Walls-In Insurance: How it Works

Walls-in insurance coverage typically includes protection for the built-in fixtures within a condo unit, such as cabinets and plumbing, but it does not cover the unit owner’s personal belongings or upgrades.

What is Walls-In Insurance?

Walls-in insurance, also known as a single entity or studs-in coverage, protects a condo building from the outer walls to the interior walls of each unit. It covers fixtures inside the unit but not changes, appliances, or personal items. Those need to be covered by the condo owner’s own insurance (HO6 policy).

This type of insurance is bought by the condo or homeowners association to meet their insurance needs for the building. The HOA has three options for insuring a building.

What Does Walls-In Insurance Cover

Walls-in insurance, also known as HO-6 insurance, is a type of condo insurance that covers:

Everything inside your condo unit from the walls inward
Attached fixtures and appliances
Personal property and belongings
Renovations you’ve made to your condo unit
Personal liability
Loss of use
Cost of living expenses if you are displaced from your condo

This type of insurance is often confused with a type of HOA master insurance policy that covers the exterior structure of the condo building and common areas, and sometimes the interior of each unit, including attached fixtures like cabinets and countertops.

What It Doesn’t Cover

Walls-in insurance typically does not cover:

Exterior structures, such as the building’s roof, walls, and foundation (these are usually covered by the HOA’s master policy)
Damage caused by flooding, earthquakes, or maintenance-related issues
High-value items like jewellery, art, or collectables (these may require separate coverage)
Damage caused by intentional acts or negligence
Liability for injuries or property damage outside the condo unit
Upgrades or improvements made to the building’s common areas
Replacement of the entire building or complex

Keep in mind that the specific exclusions may vary depending on the insurance provider and policy terms. It’s essential to review your policy documents and consult with your insurance agent to understand what is not covered by your walls-in insurance policy.

How Much Does Walls-In Insurance Cost

The cost of walls-in coverage can vary depending on several factors such as location, coverage needs, and claims history:

Personal condo insurance: usually between $30 and $60 monthly.
HOA walls-in insurance: usually between $50 to $100 a month, divided equally among residents and taken out of their monthly HOA dues.
The average cost of condo insurance: is $43 per month, with rates ranging from $22 to $83 depending on the state.

Companies That Offer Walls-In Insurance

Here are the names of companies that offer walls-in insurance:

Kin Insurance
Berry Insurance
GEICO
Progressive
Covered
State Farm
Allstate
Liberty Mutual
USAA

These Insurance companies’ options are only a few, but there are many other companies that offer wall-in coverage. It’s really important to carefully look into and compare different policies. Then, find the one that fits your needs the best.

Conclusion

Walls-in insurance is an essential protection for condo owners, providing financial security and peace of mind. By understanding what it covers, how it differs from HOA coverage, and how to customize your policy, you can ensure that your investment is safeguarded.

Don’t leave your condo’s interior and belongings to chance – consider walls-in coverage today and enjoy the comfort of knowing you’re fully protected.