Condo Insurance in South Texas

Condo insurance is homeowners insurance for people who own a condominium or co-op unit. As the owner, you’re typically responsible for protecting your unit’s interior and belongings.

In South Texas, where properties often face unique risks like hurricanes, flooding, and coastal storms, having the right insurance is especially important. While your condo association’s master policy covers shared spaces such as lobbies, pools, or roofs, it won’t cover everything inside your home.

And that’s where condo (HO-6) insurance in South Texas comes in. HO-6 or condo insurance helps protect your personal property, interior upgrades, and liability while offering financial support if your unit becomes unlivable due to a covered event.

Key takeaways

• Condo (HO-6) insurance covers your unit’s interior, your belongings, and liability.
• Condo insurance is not legally required in Texas, but lenders and condo associations often require or expect owners to maintain this type of coverage.
• South Texas premiums vary based on location, with higher rates in coastal areas vulnerable to hurricanes and flooding.
• You may be able to manage your condo insurance costs through bundling, improving safety features, and adjusting deductibles.

Is condo insurance mandatory in South Texas?

The State of Texas does not legally require condo owners to purchase condo insurance. However, that doesn’t mean you will not encounter requirements from other parties.

• Mortgage lenders: Most banks and financial institutions require proof of HO-6 coverage before approving your loan. This protects their investment in case of fire, water damage, or liability claims inside your unit.
• Condo associations (HOAs): Many South Texas condo boards require unit owners to carry condo insurance. HOAs carry a master policy, but it usually only protects common areas and the building’s structure – not the inside of your unit.

If you rent a condo in South Texas instead of owning it, you don’t need HO-6 coverage. Instead, consider renters insurance (HO-4 policy), which provides coverage for your belongings and liability.

How is condo insurance different from home insurance?

Many people assume condo insurance and homeowners insurance are the same. However, this isn't the case. While both cover personal belongings and liability, the structural protection differs:

• Homeowners insurance in South Texas covers the entire property, including the house’s exterior, roof, garage, and surrounding land.
• Condo insurance (HO-6) only covers what’s inside your condo – the walls, flooring, built-ins, appliances, and personal belongings.

Your condo association usually insures the building’s exterior and shared areas.

How much is condo insurance in South Texas?

The cost of condo insurance in South Texas varies depending on your location, the value of your property, and local risk factors. On average, Texas condo owners pay around $1,007 [1] annually (or $84 monthly) for HO-6 insurance.

Here are some factors insurance companies consider when determining your HO-6 insurance premium:

• Age and condition of the building: Older structures or those needing maintenance often cost more to insure.
• Coverage limits and deductible: Higher coverage amounts increase premiums, while a larger deductible lowers your cost.
• Claims history: A history of claims on a unit or by a homeowner could raise insurance costs; conversely, a clean record could help lower premiums.
• Security and safety features: Features like smoke detectors, security alarms, hurricane shutters, or reinforced windows could earn you discounts.
• Location and risk exposure: Being closer to the Gulf – or located in flood or hurricane zones – increases risk, and thus premiums.

With that being said, here’s how the condo insurance cost changes by region:

Coastal Areas (Corpus Christi, South Padre Island, Brownsville)

Condo insurance in South Texas coastal cities tends to be higher, often up to $1,541 [2] annually. Hurricanes, tropical storms, and flood risks push premiums up.

Urban Areas (San Antonio, Laredo, McAllen)

If you live in a major inland city, expect to pay $815 [3] annually. While still subject to storm risks, these areas may be priced lower than properties directly on the Gulf Coast.

High-Risk Zones

If your condo is located in a flood zone or hurricane-prone community, you could pay more. Keep in mind: Standard condo insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. 

What does condo insurance cover in South Texas?

When you buy condo insurance in South Texas, you don’t just protect your walls – you protect your entire lifestyle. A standard HO-6 policy helps cover the areas of your condo that your HOA’s master policy doesn’t touch. 

That said, here’s what a typical condo insurance policy covers:

• Dwelling coverage: This part of your policy protects the inside of your condo. That means walls, ceilings, flooring, cabinets, and any improvements you’ve made, such as granite countertops, upgraded lighting, or a remodeled bathroom. If a storm, fire, or other covered perils like vandalism or theft damage your interior, dwelling coverage may help pay for repairs.
• Personal property coverage: Your belongings – such as clothing, furniture, electronics, and appliances – are also protected. For example, if your laptop gets stolen or a power surge damages your TV, personal property coverage helps you replace them. You could even add extra coverage for high-value items such as jewelry or art.
• Loss of use coverage: If a hurricane, fire, or other disaster leaves your condo unlivable, this coverage steps in. This helps cover the costs of hotel stays, temporary rentals, meals, and other living expenses while your condo is being repaired.
• Personal liability insurance coverage: If a visitor gets injured in your condo or if you accidentally damage another person’s property, liability coverage protects you. Most South Texas policies include at least $100,000 in liability protection, but higher limits are available for more peace of mind.
• Medical payments to others: If a guest trips, slips, or otherwise gets hurt in your unit, this coverage pays for minor medical bills, no lawsuit required. In Texas, this protection could also extend to part-time workers – like babysitters, gardeners, or housekeepers – who work fewer than 10 hours a week.

