outline master policy coverage are ideal—we can often retrieve a summary if you don't have them handy. Having this information ready helps us provide accurate condo insurance quotes for AL and GA unit owners.

Does condo insurance cover water damage from an upstairs unit?

Yes, in most cases. If a pipe bursts in the unit above you or a neighbor's appliance leaks and damages your ceiling, walls, or belongings, your condo insurance covers your losses. You'd file a claim under your HO-6 policy for damage to your unit's interior and personal property. The upstairs neighbor's liability coverage (or the HOA's master policy, depending on where the leak originated) may ultimately be responsible, but your condominium insurance protects you first so you're not waiting on others to make repairs. Water damage between units is one of the most common condo claims in both Alabama and Georgia.

What if I rent out my condo as a vacation property?

If you rent out your condo—whether as a long-term rental or vacation property—a standard HO-6 policy may not provide adequate coverage for rental use. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach vacation condo owners in AL, and Tybee Island owners in GA, need landlord or dwelling fire policies that offer better protection for investment properties. Long-term rentals also have different coverage requirements. Ask about condo insurance specifically designed for rental/investment properties to ensure you're properly protected.

Condo Insurance Centre AL & Rome GA

What Does Condo Insurance Cover?

Building Property (Walls-In)

Protects the interior of your unit: drywall, paint, built-ins, cabinets, flooring, and fixtures you're responsible for under your condo documents. We'll confirm what the master policy covers so there's no overlap or gaps.

Betterments & Improvements

Upgrades you've added—premium flooring, custom cabinetry, or bathroom remodels—may exceed standard finishes. We can increase limits so your investment is protected at today's prices.

Personal Property

Covers belongings like furniture, clothing, and electronics. Choose Replacement Cost (RCV) to avoid depreciation; Actual Cash Value (ACV) reduces premium but pays less at claim time.

Loss of Use

Helps with temporary living costs if your unit is uninhabitable after a covered loss—hotel stays, short-term rentals, meals, and extra mileage.

Personal Liability

Protects you if a guest is injured or you accidentally damage someone else's property. Higher limits help safeguard wages and savings.

Medical Payments

Pays small medical bills for guests injured at your condo, regardless of fault—useful for minor incidents to avoid disputes.

Loss Assessment

Helps pay your share when the HOA assesses unit owners after a covered loss to common areas or for a deductible. We'll right-size this limit based on your HOA's master policy.

Popular Add-Ons

Water Backup (sump/sewer/drain), Scheduled Valuables (jewelry, art, collectibles), and Electronics or Bike endorsements where available. We'll model options so you can decide.

Master Policy Coordination

We request the condominium declarations and master policy summary to identify who covers what, then align your HO-6 to fill the gaps—especially for interior finishes, water damage, and master deductibles.

HO-6 Coverage at a Glance

Coverage	Plain-English Summary
Walls-in Building Property	The finishes and fixtures you insure inside the unit (drywall, cabinets, flooring, built-ins).
Betterments/Improvements	Upgrades you added—premium floors, custom kitchens or baths—above original specs.
Personal Property	Furniture, clothing, electronics—choose RCV to avoid depreciation at claim time.
Loss Assessment	Helps with your share if the HOA assesses unit owners after a covered loss or large deductible.
Liability & Med Pay	Injuries or property damage you're responsible for; Med Pay helps with small guest injuries.

How Much Does Condo Insurance Cost in Alabama vs Georgia?

Condo insurance is typically much more affordable than homeowners insurance because you're only covering the interior of your unit—not the entire building structure.

Alabama (AL)

$45-65/month

Slightly higher than the national average due to wind and hail exposure, especially in coastal areas like Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Hurricane deductibles on master policies can significantly affect loss assessment needs.

Georgia (GA)

$35-55/month

Atlanta metro condos vary based on building age and location. High-rise units in Midtown and Buckhead may see higher premiums, while suburban townhome-style condos in Gwinnett and Cobb counties typically cost less.

