Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free
Question

What does "walls out" coverage mean in an HOA policy?

There is a unit owner in our condo complex. A small corner of drywall in their bathroom opened up and is damaged. Our HOA insurance told me that it is the unit owner's insurance that is responsible and not the HOA insurance since the policy states "walls out". Not sure what this means? Does anyone know?

Sep 29, 2019 Spokane, WA

Answer
Author profile picture

Kristine Lee

Manager, Content and Data

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

I believe they are saying that since the damage is to the interior of the condo, then it is the unit owner's responsibility to get any damages covered — whether they need to pay out of pocket or use their own condo insurance. The HOA "walls out" policy generally means that it will cover damage to the exterior walls, roofs, and other property contained inside the exterior framing, but not anything inside the unit. Usually, this means that things like appliances, carpeting, cabinets, and in some cases, interior walls are not covered for damage.

Read more about condo insurance, or if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started. No phone number required.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Icon Fill Form

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Icon Agent

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare insurance rates today!

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

Why did my car insurance go up when I moved to a safer area?

We are sorry to hear that your insurance premium has increased so much. Insurance companies have different rating factors and zip code is one of them. As you've seen, depending on where you moved to can have a big impact on your insurance premium. Crime and traffic are factors, but so too are …
Mar 31, 2022 Vancouver, WA

Cost of sinkhole coverage in Tampa, FL

Florida currently requires homeowners insurance policies and by extension insurance companies to offer coverage for what they call “Catastrophic Ground Collapse,” which may not actually cover damage caused by a sinkhole. Catastrophic Ground Collapse coverage differs from sinkhole insurance by requi…
Aug 1, 2018 Tampa, FL

Is the type of siding on a house, like vinyl, a rating factor for insurance premiums?

There is no straight-forward answer to what building materials you use for your house and the homeowners insurance rate you will end up with. Here's a tip to keep in mind that may help you make a decision: brick, stucco, and concrete are preferred by most insurers because they tend to be flame…
Sep 2, 2019 Athens, GA

Does my age matter for homeowners insurance rates?

Thank you for reaching out to The Zebra! This is a great question. Car insurance is much more dependent on your age than home insurance. When it comes to home insurance, the age of the house is usually a much more important factor than the age of the homeowner! However, some carriers will use your …
Mar 30, 2023 Union Gap, WA