If you own a condo in Florida, you’re probably all too familiar with the devastation that hurricanes and floods can cause.
FLORIDA CONDO INSURANCE & WATER DAMAGE
Each year, these severe weather events wreak havoc on homes and businesses across the state. If your condo is damaged by water, you may be wondering if your homeowner association's (HOA) insurance policy will cover the repairs.
The answer to this question depends on the specifics of your policy. In general, condo insurance will cover water damage as long as it is a listed peril in your policy. However, it’s essential to remember that condo insurance will not cover damages due to flooding.
If you have any questions about what your master condo association policy covers, be sure to contact your HOA for more information. In the meantime, let’s break down what condo insurance is, along with what’s covered and what’s not when it comes to water damage.
CONDO INSURANCE
Your unit includes the walls, floors, ceilings, and other physical structures within your four walls. Your association typically owns the property and common areas like lobbies, hallways, stairwells, pools, and fitness centers.
You’re responsible for insuring your unit, and the condo association is responsible for insuring the common areas as well as the building itself.
Your Condo Association Master insurance policy won’t cover any damage from the walls-in or your personal belongings. Most condo owners are responsible for paint, wallpaper, ceiling fans, light fixtures, kitchen and bathrooms and flooring. So if you live in a condo or co-op, be sure to purchase a condo insurance policy to protect yourself from risks that your condo association’s policy does not cover.
What Water Damage is Covered Under Condo Insurance?
Water damage is one of the most common incidents that occur in condos. Luckily, most condo insurance policies will cover water damage as long as it’s caused by an event that’s listed in the policy.
Some of the most common events normally covered by condo insurance include burst pipes and water leaks. If a pipe bursts in your unit, your condo insurance will typically cover the damage as long as it’s accidental. To prevent burst pipes, it’s essential to have a home service professional come in for routine maintenance.
Your condo insurance may also cover the damage if water leaks through the roof and into your unit. To prevent water leaks, regularly check for signs of water damage and repair any leaks as soon as possible.
Mold is another common issue that can be caused by water damage. If mold forms in your unit due to water damage, your condo insurance will typically cover the cost of removal. To prevent mold growth, it’s essential to dry any wet areas within 24-48 hours and monitor for signs of mold growth.
By understanding what’s covered by your condo insurance policy, you can be better prepared in the event of water damage.
What Water Damage is Excluded in Condo and Homeowners Insurance?
Condo insurance doesn’t cover water damage due to flooding.
It's also a great idea to have flood insurance. According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. In fact, they occur in every state and can happen at any time of year.
While some floods are caused by heavy rains or melting snow, others are the result of overflowing rivers or coastal storms. No matter the cause, floods can have devastating consequences, causing damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
The good news is that you can purchase flood insurance to help protect yourself from financial loss. Flood insurance policies are available for both residential and commercial properties and they can provide valuable peace of mind in the event of a flood. If you live in an area that is at risk of flooding (like Florida!), be sure to contact your insurance agent to learn more about your options.
Condo insurance can be tricky, but it's essential to have the proper protection in case something happens. By understanding what your condo association's policy covers and what you need to cover on your own, you can ensure that you're fully protected in the event of an incident.
Don't forget to read through your coverage options and contact your agent if you have any questions. With the right policy in place, you can relax knowing that you're covered in the event of any water damage.
If you need help finding the best condo insurance coverage for the best price, start by speaking to a SimplyIOA agent at 833.872.4467 or get a condo insurance quote online now.
