Condo Insurance in Los Angeles, CA

Owning a condo in Los Angeles is like holding a front-row ticket to one of the world’s most dynamic cities. From the beachside calm of Santa Monica to the bustling streets of Downtown LA, condos are a popular choice for Angelenos who want urban convenience with a lower price tag than single-family homes.

However, here’s the catch: Los Angeles also has unique risks — earthquakes, wildfires, high property values, and rising living costs. That’s where condo insurance in Los Angeles comes in. 

Condo insurance (also known as an HO-6 policy) is designed to protect your personal unit, belongings, and liability in situations where your condo association’s master policy doesn’t cover the damage.

Key takeaways

• Condo insurance isn’t legally required, but often necessary: While Los Angeles law doesn’t mandate condo insurance, most owners end up needing it. Mortgage lenders typically require HO-6 coverage, and many HOAs may make this coverage mandatory to protect unit interiors and personal belongings not covered by the master policy.
• Condo insurance differs from home insurance: Condo insurance typically only covers your unit’s interior, personal belongings, and liability. Homeowners insurance (HO-3) typically covers the entire property, including the structure and land.
• Policy covers interiors, belongings, and liability: HO-6 policies protect your condo’s interior (walls, flooring, cabinets), personal property (furniture, electronics, clothing), liability (if you cause damage or injury), and loss of use (temporary housing). However, typical exclusions can include earthquake, flood, sewer backups, normal wear and tear, and tenants’ property.
• Ways to lower condo insurance premiums: Angelenos could cut costs by installing safety features, disaster-proofing units, raising deductibles, and comparing quotes across insurers.

Is condo insurance (HO-6) mandatory in Los Angeles, California?

In Los Angeles, condo insurance is not required by law; however, HO-6 insurance may be required by your HOA or mortgage lender:

• Mortgage requirement: If you’re financing your condo through a bank or lender, they may require you to have an HO-6 policy. Lenders typically want assurance that their investment – whether it’s residential or commercial – is protected.
• HOA requirement: Many Los Angeles condo associations require owners to carry their own condo insurance. While the HOA master policy provides coverage for common areas such as roofs, hallways, elevators, and exteriors, coverage does not extend to the interior of a unit or to personal belongings. Many associations set this rule to help prevent disputes over financial responsibility when damage occurs.

Coverage requirements may vary. Consult with a licensed insurance producer before making determinations.

How is condo insurance different from home insurance?

Many first-time buyers assume condo insurance is the same as home insurance. However, this isn’t the case. Here's how the two differ:

• Home Insurance (HO-3): Homeowners insurance in Los Angeles, CA typically covers the entire property – interior, exterior walls, roof, foundation, and often detached structures such as garages or sheds.
• Condo Insurance (HO-6): Condominium insurance typically focuses on the interior of your unit (walls, flooring, cabinetry, appliances), plus your personal property and liability. The HOA’s master policy typically covers the rest.

In Los Angeles, where many condo complexes may feature high-rise buildings or shared amenities like pools and gyms, this division could be important to know. 

You don’t have to worry about insuring the elevator or lobby chandelier – that’s the HOA’s job. However, if your hardwood floors get damaged by a burst pipe, this is where your HO-6 policy typically steps in.

How much is the average condo insurance in Los Angeles, CA?

The average cost of condo insurance in Los Angeles is $1,160 [1]per year (or $97 per month). 

Several local and personal factors come into play when insurers calculate your premium. Here's a look at what could influence your HO-6 insurance quotes in Los Angeles, CA:

• Location: Where your condo sits on the LA map matters a lot. If you live in an area of Los Angeles prone to natural disasters (such as wildfires or floods) or with higher crime rates, you may have higher insurance premiums.
• Building Type: Older buildings or luxury complexes with expensive fixtures may drive up premiums.
• Coverage limits and deductibles: Your choices for coverage and deductibles can affect what you pay. Higher coverage limits may increase your premium, while selecting a higher deductible can sometimes lower it. Adding optional coverages, such as flood or earthquake protection, may also raise your overall cost.

Coverage and availability can vary depending on the underwriting carrier. Consult with a licensed insurance producer to determine your eligibility and explore available options.

What does condo insurance cover in Los Angeles?

Condo insurance in Los Angeles helps protect you in multiple ways, such as:

• Dwelling (Interior Structures): This part of your policy covers the interior of your condo – walls, built-in cabinets, countertops, and flooring. For example, if a kitchen fire damages your cabinets or a pipe bursts and ruins your hardwood floors, this coverage may help cover the cost to repair or rebuild.
• Personal Property: This part of your policy helps cover personal belongings inside your condo. It can include furniture, clothing, appliances, and your heating or cooling systems. If you own expensive items such as jewelry, fine art, or collectibles, you might need to purchase extra coverage to fully protect them.
• Personal liability coverage: Liability coverage helps protect you financially if someone is injured on your property and pursues a claim or lawsuit. It could help pay for legal costs, settlements, and medical expenses.
• Loss of use (or additional living expenses): If your condo becomes unlivable after a covered event, this coverage helps pay for temporary living expenses, such as hotel stays or meals. 

