Washington DC condo insurance: Costs, coverages, and requirements

What is Washington DC condo insurance?

Washington DC condo insurance is offered for both the condominium association (the “master policy”) and individual unit owners (the “HO-6” policy).

The master policy is designed to insure the building/community itself, shared systems, and certain liabilities, forming the foundation of the community’s overall risk protection. The HO-6 policy may cover personal property, interior finishes to the extent those items are not covered by the master policy, personal liability, and additional living expenses after a covered loss.
 

Is condo insurance required for associations in Washington DC?

Yes, under DC condo law, unless the condominium instruments expressly provide otherwise, the association must maintain, to the extent reasonably available, property insurance on the common elements and liability insurance (D.C. Code § 42-1903.10(b)(1)–(2)).

For buildings with units that have horizontal boundaries, the units themselves must be insured, though owner-installed improvements or betterments need not be included (D.C. Code § 42-1903.10(c)).

FirstService Residential clients can tap our affiliate, FS Insurance Brokers, which combines insurance expertise with property management insight. Their licensed professionals help communities evaluate coverage, improve risk planning, and advocate through the insurance process, often with an eye toward enhancing coverage while keeping premiums competitive.
 

Is condo insurance required for owners in Washington DC?

Individual unit owners must also, to the extent reasonably available, carry at least $10,000 in dwelling property coverage and $300,000 in personal liability coverage. The executive board may increase the minimum coverage amounts required for unit owners (D.C. Code § 42-1903.10(d-1)). Learn more in our guide to the DC Condominium Act.
 

Condo association insurance coverage types in Washington DC

Your association’s program is usually a bundle of different insurance coverage types, often including:

• Property insurance for shared structures, association-maintained property, and common areas
   
• General liability coverage for injuries or property damage occurring on common property
   
• Directors and officers (D&O) liability coverage to support the board when governance decisions result in covered claims
   
• Fidelity or crime coverage to protect association funds
   
• Umbrella liability to increase limits beyond certain base policies
   
• Equipment breakdown coverage for systems such as elevators, boilers, or pumps
   
• Building ordinance and law coverage to address reconstruction costs required by updated codes
   
• Optional endorsements or separate coverage for hail, wind, or flood, depending on the property and carrier

The right mix depends on the property layout, the condo budget, and the community’s risk profile.
 

All-in vs. bare-walls coverage

In Washington DC condos, the master policy typically ranges from “all-in” coverage to “bare-walls” coverage.

An all-in policy generally covers the structures and components the association must insure under the governing documents, plus fixtures, finishes, and additions or improvements inside units, depending on the policy terms.

A bare-walls policy usually covers only the structure and common elements, stopping at the unfinished interior surfaces of the unit walls. In that case, owners must insure most interior components and upgrades.
 

Why have Washington DC condo insurance annual premiums increased so much?

Washington DC condo insurance premiums have increased because of severe weather and catastrophe exposure, expensive repair costs, and rising overall insurance claims. Strong wind, flooding, hurricanes, and winter weather can all affect local risk and pricing. Inflation and higher construction and labor costs have also made claims more expensive.

On top of that, insurers have tightened underwriting and raised rates across broader regions based on overall catastrophe exposure and loss trends.
 

Tips for board members on getting the best condo insurance coverage

The best Washington DC condo insurance program is not always the one with the lowest premium. Board members should look at how well the policy matches the association’s responsibilities and the risks the community is most likely to face:

• Start with the governing documents: Review the declaration and bylaws with your insurance professional so the policy matches what the association is responsible for insuring.
   
• Confirm current replacement costs: Ask whether replacement cost estimates reflect today’s construction and labor costs rather than older estimates that may leave the building underinsured.
   
• Look closely at deductibles: Review standard deductibles as well as any separate wind, hail, water, or named-storm deductibles so the board understands what the association may need to pay after a loss.
   
• Review exclusions and sublimits: A policy can carry a high overall limit while placing much smaller limits on certain types of damage. Ask your broker to point out where coverage is reduced or excluded.
   
• Match liability limits to the property: Consider the size of the community, its amenities, visitor traffic, and other exposures when reviewing general liability and umbrella coverage.
   
• Review claims before renewal: Look for patterns in prior losses. Repeated water or equipment claims may point to DC condo maintenance or capital projects that could reduce future risk.
   
• Compare coverage, not just price: When reviewing proposals, compare deductibles, limits, exclusions, endorsements, and carrier terms side by side. A lower premium may come with more financial exposure after a claim.

Tips for residents getting the right condo insurance coverage

Residents should confirm that their individual HO-6 policy works alongside the association’s master policy rather than assuming everything inside the unit is covered.

• Ask for a copy of the master policy: Understand where the association’s coverage ends and your responsibility begins.
   
• Cover personal property and upgrades: Confirm that your policy reflects the value of your belongings, renovations, and improvements.
   
• Check loss assessment coverage: This may help if the association charges owners for certain covered losses or deductibles.
   
• Review liability limits: Consider whether your personal liability coverage is enough for your needs.
   
• Understand your deductible: Know what you would need to pay out of pocket after a covered claim.
   
• Update coverage after renovations: Major upgrades can change how much insurance you need.
   
• Review your policy each year: Coverage needs and replacement costs can change over time.

About FirstService Residential

As North America’s leading property management company, FirstService Residential supports Washington DC boards and owners with national resources and local expertise. Our teams help boards with financial management, meeting support, banking and insurance programs, recordkeeping systems, vendor coordination, resident communication, and 24/7 customer care. We simplify community operations so you can focus on what matters most.

Contact FirstService Residential today to learn more.

This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be relied upon as, legal, regulatory, financial, or operational advice, or as a representation or guarantee of any specific services, capabilities, or outcomes. Property management needs, regulatory requirements, market conditions, and available services vary by jurisdiction, property type, and community. FirstService Residential provides services through locally based affiliates and associates, and services and results may vary by community, region, contractual terms, and applicable law.