Condo insurance vs. home insurance: What's the difference?

One of the most important distinctions between condo insurance and home insurance is the amount of coverage required. As a homeowner, you are responsible for the interior and exterior, the grounds and the detached structures of your property. On the other hand, when you own a condo, you are generally only responsible for the interior of your unit and your personal belongings. That said, there are other differences between the two, such as insurance coverage for improvements made to your condo. In this article, we explain these differences, as well as the different insurance coverages available to protect your property and personal belongings.

What is condo insurance?

Condo insurance and home insurance are similar, but there are important differences. Firstly, the condo corporation’s insurance covers the building and common areas. While your condo insurance policy protects your unit and your personal belongings. In addition, condo insurance includes special protections such as insurance coverage for improvements made to your condo.

Condominium insurance

Condo insurance covers your condominium unit, your personal belongings, your storage unit, as well as civil liability, which protects you against legal action if someone is injured in your condo.

Condo insurance covers the following in the event of loss or damage following a covered loss such as a fire:

The interior of your condominium unit
Your personal belongings (clothing, electronics, works of art or other valuables, etc.)
Renovations and improvements to your condo (e.g. new kitchen cabinets, new wood flooring, etc.) that you or previous owners have made to your unit
Additional living expenses if you can’t stay in your condo due to an insurable loss
Damage to other units, common areas (e.g. hallways and elevators) or other parts of the building as a result of an accident in your unit.

Naturally, limits, exclusions and conditions apply to each of these coverages. Check your insurance policies or contact your insurer.

Find out more about condo insurance :

Condo corporation insurance

Damage, loss or injury to or within your condominium structure is not covered by your condo insurance. For example, if a flood originates from the condominium roof and requires major repairs to the building’s overall structure, your personal condo insurance won’t cover it. Instead, the condo corporation’s insurance policy comes into play.

The entire condominium structure is covered by the condo corporation’s insurance policy. This includes elevators, common areas, parking lots, as well as interior and exterior property. Insurance for your condominium is included in your condominium fees. As a result, a percentage of your monthly payment goes towards keeping your policy up to date.

However, compare your condo insurance with the building’s insurance to determine your coverage gap. Then you can add extras to your condo insurance to make sure you’re fully covered.

What is home insurance?

Your home and personal belongings are expensive, and you don’t want to have to pay for the damage yourself. The same applies if you are the victim of loss, theft or vandalism. Home insurance can help cover the cost of replacing or repairing your property in the event of a claim.

Home insurance covers the following

Loss of or damage to your personal belongings
Insurance coverage for your home and outbuildings in the event of loss or damage
Personal belongings stolen from your vehicle
Accidental damage to third-party property
Injury or damage to visitors to your property

What’s more, if your home is damaged and you have to stay in a rental property or hotel for a while, your home insurance will pay your temporary living expenses.

Insurance companies also offer additional protection such as :

Water damage (e.g. sewer backup)
Earthquakes
Identity theft

Check with your current insurer to make sure you have sufficient insurance coverage for your needs. Here too, limits and conditions apply. What’s more, insurance products vary slightly from one company to another. So don’t hesitate to talk to an insurance agent or damage insurance brokerage firm like YouSet.

Find out more about home insurance :

Bottom Line

In short, condo insurance and home insurance are similar, but there are important differences. If you’re buying a condo, make sure you take out condo insurance and compare it with the condo corporation’s insurance to check for any gaps in coverage. If you’re buying a house instead, take out homeowner’s insurance to cover the exterior of your property and any detached structures. Finally, use our home insurance comparison tool to find the best home insurance policy for your needs.

Frequently asked questions about condo and home insurance

What is the average cost of home insurance?

The average cost of home insurance varies according to a number of criteria, including place of residence, type of property (house, condo, rental) and type of coverage. In Quebec and Ontario, the average cost of home insurance is $87 ($1044/year) for a house and $31/month ($372/year) for a condo, according to our partner YouSet.

What types of insurance are required for condominiums?

Condo insurance is not legally required, but mortgage lenders and banks require it for properties that are not fully paid up. That said, condo insurance is essential to protect your personal belongings and get a liability insurance.

What does building insurance cover in a condo?

The condo corporation’s insurance covers the building’s structure, elevators, common areas, parking lots, as well as interior and exterior property. While your condo insurance policy protects your unit and your personal belongings.

What’s the cheapest home insurance?

The cheapest home insurance is basic home insurance. It offers coverage limited to the risks listed in your insurance policy. Although more affordable, you should be prepared to cover the cost of any damage not included.

Who pays for condo insurance?

The condo corporation’s insurance, which covers the building and common areas, is paid for by all co-owners through their condo fees. Condo insurance, which covers the interior of a unit and personal belongings, is paid for individually by each co-owner.

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Condo insurance vs. home insurance: What’s the difference?