The association's master policy covers the building structure, common areas, and shared systems-but it stops at your unit's walls (or at the original interior finishes, depending on the policy type). Your HO-6 fills the gap: it covers your interior walls-in, personal property, personal liability, and additional living expenses after a covered loss. In Illinois, master policies and bylaws vary considerably between Chicago high-rises, suburbs, and downstate buildings, so reading both documents together is essential.

The answer is in two documents: the master policy certificate and the insurance section of your condo bylaws or master deed. A bare-walls (studs-out) policy covers the structure up to the unfinished interior surface-drywall, flooring, cabinets, and fixtures are your responsibility. An all-in (single-entity) policy covers standard original finishes too, leaving you responsible only for upgrades and personal property. A modified all-in sits in between, with specific carve-outs. We'll read these documents with you and size your Coverage A accordingly.

Loss Assessment coverage pays your share of a special assessment levied by the HOA after a covered loss that exceeds the master policy's limits or triggers its deductible. For example, if wind damage hits a Chicago high-rise and the master policy deductible is $100,000, the association may spread that cost among unit owners-your Loss Assessment coverage absorbs your portion up to your chosen limit. Many Illinois associations carry higher deductibles, so we recommend a limit that at minimum matches the master policy deductible.

Water backup from drains, sewers, or sump pump overflow is excluded from most standard HO-6 policies but can be added as an endorsement. Illinois’ aging infrastructure-especially Chicago basements and downstate older buildings-means higher exposure. Water damage from a backed-up drain in a neighboring unit can affect yours even if your plumbing is fine. We recommend this for all lower-level units and buildings with known plumbing issues. Note that water backup is separate from flood-flood requires its own NFIP or private policy.

No-flood is excluded from both the HOA master policy and your HO-6 policy. A separate flood policy (NFIP or private) is required for flood coverage. Illinois faces riverine and flash flood risk statewide, even in urban areas. We use FEMA tools and Illinois state resources to assess your building's risk and can pair a flood policy with your HO-6 if needed.

When a covered loss triggers repairs to your unit's interior, local building codes may require upgrades beyond simply restoring what was there before-updated wiring, plumbing to current code, or accessibility requirements. Ordinance or Law coverage pays the cost of those code-mandated upgrades. In Illinois, where much housing predates modern codes, this endorsement is valuable for older buildings and high-rises alike.

Not adequately. A standard HO-6 is written for owner-occupants; once a tenant moves in, coverage gaps open up-particularly around liability and loss of rental income. We'll rewrite the policy on the appropriate landlord or condo-landlord form, which adds loss of rents coverage and reflects the correct liability exposure. Chicago and other Illinois cities require rental registration and proof of insurance; we'll ensure compliance and issue required certificates.

$300,000-$500,000 per occurrence is a common starting point on an HO-6. If you host guests regularly, own a dog, rent the unit, or have significant assets, consider a Personal Umbrella policy that adds $1M-$10M above your HO-6. Your HO-6 liability also covers incidents affecting neighbors-like a leak from your high-rise unit-so adequate limits are crucial.