Why Every Townhome Owner Needs HO6 Insurance Before the Next Storm
The storm has passed, but the damage is clear - and so are the questions.
Who pays for the repairs? What does the HOA cover? And what’s your responsibility?
If you’ve ever faced severe weather as a townhome or condo owner, you know how confusing the aftermath can be.
That’s where HO6 insurance comes in.
Tailored specifically for residents who share structural responsibilities with their HOA, this coverage can help protect your space, your stuff, and your sanity when disaster strikes. Here’s how HO6 insurance works—and why having it before the next storm hits makes all the difference.
What Is HO6 Insurance?
Think of your HO6 policy as the interior safety net for your townhome.
While your HOA’s master insurance policy typically covers the exterior structure and shared common areas, like roofs, exterior walls, landscaping, and shared amenities, your HO6 policy is designed to protect what’s inside your four walls.
This includes the interior finishes of your home - things like walls, flooring, cabinets, and countertops - as well as your personal belongings, such as furniture, electronics, and clothing, if they're damaged in a covered event like a fire, storm, or burst pipe.
But HO6 insurance goes beyond property coverage. It also typically includes loss of use, which helps pay for temporary housing and living expenses if your unit becomes uninhabitable during repairs.
It also offers personal liability coverage, which protects you if someone is injured inside your home and decides to take legal action. If your dog bites a guest or a friend trips and falls during a visit, that coverage can help protect your finances.
Another important feature is coverage for improvements and upgrades. If you've added new flooring, updated the kitchen, or made other custom changes to your home, HO6 can help cover the cost of those improvements if they're damaged.
It’s insurance that’s tailored specifically for townhome and condo owners who share structural responsibilities with an HOA but still want peace of mind that their personal space and assets are protected.
If you're unsure about where the HOA’s coverage ends and yours begins, your insurance provider can help clarify those boundaries so you’re not caught off guard when the unexpected happens!
What Do I Do After The Storm?
Storms can strike without much warning, but knowing what to do next can make all the difference.
If your townhome was recently hit by severe weather, there are a few key steps you can take to stay safe, minimize further damage, and get your recovery started on the right foot.
Here's your quick guide for what to do after the skies clear.
1. Stay Safe
Before anything else, make sure you and your family are safe. If there’s visible structural damage, flooding, or downed wires, don’t take chances - call emergency services and leave the area if needed.
2. Document the Damage
Once it’s safe, take photos and videos of all visible damage - leaks, cracked walls, broken windows, ruined belongings. This documentation is vital when filing your insurance claim.
3. Contact Your Community Manager
Your RowCal community manager can help assess what damage falls under the HOA’s responsibility and what may fall under your HO6 policy. We’re here to help coordinate next steps and guide you through the process.
4. File Your HO6 Claim Promptly
Reach out to your insurance provider with your documentation. Most HO6 policies have specific timelines and coverage limitations, so act quickly to ensure you’re covered.
Don’t Have HO6? Now’s the Time.
If you want to make sure a storm doesn’t catch you uninsured, now’s a great time to meet with a licensed agent and explore your options. HO6 coverage offers peace of mind and financial protection before the next storm rolls through.
Storms are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be! HO6 insurance gives you control, clarity, and comfort during uncertain times.
Being prepared means having HO6 insurance before you need it! We recommend contacting a trusted insurance agent to learn more.