Identify coverage gaps between your condo association's master policy and your HO-6 policy. Calculate how much additional coverage you need for your unit.
Your condo association's master policy and your individual HO-6 policy should work together to provide complete protection, but gaps are common. The master policy type — "bare walls," "single entity," or "all-in" — determines how much responsibility falls on you as the unit owner.
With a "bare walls" policy, you're responsible for everything inside your unit: drywall, flooring, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, and appliances. With an "all-in" policy, the master policy covers original interior components, and you only need to cover your personal upgrades and belongings.
This calculator helps you identify gaps based on your master policy type and unit improvements. These are educational estimates only — review your actual master policy documents with your insurance agent. Whether you are a beginner or experienced professional, this free online tool provides instant, reliable results without manual computation. By automating the calculation, you save time and reduce the risk of costly errors in your planning and decision-making process.
Coverage gaps between the master policy and your HO-6 can leave you exposed to tens of thousands in uninsured losses. This gap analyzer helps you identify what your master policy covers and what your individual policy needs to fill. Having a precise figure at your fingertips empowers better planning and more confident decisions.
If Bare Walls: Your Gap = Full Interior Restoration + Upgrades If Single Entity: Your Gap = Upgrades Only + Special Assessments If All-In: Your Gap = Upgrades Above Original Only Total Gap = Interior Gap + Personal Property + Liability
Result: $110,000 dwelling coverage gap + $35,000 personal property
With a bare walls master policy, you need to cover the full interior restoration ($80,000) plus upgrades ($30,000) = $110,000 in dwelling coverage. Plus $35,000 personal property. Total HO-6 coverage recommendation: $145,000+ with liability.
Bare walls covers only the building skeleton. Single entity covers original interior components as built. All-in covers everything including owner improvements. Your HO-6 needs decrease as the master policy coverage increases, but personal property and liability are always your responsibility.
The most dangerous gap is when owners assume the master policy covers their interior but it's actually bare walls. A kitchen fire could leave you with $50,000–$100,000 in uninsured interior restoration costs. Even with all-in policies, your upgrades and personal property need HO-6 coverage.
Bring your master policy declarations page to your insurance agent and review it together. They can identify exactly what gaps exist and recommend appropriate HO-6 coverage limits. This annual review costs nothing and can prevent catastrophic coverage gaps.
A bare walls policy covers only the building structure and common areas — essentially the concrete, framing, and exterior. Everything inside your unit (drywall, flooring, cabinets, fixtures, appliances) is your responsibility to insure through your HO-6 policy.
Single entity covers the building and original interior fixtures as built by the developer. All-in covers the same plus any unit owner improvements. Both are better than bare walls for unit owners, but all-in provides the most master policy coverage.
Ask your HOA or property manager for the master policy declarations page. This document states the policy type, coverage limits, and deductible. If they won't share it, your state may require them to provide it upon written request.
If a loss exceeds the master policy limits or falls below its deductible, the HOA can levy a special assessment on all unit owners. Your HO-6 loss assessment coverage pays your share. Standard limits are $1,000, but $25,000–$50,000 is recommended.
Some master policies have deductibles of $10,000–$50,000+. If a loss originates in your unit, the HOA may charge the master policy deductible to you. Your HO-6 policy's loss assessment coverage can help cover this cost.
Some overlap is acceptable and even recommended. Having your HO-6 cover some items also covered by the master policy ensures no gaps if there's a dispute about whose policy should pay. The cost of modest overlap is small.