Factors Affecting Your Condo Insurance Rate

Location: Coastal AL condos (Gulf Shores, Orange Beach) and high-rise Atlanta units cost more

Building age: Older buildings may have higher premiums due to increased risk

Coverage amounts: Higher personal property and dwelling limits increase cost

Deductible choice: Choosing $1,000 vs $500 deductible lowers monthly premium

Master policy type: 'Bare walls' master policies require more HO-6 coverage than 'all-in' policies

Loss assessment limits: Higher limits add modest cost but significant protection

Floor level: Ground-floor (water/break-in risk) or top floors (roof exposure) may cost more

Bundling: Adding auto to your condo policy saves 15-25% on both

Understanding Your HOA's Master Policy

Before purchasing condo insurance, you need to understand what your condo association's master policy covers—and more importantly, what it doesn't.

Bare Walls-In

Most Common

The HOA's policy covers only the building structure—exterior walls, roof, hallways, elevators. Everything inside your unit (drywall, flooring, cabinets, fixtures, appliances) is YOUR responsibility. You need robust HO-6 coverage for interior finishes and improvements.

Single Entity

Moderate Coverage

The HOA's policy covers the building structure plus original interior finishes as built. If you've made upgrades (new flooring, custom cabinets, renovated bathrooms), those improvements are YOUR responsibility under your condominium insurance.

All-In (All-Inclusive)

Most Comprehensive

The HOA's policy covers building structure plus all interior fixtures, even upgrades. This is the most comprehensive master policy but still doesn't cover your personal belongings, liability, or loss of use. You still need condo insurance.

How to Find Out Your Master Policy Type

Request a copy of your HOA's master policy or certificate of insurance. Look for the coverage type and—critically—the master policy deductible. If the HOA has a $25,000 or $50,000 deductible, unit owners may be assessed their share of that deductible after a major claim. That's where loss assessment coverage in your unit owners insurance becomes essential.

Loss Assessment Coverage — Don't Skip This

Loss assessment coverage is one of the most overlooked—and most important—parts of condo insurance in Alabama and Georgia.

Real-World Example

A storm damages your condo building's roof. The repair costs $200,000, but the HOA's master policy has a $50,000 wind/hail deductible. The HOA assesses all 50 unit owners $1,000 each to cover the deductible.

Your loss assessment coverage pays your $1,000 share.

How Much Do You Need?

Check your HOA's master policy deductible
Standard HO-6 policies include $1,000-2,000
We recommend $25,000-50,000 if your HOA has a high deductible
Cost to increase: often just a few dollars per month

Coastal AL & GA Warning

Alabama's Gulf Coast condos and Georgia's coastal properties face particular risk given hurricane deductibles on master policies, which can be 2-5% of the building's insured value. A $10 million building with a 3% hurricane deductible means $300,000 the HOA must cover before insurance pays—and that gets assessed to unit owners. This is why adequate loss assessment coverage is critical for Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Savannah, and Tybee Island condo owners.

Condo Insurance for Alabama & Georgia Markets

Atlanta Metro Condos

Atlanta's condo market includes everything from Midtown high-rises to Buckhead luxury units to suburban townhome-style condos in Gwinnett and Cobb counties.

• Building age affects rates (older = higher premiums)
• Water damage from upstairs units is a common claim
• Verify your building's master policy type before purchasing

Gulf Coast Vacation Condos

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, AL

Alabama's coastal condos face unique insurance challenges:

• Hurricane deductibles apply (typically 2-5% of dwelling)
• Flood insurance often required and always recommended
• Vacation rentals may need landlord/dwelling policy instead of HO-6
• Wind/hail deductibles are percentage-based

Savannah & Coastal Georgia

Historic District & Tybee Island

Historic district condos in Savannah and beach condos on Tybee Island have similar coastal considerations:

• Named storm deductibles may apply
• Flood zones affect both requirements and costs
• Older historic buildings may need specialized coverage

Urban Condos (Birmingham, Huntsville)

Alabama's Growing Markets

Alabama's growing urban condo markets typically have straightforward insurance needs:

• Standard HO-6 coverage with attention to master policy type
• Adequate personal property limits for your belongings
• Consider Water Backup coverage for lower-level units

Whether you own a beach condo in Gulf Shores, a high-rise in Buckhead, or a townhome-style condo in Rome, we'll match your condominium insurance coverage to your specific situation.

