🏢 What Does a Master Condo Policy Cover in Massachusetts?

If you own a condominium or serve on a condo association board in Massachusetts, it’s essential to understand what a master condo insurance policy covers. This policy—often called a Condo Association Master Policy—protects the building, common areas, and association from costly damages or lawsuits.

In this article, we’ll break down what’s included in a master condo policy, the different types of coverage, and what unit owners should know about protecting their individual condos.

🔒 What Is a Master Condo Insurance Policy?

A master condo policy is purchased by the condo association or trust to protect shared property and common areas. It generally includes two major components:

• Property Coverage

• Liability Coverage

Each part serves a different purpose and works together to safeguard the entire condominium complex.

🏗 Property Coverage

The property portion of a master policy protects the physical structure of the condo building and common areas against perils such as fire, vandalism, theft, and certain types of weather-related damage.

Typically, property coverage includes:

• Building exteriors (roofs, walls, and foundations)

• Common areas (lobbies, stairwells, hallways, clubhouses)

• Fixtures and built-in appliances in shared areas

• Building equipment (HVAC systems, elevators, boilers)

• Outdoor structures (fences, parking lots, swimming pools)

This ensures that shared spaces and building systems are protected if a covered loss occurs.

⚖️ Liability Coverage

The liability portion of the master condo insurance policy helps protect the condo association or trust from lawsuits. It covers:

• Legal fees

• Settlements

• Medical expenses or property damage caused by accidents in shared areas

For example, if a visitor slips and falls in the condo’s lobby, the master policy’s liability coverage would help pay for legal and medical costs.

🏠 Types of Master Condo Policy Coverage

Condo bylaws in Massachusetts determine which type of master policy applies to your building. The three main types include:

1. Bare Walls-In (Studs-Out)

• Covers only the building’s structure, exterior walls, and shared plumbing/electrical systems.

• Unit owners are responsible for everything inside their unit—including fixtures, improvements, and personal belongings.

2. Single Entity

• Covers the original structure, including walls, floors, and standard fixtures as they were first built.

• Does not cover upgrades or renovations made by unit owners.

3. All-In (All-Inclusive)

• The most comprehensive option. Covers everything built into the unit: walls, ceilings, cabinetry, flooring, appliances, wiring, and plumbing.

• Unit owners only need to insure personal property and upgrades.

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🧩 Additional Coverages for Massachusetts Condo Associations

Many condo associations in Massachusetts choose to enhance their protection with optional coverages, including:

• Directors & Officers (D&O) Liability: Protects board members from lawsuits related to decisions made on behalf of the association.

• Ordinance or Law Coverage: Pays for the cost of rebuilding to current building codes after a covered loss.

• Equipment Breakdown Coverage: Covers unexpected failures of building machinery (elevators, boilers, HVAC systems).

• Flood Insurance: Provides protection against flood damage, which standard policies exclude.

• Crime and Fidelity Coverage: Protects against theft or dishonest acts by employees or board members.

🧾 What Unit Owners Need to Know

Even with a comprehensive master condo policy, unit owners still need their own individual HO-6 policy for full protection.

An HO-6 condo insurance policy typically covers:

• Personal property (furniture, clothing, electronics)

• Interior improvements not covered by the master policy

• Personal liability for injuries inside the unit

• Loss assessment coverage – helps pay your portion of a master policy deductible or uncovered claim

Before purchasing or renewing an HO-6 policy, unit owners should review the condo’s master policy and bylaws to ensure there are no coverage gaps.

🏡 Final Thoughts

A master condo insurance policy is one of the most important protections for Massachusetts condominium associations. It ensures the property and all residents are protected from unexpected losses—while helping keep your building compliant with condo bylaws and mortgage requirements.

Whether you’re a trustee, board member, or unit owner, understanding your master policy and how it coordinates with your personal coverage can save you thousands of dollars after a loss.

💬 Need Help Understanding Your Condo Association’s Insurance?

At Savin Jones Insurance Agency, we specialize in Massachusetts Condo Association Master Policies and HO-6 coverage.
We’ll review your condo documents, bylaws, and existing insurance to ensure your association and unit owners have the right protection—at the best price available.

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📍 Serving Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Jamaica Plain, Brookline, and all of Massachusetts. Save up to 40% on Condo Association Insurance!
📞 Contact us today to review your condo association’s master insurance policy. Call (617) 474-9900 or click for a quote!