The Firebird Agency works with condominium and homeowners associations that need dependable coverage, responsive certificate handling, and clear guidance for boards, property managers, homeowners, and lenders. We can help review association-level exposures and place coverage with carriers that understand community associations.
Coverage Support for Community Associations
Association insurance programs may need to account for shared property, common areas, board liability, crime exposures, equipment breakdown, umbrella limits, and certificate requirements from lenders and unit owners. We help organize those needs so the policy structure reflects how the association actually operates.
What We Can Help Review
Typical discussions include property schedules, general liability, directors and officers liability, fidelity/crime, workers compensation, umbrella coverage, and administrative needs related to certificates or evidence of insurance.
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Homeowners
To obtain proof of renewal for a lender, please click the "Homeowner's Certificate" button.
What types of insurance does our association actually need?
At minimum, associations need general liability insurance. If they have employees, they'll need
workers' compensation in most states, and if they use vehicles for business purposes, they'll also
need commercial auto. Beyond those basics, every HOA should have policies to protect assets,
cover personal injury, and cover the costs of lawsuits regardless of their merit or outcome.
What's the difference between the HOA master policy and individual homeowner coverage?
A common concern is that residents assume the association's insurance covers something it
actually doesn't, which can create costly coverage gaps. When you live in a community with an
HOA, part of your dues go toward a master insurance policy purchased by the HOA itself,
designed to protect shared parts of the community such as common areas, hallways, lobbies,
stairwells, and parking lots.
Do we have coverage gaps — and how do we find them?
HOAs seeking new or updated insurance coverage often want to know their exact risk level. If
there are exclusions or coverage gaps, a qualified agent should be able to outline what these
holes are — in some cases the lack of coverage is a manageable risk, and in others there's a
need for an excess policy or niche policy to lower financial risk.
Do we need D&O (Directors & Officers) insurance?
Associations and their chapters should have coverage to protect against claims made by
employees or volunteers for wrongful termination or harassment, intellectual property
infringement, embezzlement, theft, cyber liability, and other legal claims. These coverages are
often packaged with the general liability or D&O policy.
Should we get an umbrella policy?
A standalone umbrella policy for an association generally extends over the association's liability
and D&O coverage, filling gaps and providing additional protection, often at minimal cost. In a
larger association, the increased expense may cost owners only dollars per year while providing
millions more in coverage.
How often should we review our insurance?
Insurance is one area — especially property and liability coverages — where you cannot take a
"set it and forget it" approach. It's important to have coverage reviewed every year when you
renew your policies.
How do we handle wildfire, flood, or climate-related coverage?
While Florida is dealing with hurricanes and California is dealing with wildfires, the Midwest has
seen a large increase in damage due to hail and wind — all driving managers to ask how to insure
against climate-related risks. In wildfire-prone areas, HOAs may face limitations or non-renewals
on fire coverage, prompting the need for supplemental wildfire-specific policies.
Are we required by state law to carry specific coverage?
Some states mandate minimum coverage limits for property and liability insurance, while others
require HOAs to carry additional protections like workers' compensation. Mortgage lenders also
typically require proof of HOA insurance before approving home loans.
Do we need cyber liability insurance?
Cyber liability insurance is increasingly relevant to help protect financial and homeowner data, and
managers are increasingly searching for whether this should be part of a standard coverage
package.
What about fidelity/crime insurance to protect association funds?
Any person who controls, collects, has access to, or disburses association funds must have a
commercially available insurance policy that provides protection of those funds from theft by a
community association manager, management company, or its employees.
This FAQ is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or insurance advice. Coverage terms, exclusions, and availability vary by insurer and state. Consult a licensed insurance professional at The Firebird Agency for guidance specific to your situation.
While our offices are located in Arizona and California, we are licensed all over the country.
