Coverage designed to protect your HOA
The structures and shared property the HOA owns.
The HOA master policy insures buildings and common property the association owns — not residents’ furniture. Bare-walls versus all-in wording decides how far into each unit the master goes. Unit owners still need their own HO-6.
Tap a point on the scene to learn more
The base homeowners association policy is the printed form. An endorsement is a taped-on change — adding coverage, taking it away, or renaming who is insured. Optional coverages ride along with the policy. Separate policies sit beside it.
Form names and availability vary by carrier. This is a map of add-ons we commonly shop in Illinois — not a promise that every company offers every item.
Base policy
Homeowners association policy
Hover an add-on to read it, then click to pin it here — a review list for your next conversation with an advisor.
Send this list to an advisor →We’ll open the contact form for this coverage so an advisor can help you decide which add-ons belong on the policy.
While the homeowners, condo owners, and renters who are part of your homeowners association have their own insurance policies for their personal belongings and owned properties, homeowners associations (HOAs) are responsible for having insurance for properties owned by the HOA, as well as common areas. Because of the many risks HOAs face, it is important to have a specialized homeowners association insurance policy in place.
Homeowners associations of all types need insurance, including condominiums, planned communities, and townhouses. One of the most important coverages each of these homeowners associations need is an HOA master policy. This provides coverage against property damage and loss, as well as liability claims from visitors or HOA members. A commercial property insurance policy offers protection for buildings owned by the HOA, but it is important to note that it only covers the structures, not the personal contents of residents.
Homeowners associations have the responsibility of the safety and well-being of their residents and visitors on property owned by the HOA. For example, if a visitor sustains injuries while at your HOA's common area, your liability coverage would kick in to cover costs from medical claims and potential lawsuits. Directors and officers (D&O) insurance protects the assets of board members if the organization is sued for alleged acts of wrongdoing. Crime insurance can provide coverage to protect your HOA in event of crimes by either a 3rd party or an employee, depending on the policy.
Homeowners association insurance covers structures owned by the HOA, not the personal belongings of the residents. This means that if a resident does not have the appropriate coverage for their personal belongings, it would not be covered under the HOA's policy. The requirements of minimum coverage that HOA members need may vary depending on where your community is located. Your agent will be able to determine what is covered by the HOA and what HOA members are responsible for.
There are some policies that your homeowners association needs to consider in order to provide more protection. For example, if you hire employees that perform maintenance and they are injured on the job, workers' compensation would offer coverage for their medical expenses. A cyber liability insurance policy could benefit the HOA if you store any sort of personal information on your computer network. Also, a social host liability insurance policy is helpful to have if you allow HOA members to host events at HOA owned buildings or common areas, as it provides coverage from potential liability claims.
Do you need specialized homeowners association insurance for your HOA? Contact us to discuss your options.
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The same homeowners association policy add-ons from the explorer above, listed out. Form names and availability vary by carrier.
Endorsement
The management company named as the contract requires.
Management agreements often require the HOA to name the manager as additional insured and to waive subrogation. Those endorsements live on the master, not only on the certificate we issue the same business day.
Separate policy
Extra limit over the master GL after a severe common-area claim.
Pool, sidewalk, and parking-lot claims can exceed a primary GL limit. An umbrella sits over the master liability — and often over auto if the association has vehicles. We size it to the community, not a default.
Learn more →Endorsement
Theft of association funds by an employee, board member, or vendor.
Assessments sit in a bank account. Crime and employee-dishonesty coverage responds if money walks. GL does not pay embezzlement. Limits should match how much cash the association actually holds between collection cycles.
Separate policy
Owner lists, gate codes, and the association portal.
HOAs store names, assessments, and sometimes access credentials. A ransomware event is not a burglary claim on the clubhouse. Cyber sits beside the master policy, not inside it.
Learn more →Separate policy
Board decisions, assessments, and alleged mismanagement.
D&O is how volunteer board members are meant to be protected when the association is sued over governance. It is not general liability and not a property claim. Illinois HOAs treat this as its own policy, often required by the management contract.
Learn more →Endorsement
Boilers, elevators, and HVAC that fail suddenly.
Property insurance treats mechanical breakdown as wear and tear. Equipment breakdown is the buyback for a clubhouse boiler, an elevator, or a rooftop unit. Pair it with extra expense if residents cannot use the building without that system.
Separate policy
Rising water on common property is typically excluded.
Flood from surface water or a nearby creek is usually excluded from the master. Underground garages and low clubhouses in Cook and DuPage still need a separate flood conversation. Sewer backup is a different endorsement.
Learn more →Endorsement
Code upgrades after a partial loss to older common buildings.
After a fire in a 1970s clubhouse or masonry building, the village may require sprinklers, electrical, or accessibility work — including demolition of undamaged portions. Ordinance or law pays that increment. The base building limit rebuilds what was there.
Endorsement
Drain backup in a clubhouse or underground garage — not flood.
Sewer and drain backup is an endorsement on most master forms. Flood from a rising body of water is typically excluded. Chicagoland courtyards and parking decks take water from drains after a storm. We treat them as two conversations.
Separate policy
Maintenance employees — not volunteer board members.
If the HOA has employees, Illinois generally requires workers compensation. A landscaper on payroll hurt on the grounds is a WC claim, not GL. 1099 vendors need their own coverage. Misclassification is a board problem.
Learn more →Speak with a local advisor who understands your coverage needs.
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