Read the master policy first
Every association carries a master policy, and its language decides what your HO-6 needs to cover. “Bare walls” means the association covers the structure and common areas only; you insure everything inside the unit. “Single entity” or “all-in” means the association also covers built-in fixtures as originally built; you insure improvements and your belongings. Ask the association for the certificate and the relevant bylaws section before your review — it changes the dwelling limit on your policy by tens of thousands of dollars.
Loss assessment
When the association has a loss that exceeds its coverage or falls within its deductible, it can assess unit owners for the shortfall. Loss assessment coverage on your HO-6 pays your share, up to a limit. Master-policy deductibles have climbed in recent years, particularly for water and roof losses; ask what the association’s deductible is and size your loss assessment coverage to it.
Water, again
Water backup and sudden pipe failures behave the same way in a condo as in a house, with one twist: damage often crosses unit lines. Your HO-6 should carry water backup, and it is worth knowing how the association handles a leak from the unit above before it happens.
Liability and belongings
Personal liability on an HO-6 works like it does on a homeowners policy. Belongings are covered at a limit you choose; scheduled items (jewelry, art) need their own line. If you rent the unit out, that is a different policy — see the landlord guide.
This guide is general information about insurance in Michigan, not advice about a specific policy. Coverage depends on the policy’s terms, limits, exclusions and eligibility, and a request does not bind or change insurance.