If you have recently purchased a condo, your next step is to look at getting condo insurance. This is fairly straightforward, but you may want to keep a few things in mind that can help you get the best rates, while enjoying the most comprehensive coverage possible.

A condo complex will usually have insurance through the condominium corporation and you may think that you are covered by that. This is definitely not the case. The insurance held by the corporation will not cover the contents of your condo. Only the items which are owned by the condo corporation are covered by the condo corporation policy.

If you have purchased upgrades for your condominium, such as improvements to flooring in the kitchen and bathroom, you will need a policy to cover that. These upgrades can amount to a large sum of money, so you definitely want to protect your investment. You will also need to make sure that your condo insurance policy will also cover the contents of your condo. This will ensure that items such as clothing, electronics, and furniture are protected in the event that there is a fire or other damage.

You will need to ask your corporation some questions as well, in order to find out what your unit holder responsibilities are. This will enable you to select a condo insurance policy that will mesh well and allow you to meet your responsibilities should your unit or building become damaged. You will also need to ask the corporation what the minimum amount of coverage required is. This is part of your obligations as a unit holder, as some buildings may require you to have higher coverage than others. Because a condo corporation has the right to pass by-laws that govern its unit holders, you are forced to abide by any decisions regarding your insurance policy and coverage that the corporation has set out.

When you are discussing your condo insurance with your insurance company, you should find out how your policy differs from a homeowners policy. One difference you may notice is the distance from the property that personal injury claims are covered. If you own a home incorporates some property, a homeowners policy will generally cover personal injury claims that occur on that property. But if you live in a condo complex, your needs are different. Many condo insurance claims will only cover personal injury claims that take place up to one hundred and fifty feet from your door.

Who is covering your condominium corporation? You may find that you can save money if you use the same company to insure your individual unit. Because insurance can be quite expensive in general, you may find that it is helpful to be able to find ways to save money wherever possible.

There are so many differences between condo insurance and homeowners insurance that most important questions should be to your insurance company or agent. How much experience has their insurance company had covering condos? Are they simply giving you a modified homeowner’s policy, or are you getting one specifically designed to cover the unique living situation of a condo? The answer may tell you you need to look elsewhere for coverage.

Condo insurance does not need to be intimidating or break the bank. By shopping around, comparing rates, and exploring your options, you should be able to ensure you are well taken care of.

Author: Ken Henry can help you find the solutions to your insurance questions. Get homeowners insurance advice and quotes from 5 top companies, plus save big money on auto and homeowners insurance