Get Expert Guidance on California HOA Insurance Policies.

Q: Does HOA Insurance Cover My Unit?

Not fully. HOA insurance usually covers the building’s exterior and shared structures. Personal belongings and interior upgrades require your own condo (HO-6) insurance.

Q: Who Actually Pays for HOA Insurance?

Every homeowner contributes through their monthly dues, which cover the cost of the master policy.

Q: Are Earthquakes and Floods Automatically Covered?

No. In California, separate policies for earthquakes and floods are often required. Not all HOAs purchase these, so always confirm before assuming coverage.

Q: How Do I Know How Much Coverage the HOA Has?

You can request a copy of the HOA's insurance certificate (ACORD form), which outlines the coverage. Review this carefully, especially before purchasing a home.

Q: What Happens If the HOA Doesn’t Have Enough Insurance?

Homeowners may face a special assessment—an unexpected out-of-pocket bill to make up the difference when coverage falls short.

Q: If the HOA has insurance, do I still need my own?

Yes. HOA insurance doesn’t cover personal belongings, interior items, or personal liability. You need condo insurance for full protection.

Q: Does HOA Insurance Protect Board Members Too?

Yes. Board members are covered under Directors & Officers (D&O) insurance, which protects them from personal liability for decisions made in good faith.

Q: How Do I Make Sure I’m Fully Protected?

Work with an insurance professional to review the HOA policy and fill in gaps with your own coverage. Combining both ensures full peace of mind.

By Infinite | September 19, 2025

There are benefits to living in a California HOA community, like gleaming pools, well-kept pathways, and well-kept lawns. HOA insurance is a less glamorous but crucial component that lies beneath all of that beauty.

Has the question, "What does this policy even do for me?" ever crossed your mind? or "Am I paying twice for insurance?" you're not the only one.

Let’s cut through the fine print with these 8 straight-shooting FAQs about HOA insurance.

What Is HOA Insurance?

Think of HOA insurance as the community’s safety net. It’s a policy the homeowners association buys to protect shared spaces and structures, like roofs, clubhouses, elevators, and hallways. Without it, the cost of fixing major damage would land directly on homeowners.

Why Do HOAs Need Insurance?

Burst pipes, slip-and-falls, and fires don't avoid HOA homes. Insurance prevents those "oh no" situations from becoming financial catastrophes for both individual owners and the HOA.

What Does HOA Insurance Usually Cover?

Here’s the short version:

Coverage Type	Covers	Not Covered (That’s on You)
Property Coverage	Common areas: hallways, gyms, roofs, pools, elevators, clubhouses	Interiors of your unit (floors, cabinets, appliances)
Liability Insurance	Legal costs if someone’s injured in a shared space	Accidents inside your own unit
Directors & Officers	Protects HOA board members making decisions in good faith	Personal disputes with neighbors
Crime & Fidelity	Losses from theft or HOA fund mismanagement	Your personal banking or credit fraud issues
Natural Disasters	Only if added. Floods or earthquakes usually require separate policies.	Your unit’s damage from uncovered disasters

Final Takeaway

HOA insurance is like a community umbrella: it keeps everyone dry, but you’ll still want your own raincoat. Before buying or moving into a California HOA property, take time to review the master policy and pair it with your own coverage. That way, you’re protected from top to bottom, inside and out.

Need Help Navigating HOA Insurance?

Don’t let confusing policies leave you exposed. e360 Insurance Services specializes in HOA and condo insurance across California. Our experts can review your HOA’s coverage, identify gaps, and recommend the right plan for your unit—so you get full protection without overpaying.

Protect your home, protect your peace of mind!

Contact E360 Insurance Services today to get a quote.