Insurance for Community Associations Articles
Directors & Officers Insurance Articles
- All D&O Insurance Policies are Not Created Equally: Board Members Should Know Their Liability Risks (MA) March 15, 2025In our overly litigious society, it is said that anyone can sue anyone for anything. The volunteers serving on condominium association boards sometimes feel as if they can be sued by almost everyone for almost everything – an overstatement, perhaps, but an understandable one. It is certainly true that condo owners are not always happy with the decisions boards make and it is also true that some owners express their dissatisfaction with board members by suing them. Read the article…………………………….
- D&O 101 — Protecting Your Board January 15, 2025At the heart of volunteerism is the notion of doing something for the common good. For many, choosing to live in a co-op or condo community is also choosing to volunteer for board service, helping to guide and govern the community they call home. But with that impulse to serve the common good lurks the possibility of liability – a concern that stops many from wanting to participate in the governance of their building or association. Fortunately, that’s where directors ...
- D&O the Right Thing December 19, 2024Homeowner associations rely on members to volunteer time, talent and energy. They do this for no pay however there is still legal exposure for mistakes or errors made. Directors & Officers Liability insurance is designed to protect and defend HOA volunteers and is often included in HOA insurance packages. It also can be purchased separately. Read the article…………………………….
- Condominium Officers Directors and Managers Who Solicit Offer to Accept or Accept Kickbacks Now Commit a Felony (FL) October 29, 2024Florida lawmakers revised Chapter 718, Florida’s Condominium Act, once again following the 2024 Legislative Session through House Bill 1021, which was signed by Governor DeSantis and became effective July 1, 2024. One of the most surprising revisions to some, was the addition of criminal penalties for certain conduct in violation of Chapter 718. Read the article…………………………….
- The Role of Fairness and Empathy in Homeowners Association Boards September 5, 2024Homeowners Associations (HOAs) play a crucial role in maintaining the harmony and aesthetics of residential communities. At the heart of every successful HOA is an effective Board of Directors entrusted with the responsibility of making decisions that impact the lives of community members. In this blog post, we’ll explore how embracing fairness and empathy can lead to greater success for HOA boards. Read the article…………………………….
- D&O 101 — Protecting Your Board August 27, 2024At the heart of volunteerism is the notion of doing something for the common good. For many, choosing to live in a co-op or condo community is also choosing to volunteer for board service, helping to guide and govern the community they call home. But with that impulse to serve the common good lurks the possibility of liability – a concern that stops many from wanting to participate in the governance of their building or association. Fortunately, that’s where directors ...
- Directors & Officers Insurance: The Lowdown on D&O (NJ) August 22, 2024At the heart of volunteerism is the notion of doing something for the common good. For many, choosing to live in a co-op or condo community is also choosing to volunteer for board service, helping to guide and govern the community they call home. But with that impulse to serve the common good lurks the possibility of liability – a concern that stops many from wanting to participate in the governance of their building or association. Fortunately, that’s where directors ...
- Indemnification of Board Member-Plaintiffs Must Be Expressly Stated, NJ Supreme Court Says August 2, 2024The case revolves around a dispute between Patrick Boyle, a trustee and unit owner of the Ocean Club Condominium (OC Condominium), and the Ocean Club Condominium Association (Association). After a disagreement over the Association’s financial management, the Board of Trustees (Board) expelled Boyle. Boyle filed a complaint challenging his removal and sought indemnification for his legal fees and costs based on a provision in the Association’s bylaws. Read the article…………………………….
Directors & Officers Insurance Article Archives
General Liability Insurance Articles
- Who is Responsible for Accidents on HOA Property? April 8, 2025HOA or Condo associations have a duty of ordinary and reasonable care. If a person is walking in a communal space, whether it be a community pool, clubhouse, park or on the sidewalk, liability can fall on the association. Members of the community association board should be aware of the risks and liabilities in their communities. Read the article…………………………….
- What Are The Legal Liabilities Of HOA Board Members? March 27, 2025Understanding the legal liabilities of HOA board members is critical to smooth leadership and operations. Board members volunteer their time and services to help the association. However, the role also comes with its fair share of legal hazards. Board members often expose themselves to possible liability simply by representing the HOA. Read the article…………………………….
- Taking Matters into His Own Hands: A Cautionary Tale in HOA Landscaping Disputes March 24, 2025Mr. Walker, a member of the Rivertrail Crossing Homeowners Association, verbally complained to a Board member that ivy growing on a common area was an eyesore. The Board member advised Mr. Walker to submit his concerns in writing to the Board for the Board to discuss and decide. Without submitting anything in writing, nor receiving approval from the Board to alter the common area, Mr. Walker proceeded to cut away the ivy. Read the article…………………………….
