Insurance for a Co-Op

Q: Is there specific co-op insurance?

Co-ops are covered with a condo insurance policy , and not a specific "co-op" policy. The types of coverages available vary by insurer, condo policy, and the master policy, but available coverages may include: Dwelling : Dwelling coverage covers everything from items such as alterations, appliances, and the drywall in if a covered event damages your co-op unit. Personal property : Personal property coverage pays to repair or replace your belongings such as furniture and clothing up to your policy's limit and minus your deductible. Liability : If you're liable for someone's injuries or damages to their property, personal liability coverage may help cover your assets if you're sued. Loss of use : If you can't stay in your unit while it's being repaired or replaced, loss of use coverage may help pay for living expenses, such as food and lodging, above what you normally spend. Loss assessment : If there's an accident in common areas of the co-op, loss assessment coverage may help pay for damages that exceed your condo association's master policy limit, up to your policy's limit.

Insurance for a co-op

A condo insurance policy may also cover a co-op. The difference between a condo and a co-op lies in the ownership structure. Condo owners own a unit within the building while co-op owners own shares of the building and lease the unit they live in. The co-op management board is responsible for insuring the exterior of the building and common areas.

Is there specific co-op insurance?

Co-ops are covered with a condo insurance policy, and not a specific "co-op" policy. The types of coverages available vary by insurer, condo policy, and the master policy, but available coverages may include:

Dwelling: Dwelling coverage covers everything from items such as alterations, appliances, and the drywall in if a covered event damages your co-op unit.
Personal property: Personal property coverage pays to repair or replace your belongings such as furniture and clothing up to your policy's limit and minus your deductible.
Liability: If you're liable for someone's injuries or damages to their property, personal liability coverage may help cover your assets if you're sued.
Loss of use: If you can't stay in your unit while it's being repaired or replaced, loss of use coverage may help pay for living expenses, such as food and lodging, above what you normally spend.
Loss assessment: If there's an accident in common areas of the co-op, loss assessment coverage may help pay for damages that exceed your condo association's master policy limit, up to your policy's limit.

How does insuring a co-op work?

When you buy into a co-op, you normally pay maintenance or association fees. The co-op management board may use a part of those fees to buy a master insurance policy. Before buying insurance for your co-op it's important to understand what the board's master policy does and doesn't cover, so you can get the protection you need.

What the board’s master policy may cover

In general, the master policy typically covers:

The exterior of the building
The grounds
The common areas all residents share

What the board’s master policy won’t cover

Master policies won’t pay to repair or replace personal property. Master policies also typically won't cover upgrades to structural components that are damaged. If you remodel your kitchen and install quartz countertops and marble floors, for example, the co-op's master policy likely won't cover it, but your condo policy might.

When do you need insurance coverage for your co-op?

Typically, there are no laws requiring you to buy insurance if you have a co-op. But if you have a mortgage, your lender will typically require it, and many co-op associations also require it. Even if a policy isn't required, buying insurance for your co-op may help protect your investment, personal belongings, and assets with coverage that extends beyond the board's master policy.