Living in a condo comes with plenty of advantages. You don’t have to worry about mowing the lawn, fixing the roof, or handling other time-consuming maintenance tasks. However, shared walls and close neighbors can raise an important question: what happens if your neighbor accidentally causes damage to your unit? At Stonewall Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL, we often help condo owners navigate these situations.
When It’s Not Your Fault But Still Your Problem
Imagine this scenario: your upstairs neighbor forgets to turn off the bathtub, and it overflows, leaking through your ceiling and soaking your hardwood floors. Or perhaps someone next door starts a kitchen fire that damages your walls. These incidents happen more often than you might think, and the big question is whether your condo insurance will cover the damage.
Understanding What Your Policy Covers
Standard condo insurance typically includes coverage for your personal property, the interior of your unit (often referred to as “walls-in” coverage), and liability. If your neighbor causes damage, your insurance may cover repairs—but this depends on the circumstances and who is at fault. In many cases, you would file a claim with your own insurer, and they might seek reimbursement from your neighbor’s insurance later.
It’s also important to review your condo association’s master policy. Sometimes, the exterior and certain structural components of your unit are covered under their policy, which can influence how a claim is handled.
Know Your Coverage Before You Need It
The best time to understand your policy is before you need to use it. At Stonewall Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL, we help condo owners understand their coverage and ensure there are no surprises when the unexpected happens.
Contact us today to make sure you’re protected, no matter what your neighbors are up to.