South Texas condo insurance coverage exclusions

While HO-6 condo insurance policies offer valuable protection, it’s equally important to know what perils they don’t cover. Understanding exclusions could save you from unpleasant surprises when filing a claim.

• Flood insurance damage: Standard condo insurance won’t cover flood-related perils, whether from heavy rain, storm surge, or overflowing rivers. This is especially important in South Texas coastal areas like Brownsville or South Padre Island, where flooding is a common risk. To stay protected, you’ll need a separate flood insurance policy, often purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
• Earthquake damage: Earthquakes are rare in Texas, but they are still considered excluded perils under most standard condo policies. If you want protection against this risk, you’ll need to buy a separate earthquake policy.
• Wear and tear: Condo insurance covers sudden and accidental damage, not long-term maintenance issues. That means old plumbing, roof leaks, mold from poor ventilation, or outdated electrical systems are generally excluded. Routine upkeep remains the condo owner’s responsibility.
• Sewer backups: If water backs up through your plumbing or sewers, the resulting damage typically isn’t covered unless you’ve purchased an add-on rider.
• Tenant belongings: If you rent out your condo, your insurance policy does not cover your tenant’s belongings. Tenants need their own renters insurance to protect their property.

Add-on coverage options

Fortunately, you could customize your condo insurance policy with add-ons that fill in the gaps. Here are some of the most common in South Texas:

• Flood insurance: A must-have for anyone living near the coast. Since standard policies exclude floods, adding NFIP coverage could protect your condo from hurricane storm surge and heavy rainfall.
• Hurricane deductible buy-back: Many South Texas policies carry a high hurricane deductible, meaning you’ll pay thousands out of pocket before coverage kicks in. A deductible buy-back rider helps lower that cost.
• Scheduled personal property: Standard personal property coverage has limits for high-value items. If you own expensive jewelry, fine art, or collectibles, this add-on ensures you’re fully protected.
• Unit assessment coverage: Sometimes HOAs charge condo owners a “special assessment” to cover shared losses. This rider helps pay your share if that happens.
• Umbrella insurance: This policy provides extra liability protection beyond your HO-6 limits. It’s especially useful if you have significant assets to protect from unexpected perils.

Tips on how to reduce the costs of condo insurance in South Texas

Want to lower your premium while keeping solid coverage? Even in high-risk areas, you could take some actionable steps to reduce your condo insurance premium, such as:

• Bundle policies: Bundling condo insurance with auto or other policies may offer cost efficiencies, depending on the insurer.
• Install safety features: Insurance companies often give discounts if your condo is safer and less likely to suffer damage. Adding smoke detectors, a monitored security system, reinforced doors, or hurricane shutters could lower your risk and may be viewed favorably by insurers. In storm-prone areas of South Texas, wind-resistant upgrades, such as impact-resistant windows, could also make a difference.
• Raise your deductible: A higher deductible usually lowers monthly costs, but choose an amount you can reasonably afford if a claim arises.
• Improve your credit score: Texas insurers may use credit-based insurance scores. Positive credit behavior can influence your premium.
• Compare quotes: Don’t just settle on the first policy you’re offered. Rates vary widely between insurance companies, even within the same South Texas city. Make sure to request multiple quotes and compare coverage details to find a policy that best suits you.

Still have questions?

Curious to learn more about South Texas condo insurance? Here are some frequently asked questions:

What happens if my condo burns down?

If a fire destroys your South Texas condo, your HO-6 policy may cover the interior and your personal belongings. The HOA’s master policy typically covers the building’s exterior. Loss of use coverage also helps pay for temporary housing while repairs are made.

Are condos in South Texas more expensive to insure?

Yes, condo insurance in South Texas is likely to be more expensive because Texas is prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes, which increases the risk of claims and thus the cost of insurance.

Is it better to own a condo or a house in South Texas? 

It depends on your lifestyle. Condos usually have lower maintenance responsibilities since the HOA handles exteriors and shared spaces. However, insurance for condos near the coast could be higher than for single-family homes inland.

Do condominiums in South Texas hold their value? 

Yes. Condos in desirable areas, such as South Padre Island or Corpus Christi, can perform well over time due to the demand for vacation and retirement properties. Urban condos in San Antonio or McAllen also hold value thanks to steady job markets and population growth.

How much should you save before buying a condo in South Texas?

Experts often recommend saving at least 20% [4] for a down payment, plus additional funds for closing costs, HOA fees, and condo insurance premiums. Having an emergency fund for repairs and unexpected costs is also wise.

Sources

1, 2. Data gathered from Insure.com

3. Data gathered from NerdWallet.

4. Data gathered from Prevu.

Figures reflect averages from publicly available sources as of December 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.