President Liz on Condo Insurance
As you have probably noticed by now there was a significant increase in our yearly budget partly due to our increased costs for insurance. Insurance is an important topic for us since the condo's policies, as are yours, are specific in what they cover. Here are some examples of who is responsible in the following situations:
Q. A thief breaks in and steals a smartphone from your unit. Who pays for a replacement?
A. The unit owner's homeowner's insurance pays unless the Association was negligent in providing security.
Q. A delivery person slips on the icy entrance to your building and is hurt. Who pays the claim?
A. It's possible that both you and the Association could be sued for the accident. It’s a reason adequate personal liability coverage is a must.
Q. The stream behind your building overflows and water damages your unit. Who pays?
A. To be reimbursed for a loss by flooding you must have a flood insurance policy.
Q. An electrical fire or water leakage in the attic causes extensive damage to your unit, other units and the building itself. While repairs are underway displaced unit owners have additional living expenses. Who is responsible?
A. Usually, both the unit owner's insurance company, the other damaged units’ companies, and the condo's insurance company will work together to settle the claims. It is complex and time consuming.
Q. A unit owner crashes his car into another car on condo property or into a condo garage causing extensive damage. Is this covered by the car owner's homeowner’s policy?
A. The answer is no. Damage caused by a car is covered by the car owner's auto policy.
These are just a few examples of what type of insurance and who's insurance covers some categories of losses. Obviously, having insurance of the right type and enough of it is an extremely important consideration in condo living. It should be discussed with your insurance agent who can also inquire about the Association’s coverage and design proper protection for your situation.
Q. A thief breaks in and steals a smartphone from your unit. Who pays for a replacement?
A. The unit owner's homeowner's insurance pays unless the Association was negligent in providing security.
Q. A delivery person slips on the icy entrance to your building and is hurt. Who pays the claim?
A. It's possible that both you and the Association could be sued for the accident. It’s a reason adequate personal liability coverage is a must.
Q. The stream behind your building overflows and water damages your unit. Who pays?
A. To be reimbursed for a loss by flooding you must have a flood insurance policy.
Q. An electrical fire or water leakage in the attic causes extensive damage to your unit, other units and the building itself. While repairs are underway displaced unit owners have additional living expenses. Who is responsible?
A. Usually, both the unit owner's insurance company, the other damaged units’ companies, and the condo's insurance company will work together to settle the claims. It is complex and time consuming.
Q. A unit owner crashes his car into another car on condo property or into a condo garage causing extensive damage. Is this covered by the car owner's homeowner’s policy?
A. The answer is no. Damage caused by a car is covered by the car owner's auto policy.
These are just a few examples of what type of insurance and who's insurance covers some categories of losses. Obviously, having insurance of the right type and enough of it is an extremely important consideration in condo living. It should be discussed with your insurance agent who can also inquire about the Association’s coverage and design proper protection for your situation.