- Plaintiff alleges negligence against homeowner’s association after gate accident (FL) March 14, 2025In a gripping legal battle that has emerged from Palm Beach County, Florida, a resident is seeking justice following a traumatic incident involving malfunctioning property equipment. On February 28, 2025, Suzanne Caplan filed a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit against Valencia Pointe Master Association, Inc. and Castle Management, LLC., also known as Castle Group. The complaint centers around an unfortunate accident that left Caplan with severe injuries and seeks compensation exceeding one million dollars. Read ...
- Plaintiff Alleges Negligence Against Condominium Association Over Unsafe Premises (FL) March 6, 2025Kathleen Bailey has taken legal action against a condominium association after suffering significant injuries due to an alleged unsafe condition on their property. The complaint was filed by Bailey in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on February 21, 2025, naming Vantage Point Condominium Owners’ Association, Inc. as the defendant. Read the article…………………………….
- Slip and Fall: Community Associations and Liability Claims March 4, 2025Condominium, homeowner (HOA), and townhome community associations have a responsibility to maintain common areas according to their governing documents. However, accidents can happen. Slip, trip, and fall claims are among the most common liability issues associations face. These claims can lead to costly litigation, increased insurance premiums, and potential financial strain on the community. Read the article…………………………….
- HOA Lawsuit Disclosure: Does the Board Have a Duty to Inform Owners? (GA) March 4, 2025The homeowner is seeking $8 million against the HOA claiming that the HOA’s architectural review committee improperly denied their request to build a large home on the grounds that it would block the views to Lake Mead. The problem is that the HOA board hasn’t notified the community owners about the lawsuit and they heard about it only because the plaintiff (one of their neighbors) sent a letter to all the owners. Read the article…………………………….
- 5 ways condo and condo boards can prevent fake construction accident lawsuits February 22, 2025An accident during a renovation at your New York City condo or co-op building is every board’s nightmare. But buildings should also be wary of another threat: falsified accident claims. Fraudulent construction accident claims have garnered headlines and a recent protest over the past year. Three property managers Brick Underground spoke with had seen suspicious lawsuits where a construction worker claimed to have been injured while working at a condo or co-op building, including a suit with no ambulance records ...
General Liability Insurance Articles Archives
Insurance – General Articles
- Flofida Could Alter Coverage for Supplemental Claims April 19, 2025In Florida, supplemental insurance claims are statutorily defined and generally treated as claims separate from the original underlying claim. Could a trial court allow coverage litigation for a supplemental claim to proceed alongside an appraisal of the amount of loss for that same supplemental claim? The Florida Supreme Court signaled an interest in tackling this question. Read the article…………………………….
- HOA Insurance: What Is It & Do You Need It? (TX) April 19, 2025Managing a homeowners association comes with significant responsibilities, from maintaining common areas to enforcing community rules and managing finances. Among the most critical duties for HOA board members and community developers is safeguarding the association’s assets and mitigating potential risks. This is where HOA Insurance plays a vital role. It’s a foundational element of responsible community management, providing crucial protection against unforeseen events and liabilities. Read the article…………………………….
- New wildfire insurance policy rewards forest management, cuts costs for Tahoe Donner (CA) April 15, 2025The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Willis, a business of WTW (NASDAQ:WTW), have announced a groundbreaking $2.5 million wildfire resilience insurance policy—the first of its kind to factor in wildfire mitigation efforts. Structured by Willis, the policy was developed for the Tahoe Donner Association, a private homeowners association in Truckee, California. Read the article…………………………….
- Why Contractor Insurance Policies Matter More Than Ever (NY) April 9, 2025Labor law insurance claims continue to threaten insurance coverage for buildings, but there are some actionable items co-op and condo boards can take to reduce this exposure. Sean Kent, senior vice president at FirstService Insurance Brokers, explains what they are, and how a 250-unit Bronx co-op overcame an insurance crisis when labor law claims threatened their coverage. Listen to the podcast…………………………..
- Insurance relief may come soon for condos in crisis (HI) April 4, 2025For the first time since an insurance crisis hit Hawaii condo owners, there is a timeline for state coverage to provide some relief: this June. In recent years, multiple disasters worldwide have pushed up the cost of insurance, and in Hawaii, aging condos also have maintenance and safety issues that made private insurers reluctant to cover them. In many cases, condo associations have chosen to buy less insurance than they need because the owners can’t afford the increased fees, and ...
- Miami Lakes insurance agent personally ‘pocketed’ HOA’s $220K premium, authorities say (FL) April 2, 2025A Miami Lakes insurance agent is facing multiple felony charges after state investigators said he personally “pocketed” a more than $220,000 insurance premium on a condominium association’s policy. But he’s already staring down a three-year federal prison sentence in an unrelated case for an even bigger swindle. Read the article…………………………….
