Who is responsible for insurance on a condo — the unit owner or the HOA?

Both carry insurance. The HOA's master policy typically covers the building structure, roof, exterior walls, and common elements such as hallways, lobbies, and shared plumbing. The unit owner's HO-6 policy covers interior improvements, personal property, and fixtures within the unit's boundaries. Florida Statute 718 (the Condominium Act) and the association's declaration of condominium define where the HOA's responsibility ends and the unit owner's begins. When damage crosses that boundary — such as a roof leak causing interior unit damage — both policies may apply.

What happens when condo water damage affects both the unit and common elements?

When damage originates in a common element (like the roof or shared plumbing) and extends into a unit, it creates a dual-policy situation. The HOA's master policy should cover repairs to the common elements and any damage within its scope of coverage. The unit owner's HO-6 policy covers the interior improvements and personal property. A public adjuster experienced with condo claims can determine the correct boundary, file separate claims against each policy, and coordinate documentation so that nothing falls through the gap between the two carriers.

Can a condo unit owner file a claim against the HOA's master insurance policy?

The unit owner typically cannot file directly against the HOA's master policy — the HOA or its property manager initiates that claim. However, unit owners have the right under Florida Statute 718 to request that the HOA file a claim on the master policy when common element damage affects their unit. A public adjuster can work with both the unit owner and the HOA board to ensure that the master policy claim is filed, properly documented, and includes all damage within its coverage scope.

How long does an insurance carrier have to respond to a condo claim in Florida?

Under Florida law, an insurance carrier has 60 days from the date a claim is filed to investigate and provide a coverage determination — whether the claim is approved, partially approved, or denied. This applies to both the unit owner's HO-6 carrier and the HOA's master policy carrier. If a carrier fails to meet this deadline, the policyholder may file a complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS). Prompt claim filing and thorough documentation help keep the process within these timelines.

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Case Study

Condo/HOA Dual Policy Claim: $8,900 to $167,200

St. Petersburg, FL — Water intrusion from a roof leak affected a 4th floor condo unit and common elements. The unit owner’s carrier offered $8,900. Care Claims coordinated recovery across both the unit and HOA master policies — $167,200 total recovered in 71 days.

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Carrier Offered

$8,900

We Recovered

$167,200

71 days days to settle

$0 upfront

What Happened

What Care Claims Did

Timeline

1
Day 1 — Engagement & Boundary Survey
Unit owner signed Letter of Representation. Care Claims reviewed the declaration of condominium and building plans to establish the legal boundary between unit and common element responsibility.
2
Days 2-8 — Comprehensive Loss Inspection
Full property inspection with thermal imaging and moisture mapping. All damage documented and categorized by policy responsibility. Two separate loss scopes prepared.
3
Days 10-15 — FL Statute 718 Analysis & Dual Filing
Statutory analysis completed. Supplemental claim filed with unit owner’s carrier. HOA master policy claim coordinated with board and property manager.
4
Days 20-50 — Dual-Carrier Negotiation
Parallel negotiations with both carriers. Boundary determination and statutory references presented to counter each carrier’s cost-shifting attempts.
5
Day 71 — Dual Settlement Reached
Both carriers agreed to settle. Unit policy: $41,200. HOA master policy: $126,000. Total recovered: $167,200.

More Case Studies

Denial Overturned

Denied Wind Claim: $0 to $52,300

Hurricane wind damage denied as “wear and tear.” Care Claims proved storm causation with NOAA data.

607% Increase

Hurricane Damage: $12,400 to $87,600

Category 2 hurricane. Carrier missed full roof system damage and secondary water intrusion.

Results vary. Past performance does not guarantee future outcomes. Case details anonymized for client privacy. All claims outcomes depend on policy terms, damage scope, and carrier cooperation. Public adjuster fees are typically 10-20% of settlement, per FL Statute 626.854.

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Condo/HOA Dual Policy Claim: $8,900 to $167,200

What Happened

What Care Claims Did

Timeline

Day 1 — Engagement & Boundary Survey

Days 2-8 — Comprehensive Loss Inspection

Days 10-15 — FL Statute 718 Analysis & Dual Filing

Days 20-50 — Dual-Carrier Negotiation

Day 71 — Dual Settlement Reached

More Case Studies

Denied Wind Claim: $0 to $52,300

Hurricane Damage: $12,400 to $87,600

Condo or HOA Claim Issue?

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