The condominium provides insurance information which includes the master policy, unit owners' insurance needs, fidelity bond coverage, claims, certificates of insurance as well as contact information. There were no changes made to the contract which has been renewed for another year and for that reason the previous synopsis is provided.
Please note that the insurance on your unit provided by the Condominium covers the "as-built" condition--everything that was present in your unit when it was first built (which includes rugs, appliances, furnace, all of contractor's grade). No upgrades since the unit was built are covered by the condominium insurance package, including additions such as porches and upgraded flooring. This means that you need to insure the difference. Take this into consideration when you determine the insurance you will contract separately.
All personal effects in your home are not insured in any way by the condominium and should be covered by you personally.
Effective October 1, 2020, the Maryland Condominium Act was amended to state that up to the first $10,000 of the Master Policy deductible on a covered claim may be the responsibility of the homeowner where the damages originated. This means that you need to add this coverage to your individual HO-6 insurance policy.
Contact the Management Agent for a copy of your insurance certificate for year 2025 and please do not contact the insurance company directly since this may result in a charge.
Neighbors,
As mentioned in the winter newsletter from HPM there is an upcoming change on February 1 to the HOA's master insurance policy. The master policy deductible will increase from $5,000 to $10,000. This means that you will be responsible for the first $10,000 via your personal H06 policy on your home and any deductible that policy has. So, if you have an insurable loss on your home and have a $1,000 deduclticle on your H06 policy then you'll be responsible for $1k and your insurance policy the next $9k. After $10k in expenses the HOA master policy kicks in.
You should check with your insurance provider now to be sure that you are covered appropriately with respect to this change.
It's also worth noting (but not a change - it has always been this way) that the HOA master policy insures restoration back to the original built state of the unit. So, if you've made improvements (referred to as betterments) to your home such as finishing the basement or adding upgraded flooring or fancy kitchen cabinets or a deck the policy essentially doesn't cover that. You will be restored to the original level from when it was built. Again, please work with your insurance company on this as needed.
If you have questions, please reach out to Howard Property Management at info@howardproperty.net.
Thanks,
WE Board
HPM Letter to Owners Regarding Insurance Policy Deductible