Last Updated on July 13, 2025 by The Insurance Pros

🏢 Michigan Condo Insurance: HO‑6 vs Association Policy Explained

Modern Michigan condominium complex with beige exterior, multiple windows, and shared driveway under a clear blue sky
If you own or are buying a condo in Michigan, it’s essential to understand how your individual condo insurance policy (HO-6) interacts with your condo association’s master policy. Mortgage lenders typically require condo insurance that covers at least 20% of your mortgage amount.

The key to getting the right protection lies in knowing what your condo association’s policy includes and what’s excluded. That gap is what your personal HO-6 policy fills.

📋 What’s Typically Covered by the Condo Association Policy?

Condo associations usually carry a master policy that insures the common elements of the complex. This includes:

  • Exterior building structure (roof, siding, framing)
  • Common areas (hallways, lobbies, playgrounds)
  • Shared infrastructure (plumbing, wiring between walls)

However, **each association’s coverage differs**, so reviewing the master policy and bylaws is a must. Bare walls-in and all-in are common terms used to describe these coverage types.

🏠 What HO‑6 Condo Insurance Covers

Your HO‑6 condo insurance policy protects what’s **inside your unit**. Coverage includes:

  • Your belongings and furniture
  • Interior walls, floors, cabinetry, and fixtures (if not covered by the association)
  • Loss of use (temporary living expenses if your unit is uninhabitable)
  • Personal liability for injury or property damage to others
  • Medical payments to others
  • Loss assessment coverage for your share of a master policy deductible

🧾 Understanding Loss Assessment Coverage

If your association faces a major repair, like storm damage or a slip-and-fall lawsuit, the cost may be passed on to owners. HO‑6 insurance typically includes up to $1,000 in loss assessment coverage, but higher limits are available and often worth considering.

📉 Association Deductibles Are Getting Higher

To cut costs, many Michigan condo associations are increasing their master policy deductibles, sometimes up to $25,000 or more. This means if there’s a covered loss in a shared area, each unit owner could be responsible for a share of that deductible unless your HO‑6 policy covers it.

Reminder: Always ask for your condo association’s master policy and bylaws. Understanding what’s excluded helps you tailor your HO‑6 coverage appropriately.

📊 HO‑6 vs Association Policy Infographic

Infographic comparing Michigan HO-6 condo insurance vs. condo association master policy coverageUse this quick-reference infographic to see what’s covered under each policy and where your HO‑6 plan fits in:

📄 Download the HO‑6 vs Association Coverage Infographic (PDF)

Infographic comparing HO-6 Condo Insurance vs Association Master Policy Coverage in Michigan

✅ Condo Insurance Checklist

  • 🔍 Review your association’s master policy & deductible
  • 🏠 Determine what’s not covered (interior, personal property)
  • 🧾 Ask about loss assessment limits
  • 🛏️ Insure your furniture, flooring, and fixtures
  • 📦 Create a home inventory list
  • 📝 Get a quote tailored to your condo and budget

📎 Outbound Resource

For more guidance on HO-6 condo insurance standards, visit NAIC Consumer Resources. Finally, if you rent a condo out to a tenant, you may need rental condo insurance; click the highlighted link to find out more about this coverage.

📞 Get a Free Michigan Condo Insurance Quote

Our licensed team will help you review your condo’s unique situation, decode the association policy, and recommend the right coverage and limits.

🛡️ Get Your Free Condo Insurance Quote