Condominium living is increasingly popular throughout New Hampshire. Condo ownership can offer convenience, community, and less exterior maintenance than traditional homes. At the same time, it introduces unique insurance considerations. Many condo owners are uncertain about what their condominium association’s master policy may or may not handle and what their personal condo insurance policy might typically address. Understanding the difference can help New Hampshire condo owners make informed decisions that fit both their lifestyle and budget.

Below is an in depth guide from Cunningham Associates Insurance, designed to help you navigate common questions about condo insurance and condominium insurance in New Hampshire. The following sections follow a question and answer format to keep everything clear and easy to digest.

What Is Condo Insurance And Why Might New Hampshire Owners Need It?

Condo insurance, also known as HO6 insurance or condominium insurance, is a personal policy that condo owners often purchase to help protect their individual unit and belongings. While most New Hampshire condominiums carry a master policy that addresses shared structures or common areas, such master policies may not extend to everything inside an owner’s unit. For this reason, many condo owners secure an HO6 policy that may fill gaps related to the interior of their home, personal property, and certain types of liability exposure.

New Hampshire condominium associations vary in how their master policies are written. Some may only focus on the building’s exterior components. Others may include limited interior elements. Because there is no single statewide standard, condo owners commonly review their association’s bylaws and then work with an independent agency like Cunningham Associates Insurance to identify where their personal policy may need to supplement what the master policy does not address.

What Parts Of The Unit Might Condo Insurance Address?

Condo insurance policies often focus on what is commonly called “unit improvements and betterments.” This may include elements inside the condo that the owner is responsible for under their association documents. Examples might be interior walls, flooring, fixtures, or other finishes that are specific to the unit rather than the building as a whole.

Since condominium master policies in New Hampshire can differ, the scope of what the personal policy may address can vary as well. Some HO6 policies might help with specified damage to interior components of the unit. Others might focus on upgrades or improvements the owner added that go beyond the builder grade components originally installed. Reviewing association documents and discussing options with a knowledgeable agent can help condo owners tailor coverage in a way that fits their specific condominium’s structure.

How Might Condo Insurance Help Protect Personal Property?

One of the most significant reasons New Hampshire residents choose to secure condo insurance is the protection it may offer for personal belongings. Items such as furniture, electronics, clothing, and décor are typically the responsibility of the individual unit owner rather than the condo association’s master policy.

A typical HO6 policy may outline limits for personal property and may also offer optional endorsements that broaden protection for specific items. Condo owners who have high value belongings, hobby equipment, or jewelry often explore additional scheduled coverage to help ensure those items are addressed in a way that meets their expectations. Because New Hampshire weather can be unpredictable and life events can occur without warning, many condo owners welcome the peace of mind that personal property coverage may bring.

How Could Liability Coverage Function Within A Condo Insurance Policy?

Many condo insurance policies include a liability component that may be designed to help address certain types of claims if someone is accidentally injured inside the unit or if the policyholder unintentionally causes damage to property belonging to others. Liability protection may be particularly important for condo owners because they share walls, utilities, and common spaces with neighbors. While no policy can prevent accidents, liability coverage may help mitigate the financial impact of unexpected incidents.

The amount of liability coverage a condo owner chooses may depend on their lifestyle, the size of their condo, and their personal financial situation. New Hampshire residents often benefit from discussing these factors with an independent agent who can help them understand typical coverage options available through condominium insurance policies.

What Is Loss Of Use And How Might It Apply To New Hampshire Condo Owners?

Loss of use is a feature that may appear in many HO6 condo insurance policies. It may help cover additional living expenses if the condo becomes uninhabitable due to a covered cause of loss. These expenses could include temporary lodging, meals, or other costs that go beyond normal daily living expenses.

For New Hampshire condo owners, particularly those living in areas where winter storms or other weather events are common, loss of use protection may offer valuable support if their unit is temporarily unavailable. Although no one anticipates being unable to live in their home, many residents prefer having a potential financial cushion in such situations.

How Does Condo Insurance Interact With The Master Policy?

One of the most important questions New Hampshire condo owners explore is how their personal HO6 policy works alongside the condominium association’s master insurance. The master policy typically focuses on common areas, shared structures, and general liability for the association. However, it may not extend to the interior of an individual unit or the personal belongings inside it.

Because of this, condo owners often review what their master policy outlines and then evaluate what their personal policy may need to address. Some condominium associations in New Hampshire operate under an “all in” approach, meaning the master policy may include certain interior fixtures. Others follow a “bare walls” approach that leaves nearly all interior components to the unit owner. Understanding the master policy is one of the most important steps in building the right personal condo insurance plan.

How Can New Hampshire Condo Owners Choose The Right Amount Of Coverage?

Selecting appropriate coverage amounts is rarely a one size fits all decision. Many New Hampshire condo owners start by inventorying their personal property to estimate the value of their belongings. Others assess the quality of their interior finishes and any upgrades they have made. Liability limits may be chosen based on personal comfort levels and potential exposure.

Working with an independent agency like Cunningham Associates Insurance allows condo owners to compare options from multiple insurance carriers. Having access to a broad range of choices can help ensure that the final policy reflects the owner’s needs, budget, and condominium association requirements.

How Can Cunningham Associates Insurance Help New Hampshire Condo Owners?

Cunningham Associates Insurance supports condo owners throughout New Hampshire by helping them understand the distinctions between the master policy and the personal HO6 policy. Our team offers guidance tailored to the details of each condominium community and the preferences of each owner. By asking the right questions and exploring available coverage options, we aim to help condo owners feel informed and confident in the insurance decisions they make.

If you own a condominium in New Hampshire and want help reviewing or selecting condo insurance or condominium insurance, Cunningham Associates Insurance is here to assist. Reach out today to discuss your unit, your association’s requirements, and the policy options that may fit your lifestyle.