Co-op and condo insurance: A guide to getting the best coverage and the best rates in New York

Most co-ops, condos, and mortgage lenders require buyers to get property insurance. But not all coverage is created equal, and you'll want to get the smartest, most comprehensive plan possible.

"Before you start shopping around for the best coverage at the best price, find out what is covered by your building’s policy and what isn't. You'll also need to brush up on the minimum requirements of your building as well as your mortgage bank, if you have one," says Jeff Schneider, president of Gotham Brokerage, New York City's most highly rated apartment insurance brokerage. 

Here's what you need to learn, according to Schneider.

1. What does your co-op or condo building’s master insurance policy cover?

Generally speaking, co-op and condo owners are responsible for everything from the "walls in" and "concrete floors up," but each building’s master insurance policy can vary somewhat. In the event of a devastating fire, for instance, your building may only be obligated to give you back a plain concrete box to build upon; in other buildings, you are entitled to a very rudimentary apartment with basic kitchen and bathrooms.

As a general rule, Schneider says, any renovation work done in the apartment since it became a co-op or condo is almost always going to be your responsibility to insure and replace. Figure on at least $250 per square foot to replace a total loss or more for a very high-end job (up to $1,500 per square feet). And remember that recent inflation has really impacted construction prices.

2. What is the minimum level of liability insurance required by your co-op or condo building?

In addition to providing liability coverage for damage inflicted by you to another apartment (for example, your bathtub or sink overflows and ruins your downstairs neighbor’s new floors), your insurance policy covers you for injuries sustained inside your apartment, like when your part-time housekeeper slips and breaks a leg on your wet bathroom floor.

It’s a good idea to have it regardless of whether your building demands it, recommends Schneider. However, many buildings set out minimum coverage levels ranging from $300,000 all the way up to $5 million. 

Most polices don’t cover you for anything that happens when you sublet your place or rent it out in other ways, such as through Airbnb.com. So if you intend to do either, you have to check, Schneider says. Also, if you have an employee that works for you 40 hours or more per week, New York State requires that you buy workers compensation and statutory disability insurance. Your responsibility for statutory disability insurance starts at 20 hours.

3. Is your storage area covered?

First, examine your storage agreement to see what losses are covered and ask your managing agent about what’s provided by the building’s master insurance policy.

Then ask your insurance agent what your new policy covers. Most take care of off-premises damage caused by fire, water damage from burst pipes, and vandalism, Schneider says. So that means if the dry cleaner catches fire and destroys half your wardrobe or your storage locker floods from a burst pipe, you may be covered. 

If your personal property is stolen outside your apartment, that may also be covered. Or you may be required to take out an endorsement (a policy amendment or additional feature) to cover theft losses outside your apartment. The cost typically charged annually for off-premises theft insurance is probably worth it if you travel a lot with expensive suits or ride a $3,000 bicycle.

4. Do you need flood insurance?

Flooding is a real risk if your apartment sits on the ground floor or below.  

Coverage is generally unavailable if all four corners of your apartment are below ground level (for example, if you have to walk down a few stairs to get into the front door, and up a few stairs to get out to the garden in back), though you may be able to buy limited coverage for a municipal sewer backup. If at least two corners of your apartment are at or above ground level, ask whether flood coverage is available and compare your options carefully. Note: While flood insurance can be a lifesaver, it's also restrictive—there are gaps with co-ops and no loss-of-use coverage, for example.

5. What are the minimum insurance requirements of your mortgage bank?

Most banks require that your insurance on your walls, floors, and built-ins be at least 20 percent of your mortgage amount. But that's a minimum. And note that it usually isn't enough coverage to return things to normal if the inside of your apartment is completely gutted by fire or flood. And "the more expensive the apartment, the more likely they will be to require coverage that more closely approximates the rebuilding of the interior of the apartment," Schneider says. 

6. Have you taken inventory of your possessions and estimated what it will cost to replace them?

Most policies cover the bulk of your personal property—clothing, furniture, artwork, electronics—with limits on jewelry, fur, and silverware. You can buy additional coverage for these restricted classes.

Computer equipment is typically also included. However, it may not be if you work primarily from home. Additional coverage is usually available for business equipment you own.

7. Have you documented your property with digital photos?

Remember to photograph the items you have in storage, as people tend to forget what’s there.

8. Are your renovating?

Many policies are voided when you undertake more than minimal renovations. (Check with your broker.) At a minimum, insurers require that you notify them when you renovate. They will ask you to submit proof of general liability and workers comp insurance by your general contractor. If you don’t and something happens, you may be penalized with a higher deductible if you file a claim.

"Another issue we are seeing as a result of the pandemic is renovation delays. We advise even when we have to bring bad news—sometimes the delay results in a new policy being required.  This adds cost, but if you do nothing your coverage is voided," Schneider says.

9. Do you qualify for any discounts?

There may be lower rates available if your building is fire resistant, if you have a doorman, if you're retired or work from home and are home most of the time, or if you have an alarm system (though many buildings won’t allow them because of the nuisance of false alarms). Some internet connected monitors/alarms can also make you eligible for a credit.

10. Does your insurance cover temporary housing?

Apartment insurance does provide you with loss of use/additional living expense coverage. If you are forced out of your apartment by a covered loss, usually fire or extensive water damage, you will be reimbursed for the cost of staying in a hotel or renting a temporary apartment until your residence is repaired. Coverage can be provided under either a time limit or a maximum dollar limit. Some companies do not cap the coverage.

Jeff Schneider is the president of Gotham Brokerage Co., an insurance brokerage that has been serving NYC and tri-state renters, co-op and condo owners for over 50 years. For a free, quick quote in minutes, click on over to Gotham Brokerage or give them a call at 212-406-7300.

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