What Is an HOA Master Policy and What Does It Cover?

An HOA master policy is the insurance a homeowners or condo association buys to protect shared buildings and common areas, funded through the dues every owner pays. It typically covers the structure's exterior, roofs, hallways, elevators, and amenities — but it stops at the walls of your individual unit. That is why condo and townhome owners still need their own HO-6 policy.

What does an HOA master policy cover?

The master policy protects property the whole community shares. Depending on its type, that usually includes:

• Building exteriors and roofs of the condo or townhome structures.
• Common areas like lobbies, hallways, stairwells, and elevators.
• Shared amenities such as pools, clubhouses, and parking structures.
• General liability for accidents that happen in common spaces.
• The physical structure of your unit in some cases, depending on the policy type.

What does it not cover?

The master policy almost never reaches inside your home. It generally excludes:

• Your personal belongings — furniture, electronics, and clothing.
• Interior upgrades like flooring, cabinets, and fixtures, depending on the policy type.
• Your personal liability for injuries inside your unit.
• Loss of use if you are forced to live elsewhere during repairs.

Bare walls vs. all-in master policies

HOA master policies come in two main flavors, and the difference determines how much personal coverage you need:

1. Bare walls-in: covers only the building's structure and shared elements, leaving everything from the studs inward — drywall, flooring, fixtures — up to you.
2. All-in (or all-inclusive): covers the original fixtures and finishes inside your unit, so your personal policy mainly handles upgrades and belongings.

Always read your HOA's declaration page or bylaws to learn which type you have. It directly affects how much HO-6 coverage you should buy.

Why you still need your own condo policy

An HO-6 condo policy fills the gap between where the master policy ends and your responsibilities begin. It covers your belongings, interior improvements, personal liability, and loss of use. Many policies also include loss-assessment coverage, which helps pay your share if the association levies a special assessment after a large claim that exceeds the master policy's limits.

How Truvo helps condo owners get the right fit

Matching an HO-6 policy to your specific HOA master policy is tricky, and gaps are easy to miss. Truvo is an AI-native insurance broker that compares condo quotes from multiple carriers at once and connects you with a licensed advisor who reviews your association's coverage to pinpoint exactly what you need — without bombarding you with spam calls afterward.