What Weather Risks Affect Condo Owners?

Across Alabama and Georgia, severe thunderstorms, tornado tracks, and occasional tropical remnants can drive wind and water losses. In multi-story buildings, small leaks can turn into large losses as water travels between units. That's why walls-in coverage, Loss Assessment, and thoughtful deductibles matter. We'll verify how the master policy treats wind/hail and whether special deductibles apply—then size your HO-6 condo insurance to play well with it.

Water & Backup Coverage

Consider Water Backup if you have lower-level plumbing or stack risers nearby. Water damage between units is one of the most common condo claims in both AL and GA.

RCV vs ACV on Personal Property

Replacement Cost Value (RCV) on personal property pays better after a loss; Actual Cash Value (ACV) saves on condo insurance premium but pays less at claim time.

Master Deductible Risk

Higher HOA deductibles can trigger assessments after claims—boost your Loss Assessment coverage accordingly, especially for coastal Alabama and Georgia condos.

Condo Markets Across Alabama and Georgia

Condo insurance (HO-6) needs vary dramatically across our service territory based on each county's condo market maturity, construction types, and master policy landscapes. Jefferson County features Alabama's most robust condo market, concentrated in Birmingham's revitalized downtown and Southside districts. Highland Park, Lakeview, and downtown Birmingham offer loft conversions in historic early-20th-century brick warehouses alongside new mid-rise developments. These older conversions present unique challenges—master policies may carry high deductibles, and interior build-outs in loft spaces can be costly to insure given exposed brick, timber beams, and high ceilings requiring specialized replacement cost calculations.

Suburban Jefferson County (Hoover, Homewood) features townhome-style condos in mixed-use developments. A critical local consideration: tornado insurance coordination with HOA master policies. The April 2011 tornado outbreak taught Jefferson County condo associations hard lessons about wind/hail deductibles—many now carry 2-5% named-storm deductibles that could trigger special assessments, making loss assessment coverage essential for unit owners. Birmingham's condo market is mature enough that insurance agencies routinely review master policy declarations to identify coverage gaps.

Tuscaloosa County's condo market revolves around the University of Alabama. High-rise student condos near campus (complexes like "The Chimes") cater to parents and investors buying units for student housing. These see heavy turnover and sometimes elevated claims—water damage from tenant mishaps, fire risk from cooking incidents, and liability concerns from student parties. Downtown Tuscaloosa and Riverwalk luxury condos serve retirees and professionals, many in converted historic buildings requiring careful valuation. Short-term "game-day condos" used only during football season need specific policy provisions for vacancy and occasional rental use.

Fulton County (Atlanta) dominates Georgia's condo market. High-rise condos in Midtown, Buckhead, and Downtown Atlanta often sit in buildings with extensive amenities—doormen, pools, fitness centers—where HOA master policies cover exteriors and common areas but leave owners responsible for unit interiors, personal property, and loss assessment coverage. Historic building conversions in Old Fourth Ward and West End feature exposed brick and timber that drive up interior replacement costs. Suburban Fulton (Sandy Springs, Johns Creek) offers garden-style complexes where shared attic spaces create fire spread risk, sometimes resulting in higher premiums if the complex has prior claims history.

Gwinnett County features predominantly townhome and garden-style condos rather than high-rises. These often serve as starter homes for young professionals working in Atlanta but seeking affordable alternatives to Fulton County. Master policies typically cover roofs and exteriors, but hailstorm damage (Gwinnett sees hail a couple times annually) can trigger HOA special assessments if deductibles are high. Cobb County mirrors Gwinnett's townhome-heavy market with added presence around Marietta's revitalized downtown.

