Does Condo Insurance Cover Water Damage From Neighbor’s Plumbing?

Posted on February 28, 2025February 25, 2025 by admin

Owning a condo is a great way to enjoy homeownership without the arduous tasks of watering the garden, pulling up dandelions, or trying to keep up with the Joneses. However, condo ownership can be tricky, or rather, "trickling," when water from your neighbor enters your condo and causes damage. What’s to be done in a situation like this besides mopping up the floor? And are you covered by your condo insurance for incidents like this?

When Condo Insurance Covers Water Damage

Condo insurance, available through Gateway Property & Casualty serving Dover, NH, typically does cover water damage from sudden and accidental events. If a neighbor’s plumbing suddenly bursts and water leaks into your unit, your policy may help pay for damage to your walls, floors, and personal belongings. However, the neighbor’s liability insurance may also come into play if it turns out that negligence caused the issue.

If the damage affects shared structures like walls, ceilings, or floors, the condo association’s master insurance policy might cover repairs to common areas. The specifics depend on how the association defines unit ownership in the bylaws.

When Condo Insurance Does Not Cover Water Damage

If the water damage is due to gradual leaks, poor maintenance, or pre-existing issues, your condo insurance may not cover the repairs. Slow leaks over time or mold caused by neglected plumbing problems are often excluded. Flooding from heavy rain or rising groundwater typically isn’t covered under standard condo insurance, but flood insurance would.

Determining Liability and Filing a Claim

In cases where a neighbor’s negligence caused the damage, their insurance might cover your losses. If they refuse responsibility, you may need to file a claim with your own insurer and let them pursue reimbursement. Reviewing your policy with the help of Gateway Property & Casualty, serving Dover, NH, can help you navigate water damage claims.

What Condo Insurance Does Cover (And Does Not)

Posted on April 30, 2024May 3, 2024 by admin

Owning a condominium gives you a little more freedom than renting an apartment. However, it also comes with more responsibilities.

Find out what your condo insurance will and will not cover to protect yourself from excess financial loss.

Keep in mind that all policies are different. Gateway Property & Casualty, serving Dover, NH, will explain your options when you meet with us. Here’s an overview of what is and is not covered in most condo insurance policies.

What Is (or Can Be) Covered

Often, a condo insurance policy includes losses resulting from fires, smoke damage, or theft. It might also provide compensation for vandalism, water damage (not floods), or windstorms.

Some condo insurance policies may cover appliances, clothing, furniture, and other belongings. However, you must make sure you provide evidence of owning these items.

Condo insurance policies also could provide you with protection against personal liability. In addition, you could end up with compensation for loss of use or fixture repair.

Your local agent can discuss the rest of the options when consulting you about your condo insurance needs. Now, we will move on to what is not covered.

What is Not Covered

You may need extra coverage against the costs of damage caused by animals. These include birds, rats, or insects. None of this is typically covered under a standard condo insurance plan.

Sewage backup or injuries to another person, especially if intentional, may not be paid for under your policy either.

Precious gems and metals, such as what jewelry is made of, usually are not covered. As far as water damage, that refers to water dripping. It doesn’t mean your condo insurance will cover water damage from a flood.

Contact us to acquire all the insurance you need for your condo. Gateway Property & Casualty, serving Dover, NH, will assist you with standalone or bundle policies.

How condo insurance differ from home insurance

Posted on June 16, 2023June 21, 2023 by admin

Breaking into the housing market can be challenging. If you are lucky enough to find a condo that is affordable and meets your needs, you will need to get condo insurance to protect your investment. At Gateway Property & Casualty in the Dover, NH metroplex, we have been providing an exceptional level of customer service since 2017. As independent agents, we offer more choices and work with you to personalize your policies to better meet your needs.

Condo association master policy

The major difference between condo coverage and home insurance coverage is the fact that the exterior and public areas are insured by the condo association master policy. As a condo owner, you are responsible for the interior of the unit. You don’t have to pay to protect your roof or porch, these are covered by the master policy. Where your coverage begins is important for you to know. It can be "All in" or "Walls in". The policy that you choose needs to cover where the master policy leaves off.

Property coverage

Whether you are responsible from inside your walls or from the walls in, you need property insurance that will cover your built-ins like the kitchen cabinets, appliances, fixtures in the bathrooms, and lighting.

Content

Content coverage is the same as home insurance. It covers your furniture, electronics, clothing, and personal items, whether they are in your condo or away from home with you.

Liability

Your liability coverage protects you and your family members in your home or away. The master policy covers the liability for public areas like the parking lot, gym, or pool.