Condo insurance is very different from typical homeowners insurance. Condo insurance means you are responsible for only the interior of your condo. The exterior of the condo is usually insured by your homeowners association (HOA). On the other hand, traditional homeowners insurance means you are responsible for both the interior and exterior of the home you own. If you are a first-time condo owner, follow these four simple condo insurance tips to ensure you are properly covered:
Deductibles
Deductibles are one of the biggest factors when it comes to any type of insurance and figuring out a perfect deductible is one of the greatest Condo Insurance Tips you could ever get. It is best to always choose the highest deductible you can comfortably live with. Even though you may be shelling out money now for a high deductible, you will surely be saving money later when and if anything happens to your condo in the future.
Discounts
Believe it or not, you can save tons of money on condo insurance by showing you are at low risk. For example, installing smoke detectors, deadbolt locks, secure-entry systems, and alarm systems can end up getting you access to lower premiums. Also, proving you are a non-smoker can save you loads. If you do not smoke, the less of a chance you have of catching your condo or a neighboring condo on fire.
Fine Print
Always read the fine print of the policy you are looking at. Do not ever assume what is your responsibility and what is the HOA’s responsibility. Before diving in and buying an insurance policy, you will want to make a list of what exactly is covered by the policy. Therefore, you will be in the know when it comes to insuring only things that actually need to be covered. This also helps you make sure you are neither over or under insured. You can find some great condo insurance policies at abc.com.
Additional Coverage
If you have an extensive record collection or own several expensive fur coats, you may want to consider getting additional coverage. Considering there is only around a $1,000 limit for theft on most condo insurance policies, having this additional coverage will cover you if your condo happens to be broken into and you become a victim of theft.
Condo insurance can certainly be complex. However, following these helpful tips will help you minimize risks and protect your condominium. You can also follow them on Twitter.