Floyd County (Rome) has limited condo presence—a few downtown loft conversions and small complexes near Berry College. Cherokee County barely has a condo market—housing is 75.9% single-family with only 7.4% multifamily units (mostly apartments). The few lakeside condos near Weiss Lake function more as vacation properties than primary residences. Etowah, Tuscaloosa (outside the university area), DeKalb, and Bartow counties all fall somewhere in between—modest condo markets serving specific niches rather than being primary housing forms.

ZIP code specifics reveal condo insurance nuances. Birmingham's 35242 (Hoover) includes several upscale townhome communities where master HOA policies typically carry adequate coverage, but owners should verify wind/hail deductible structures—Jefferson County's tornado history means prudent HOAs maintain 1% or lower wind deductibles, while under-insured associations might carry 5% deductibles that could devastate unit owners through special assessments after a severe storm. Interior replacement costs in these newer (1990s-2010s) townhomes typically run $80-$120 per square foot.

35215 (northeast Birmingham) features limited condo stock—mostly smaller apartment-style conversions where master policies may be minimal and owners need robust HO-6 coverage for interiors and contents. 35173 (Trussville) has growing townhome developments where HOAs are relatively new—reviewing master policy details is critical as some young associations haven't yet optimized coverage.

Georgia's 30044 and 30043 (Lawrenceville area) contain numerous townhome communities built during Gwinnett's 1990s-2000s growth boom. These typically feature master policies through large HOA management companies, though hail damage claims can strain association reserves. Loss assessment coverage limits of $50,000-$100,000 are recommended given potential roof replacement costs across 100+ unit complexes. Interior coverage needs usually run $60-$100 per square foot depending on finishes.

Atlanta's 30349 (College Park/airport area) has limited condo stock but what exists tends toward older buildings where master policy adequacy varies widely. Higher property crime in this ZIP code makes theft coverage and liability limits more important. 30161 (Rome) features a handful of downtown lofts and small complexes where the condo market is still developing—owners here may find themselves educating HOAs about proper insurance structures rather than inheriting well-established master policies. 30120 (Cartersville) has growing townhome communities along the I-75 corridor where newer construction and proactive HOA management typically mean well-structured master coverage.

35960 (Centre in Cherokee County) has virtually no condo presence—the few units that exist are typically lakeside properties near Weiss Lake functioning as vacation condos. These present unique considerations: seasonal occupancy, HOAs that may be informal, and the need for comprehensive coverage given property sits empty much of the year. Across all locations, condo owners should request master policy declarations from their HOA before finalizing HO-6 coverage. Key elements to verify: building coverage limits (are they adequate for full replacement?), wind/hail deductible structure (1-2% is manageable, 5%+ is problematic), what's covered under "all-in" vs. "bare walls-in" master policies, and whether flood insurance is carried (relevant for properties near Chattahoochee River in Fulton/Gwinnett or Coosa River in Etowah/Floyd counties).

How Can AL & GA Condo Owners Save on Insurance?

Bundle home/condo & auto

One account, fewer headaches, and meaningful multi-policy savings. We'll price it both ways so you can decide.

Newer construction & updates

Fire sprinklers, monitored alarms, and recent plumbing/electrical updates can improve insurability and pricing.

Protective devices

Monitored security, smoke/CO detection, water leak sensors and shut-off valves may qualify for credits.

Autopay & paperless

Set-and-forget billing helps avoid lapses and can trim premium while keeping documents organized.

How Condo Claims Typically Work

1

Check Safety First

Make sure everyone is safe and call 911 if needed.

2

Limit Further Damage

Shut off water/power if safe; save receipts for emergency work.

3

Document Everything

Photos/video of affected areas and a list of damaged items.

4

Call Our Office

We'll help open the claim and coordinate with the HOA if needed.

5

Repair & Follow-Up

Arrange estimates and repairs; we'll track progress to settlement.