Los Angeles condo insurance coverage exclusions

Every insurance policy, whether residential or commercial, typically comes with exclusions – things the policy doesn’t cover. In Los Angeles, the most common residential or commercial condo insurance exclusions are:

• Earthquake damage: Standard HO-6 policies don’t cover earthquake damage. Since LA sits near major fault lines, you may want to explore separate earthquake insurance to help protect your unit if the ground shakes.
• Flood damage: If your condo is near Venice Beach or Marina del Rey, you may want to look into flood insurance. Flood insurance is a separate policy, often recommended for coastal residents.
• Sewer or water backup: This add-on coverage can help protect you if sewage or water backs up into your condo or if your sump pump overflows. It may help with cleanup and certain repair costs,  including repairs to the sewer line within your property boundaries.
• Wear and tear: Insurance covers named perils, or events that are typically outside of your control, and are often clearly named in your policy. Outdated plumbing, old wiring, or gradual deterioration won’t typically qualify for claims.
• Tenant’s property: If you rent out your condo, your policy won’t cover your tenant’s belongings. They’ll need their own renters insurance.
• Pest infestations: Damage caused by termites, rodents, or other pests is typically excluded and often requires preventive maintenance rather than insurance coverage.

Add-on coverage options

While standard condo insurance covers the basics, there are some important add-ons worth considering:

• Scheduled personal property: Items such as heirloom jewelry, camera equipment, or vintage collectibles may need separate scheduling to be fully covered.
• Umbrella insurance: This insurance policy offers extra liability coverage beyond your typical condo, auto, or other insurance policies. It may apply when claims exceed the limits of your underlying policies, offering additional protection against large liabilities, lawsuits, and judgments.
• Loss Assessment Coverage: HOAs sometimes pass special assessments to cover building repairs after a loss. This add-on could help you pay your share.

Tips to lower your Los Angeles condo insurance premium

Condo insurance in Los Angeles doesn't have to break the bank, especially if you know a few tricks to keep your premium low. Here are some smart and simple tips that may help lower your condo insurance policy.

• Install preventive devices: Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, water leak sensors, and smart locks could help you qualify for discounts. Eligibility and qualifications for these programs may vary by insurer.
• Upgrade your unit: Insurance companies typically prefer condos that are built to withstand the elements. Upgrading to fire-resistant materials, reinforced windows, or updating your plumbing could reduce the likelihood of damage and may unlock discounts.
• Raise your deductible: Consider raising your deductible, which could lower your monthly bill. However, make sure you can cover that amount out of pocket if a covered event happens.
• Don't just auto-renew; shop around: It's easy to let your policy auto-renew every year, but that could cost you. Instead, obtain at least three quotes when your renewal date approaches. Different insurers weigh things such as Los Angeles ZIP codes, proximity to a fire station, or your condo’s age in different ways, so shopping around could reveal a lower rate for the same (or better) coverage.

Still have questions?

Do condominiums in Los Angeles hold their value?

Condos in Los Angeles typically hold their value, though they appreciate at a slower rate than single-family homes. Condos often remain attractive due to affordability, location, and amenities - especially in popular neighborhoods like West Hollywood, Santa Monica, or Downtown LA.

Does condo insurance cover water damage?

Yes, but only under certain circumstances. If water damage results from sudden and accidental events, such as a burst pipe or appliance leak, it’s usually covered. However, damage from floods, gradual leaks, or poor maintenance is excluded.

How much should you save before buying a condo in Los Angeles?

Before buying a condo in Los Angeles, you should save for a down payment, closing costs, and an emergency fund. While a 5% down payment is a minimum for some conventional loans, a 20% down payment is recommended to avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which is often required for condos and ensures the lender gets paid if you can't.

Is it better to own a condo or a house in Los Angeles?

It depends on your lifestyle and budget. Condominiums are generally more affordable, require less maintenance, and often come with amenities such as gyms or pools. However, houses typically offer more privacy, land ownership, and typically stronger long-term appreciation.

Are condos in Los Angeles more expensive to insure?

Not always. Condo association insurance in Los Angeles typically costs less than homeowners insurance, as you only cover the interior and your personal property. However, premiums could climb if your condo is in a luxury high-rise, near wildfire zones, or in earthquake-prone areas.

Sources

1. Information from NerdWallet. 

Figures reflect averages from publicly available sources as of November 2025.

This article is for informational purposes only and was compiled from sources not affiliated with Hippo. While we believe this information to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. For any insurance-related decision, please consult your licensed insurance producer.