Condo Insurance on the Texas Coast
HO-6 and wind coverage for condo and townhome owners from Galveston to South Padre Island
Condo insurance for Texas coastal owners
Owning a condo or townhome on the Texas coast means sharing a building, and the hurricane risk that comes with it. Your association's master policy covers part of the building, but it does not cover everything. A condo unit owner policy, often called an HO-6, fills the gaps. We help owners in Galveston, South Padre Island, Port Aransas, North Padre Island, Corpus Christi, Kemah and up and down the coast compare condo coverage from multiple carriers.
Master policy vs. your HO-6 policy
The association's master policy generally covers the building structure and common areas, such as the roof, exterior walls, hallways, pools and elevators. How much of your unit's interior it covers depends on the policy and your association's governing documents. Some master policies cover only the bare structure. Others also include original fixtures, cabinets and flooring.
Your HO-6 policy covers what the master policy does not. Before we quote, we ask for a copy of the master policy declarations page or the insurance section of your bylaws so your coverage starts exactly where the association's ends.
What an HO-6 policy covers
- Your unit: interior walls, flooring, cabinets, fixtures and upgrades that are your responsibility.
- Personal property: furniture, clothing, electronics and other belongings.
- Loss of use: extra living costs if a covered loss forces you out of your unit.
- Personal liability: protection if someone is hurt in your unit or you accidentally damage a neighbor's unit.
- Loss assessment: your share of a special assessment the association charges owners after a covered loss.
Wind and hail coverage for coastal condos
In the Texas coastal counties, many condo policies exclude wind and hail. In that case you need wind coverage from a private carrier or from the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA), which offers wind and hail coverage for condo unit owners who cannot get it privately. Some private carriers include wind in a single HO-6 policy. We compare both. Learn more about Texas windstorm insurance and TWIA vs. private coverage.
Hurricane deductibles and loss assessment
Coastal master policies often carry large wind and hurricane deductibles, sometimes a percentage of the building's value. After a storm, the association may divide that deductible among owners as a special assessment. Standard HO-6 policies include only a small amount of loss assessment coverage, and higher limits are usually available for a modest cost. Ask your association what its wind deductible is, and we will help you choose a loss assessment limit that fits.
Flood coverage for condos
Neither the master policy's wind coverage nor your HO-6 covers flooding or storm surge. Your association may carry a master flood policy for the building, but it usually does not cover your belongings. Unit owners can buy their own flood coverage for contents and, in some cases, the unit. Flood policies usually have a 30-day waiting period. See our flood insurance page.
Renting your condo?
Many coastal condos are rented to vacationers or long-term tenants. A standard HO-6 may limit or exclude coverage for rentals, so tell us how your unit is used. We can add rental coverage or find a policy built for condo landlords and short-term rentals.
Get your condo insurance quote
Tell us about your unit and your association's master policy, and we will compare HO-6, wind and flood options for you. Request a condo insurance quote or call (281) 715-7800. We are open 24/7.
Texas Coast Condo Insurance FAQs
An HO-6 is a policy for condo and some townhome owners. It covers the parts of your unit the association does not insure, your belongings, loss of use, personal liability and loss assessments. It works alongside the association’s master policy.
Partly. Master policies generally cover the building and common areas, but how much of your unit’s interior they cover varies. Some cover only the bare structure, and others include original fixtures and finishes. Check your master policy and bylaws, or send them to us and we will review them with you.
Not always. Many coastal condo policies exclude wind and hail, so you may need separate wind coverage from a private carrier or TWIA. Some private carriers include wind in one HO-6 policy. We compare both options.
Loss assessment pays your share of a special assessment after a covered loss, such as part of the association’s hurricane deductible. Standard policies include only a small amount. Ask your association for its wind deductible and how it would be split among owners, then choose a limit that covers your likely share.
No. Flood and storm surge need a separate flood policy. Your association may insure the building for flood, but your belongings usually need your own flood coverage.
Yes. Tell us whether you rent it short-term or long-term. Standard HO-6 policies may limit rental use, so we will add rental coverage or find a policy designed for condo rentals, plus wind and flood coverage where needed.
Start your quote online or contact our office to find out how we can help you find a policy that fits your needs.