Condo Insurance Questions We Answer Every Day

What Our Clients Say

"Crystal was very patient and polite with me as a new policy holder. I have had insurance for many years and I have learned more from Crystal in 2 months than over this long life time. She explains in details how insurance works. Again thank you Crystal."

Priscilla J.

Rome, GA

"The agency's customer service is excellent. Kathy Sewell consistently goes above and beyond."

Theresa S.

Rome, GA

"Professional and quick to respond. I've been with other agencies but this one is top notch. Kimberly Fletcher is so friendly. Highly recommend the agency."

Lloyd N.

Centre, AL

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Condo Insurance Across AL & GA

We provide condo insurance across Alabama — including Jefferson County (Birmingham), Mobile County, Baldwin County (Gulf Shores, Orange Beach), Madison County (Huntsville), and Cherokee County (Centre) — as well as Georgia communities in Fulton County (Atlanta, Buckhead, Midtown), Gwinnett County (Lawrenceville), DeKalb County (Decatur), Cobb County (Marietta), Floyd County (Rome), and Chatham County (Savannah, Tybee Island).

Our condominium insurance coverage extends to ZIP codes including 35203, 35205 (Birmingham), 36561 (Gulf Shores), 36608 (Mobile), 30308, 30309 (Midtown Atlanta), 30305 (Buckhead), 30030 (Decatur), 30161 (Rome), 31401 (Savannah), and condo communities throughout AL and GA.

Don't see your city? Contact us — we serve all of AL and GA with condo insurance coverage.

Have Questions About HO-6 Coverage?

Call a local agent today to discuss your condo insurance needs.

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Or call us:(256) 927-6287|(706) 784-6511

Licensed in AL & GAHablamos EspañolFamily Owned100+ Years Combined Experience

What Does Condo Insurance Cover?

Building Property (Walls-In)

Betterments & Improvements

Personal Property

Loss of Use

Personal Liability

Medical Payments

Loss Assessment

Popular Add-Ons

Master Policy Coordination

HO-6 Coverage at a Glance

How Much Does Condo Insurance Cost in Alabama vs Georgia?

Alabama (AL)

Georgia (GA)

Factors Affecting Your Condo Insurance Rate

Understanding Your HOA's Master Policy

Bare Walls-In

Single Entity

All-In (All-Inclusive)

How to Find Out Your Master Policy Type

Loss Assessment Coverage — Don't Skip This

Real-World Example

How Much Do You Need?

Coastal AL & GA Warning

Condo Insurance for Alabama & Georgia Markets

Atlanta Metro Condos

Gulf Coast Vacation Condos

Savannah & Coastal Georgia

Urban Condos (Birmingham, Huntsville)

What Weather Risks Affect Condo Owners?

Water & Backup Coverage

RCV vs ACV on Personal Property

Master Deductible Risk

Condo Markets Across Alabama and Georgia

How Can AL & GA Condo Owners Save on Insurance?

Bundle home/condo & auto

Newer construction & updates

Protective devices

Autopay & paperless

How Condo Claims Typically Work

Check Safety First

Limit Further Damage

Document Everything

Call Our Office

Repair & Follow-Up

Condo Insurance Questions We Answer Every Day

How does an HO-6 policy differ from the condo's master policy?

How much does condo insurance cost in Alabama vs Georgia?

What is Loss Assessment coverage and how much do I need?

Are improvements and betterments covered by condo insurance?

How do I protect valuables like jewelry, bikes, or collectibles?

What information do you need for a condo insurance quote?

Does condo insurance cover water damage from an upstairs unit?

What if I rent out my condo as a vacation property?

Learn More About Condo Insurance

What Our Clients Say

Complete Your Coverage

Auto Insurance

Home Insurance

Mobile Home Insurance

Renters Insurance

Life Insurance

Motorcycle Insurance

Boat Insurance

ATV/UTV Insurance

Condo Insurance Across AL & GA

Alabama (AL)

Georgia (GA)

Have Questions About HO-6 Coverage?