- Navigating Florida’s Challenging Insurance Landscape: How to Choose the Right Provider for Your Condominium Association April 2, 2025Those who live and work in Florida know that there is no better place…anywhere. However, every paradise must have its snake, and for us, that snake’s name is “windstorm.” Hurricanes, tropical storms, cyclones, and the like are apt to occur anytime, but most particularly between the months of June and November. Financial planning and budgeting for the ramifications of these disasters, including maintaining insurance, securing lines of credit, and maintaining reserves, can make the jobs of boards of directors that ...
- California Expands FAIR Plan Insurance Limits Amid Wildfire Risks and Insurer Withdrawals April 2, 2025The California Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan serves as the state’s insurer of last resort, stepping in to provide essential property coverage when traditional insurers leave high-risk zones. Established in 1968, the FAIR Plan is a private consortium of insurance companies operating under state oversight. It was never designed to replace private insurance but to act as a safety net for those unable to secure coverage due to location or elevated risk factors. Read the article…………………………….
- California Insurance Commissioner Approves Major FAIR Plan Expansion to Help HOAs…Access Insurance Coverage March 30, 2025Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara last Thursday announced the approval of the California FAIR Plan Association’s commercial filing to increase commercial property coverage limits. This move is a key element of Commissioner Lara’s ongoing Sustainable Insurance Strategy and continues the implementation of landmark reforms to address California’s property insurance crisis. Read the article…………………………….
- Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Wildfires? What Do HOAs Cover? (CA) March 29, 2025Wildfires are becoming an increasing concern for homeowners, especially in states like California where dry conditions and strong winds create the perfect storm for fast-spreading fires. If you live in a homeowners association (HOA) community, you may be wondering how much protection your insurance provides and whether your HOA’s insurance> covers wildfire damage. Understanding the differences between homeowners insurance and HOA insurance is crucial in protecting your property. Let’s break down what’s covered, what’s not, and how you can safeguard ...
Insurance – General Articles Archives
Owners Insurance Articles
- Best condo insurance companies of 2025 (CNBC) April 13, 2025Condo insurance is more like renters insurance than a homeowners policy, in that it largely covers your belongings, not the physical structure of your property. (That’s generally covered by a policy taken out by your condo or homeowner’s association (HOA). Also known as an HO-6 policy, condo insurance can also protect you from liability for damages to others and help pay for temporary accommodations if you need to relocate while your condo is being repaired. Read the article…………………………….
- Hawaii condo insurance relief on horizon April 6, 2025Relief for many Hawaii condominium owners paying sky-high insurance premiums may be available soon under a state program. Administrators of the state’s dormant Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund are preparing to begin offering hurricane insurance policies in June to one or more types of condo association properties. Read the article…………………………….
- How Condos Are Insured — and How to Save on Your Policy April 1, 2025Condominiums — more commonly referred to simply as condos — have appeal if you want to enjoy the perks of homeownership without the responsibilities of major maintenance tasks like repairing a roof. However, insuring a condo is unique — and complicated. Before purchasing one of these homes, it’s important to understand how condos are insured and what coverage you may need to buy. Read the article…………………………….
- Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Wildfires? What Do HOAs Cover? (CA) March 29, 2025Wildfires are becoming an increasing concern for homeowners, especially in states like California where dry conditions and strong winds create the perfect storm for fast-spreading fires. If you live in a homeowners association (HOA) community, you may be wondering how much protection your insurance provides and whether your HOA’s insurance> covers wildfire damage. Understanding the differences between homeowners insurance and HOA insurance is crucial in protecting your property. Let’s break down what’s covered, what’s not, and how you can safeguard ...
- Check your insurance coverage (FL) March 27, 2025After a story on an $8k special assessment from an HOA, Steve On Your Side urges you to check your insurance policy. Video news report……………………..
- Loss assessment coverage can help protect condo owners from skyrocketing assessments (CO) March 26, 2025News of a more than $8,000 special assessment on one condo owner in a Green Valley Ranch community has prompted many 9NEWS viewers to share similar stories of sudden high bills over the last 24 hours. Steve On Your Side has reported on a growing trend in homeowners association (HOA) insurance, where property owners are increasingly burdened with high-cost assessments and higher dues due to changes in the insurance market. Read the article…………………………….
- Future of condo insurance rates depends on hurricanes (HI) March 22, 2025Condo owners in Hawai?i have been dealing with sky-high insurance bills over the past year. It has led to headaches for condo owners and associations alike. But one local expert said it’s important to know that this is not going to last forever. Read the article…………………………….
- Grills Causing Community Associations to Feel the Heat from Insurance Companies (CO) February 25, 2025As many common interest community owners and boards likely know, finding association insurance at a reasonable rate in Colorado is becoming more difficult. One of the reasons for this is that Colorado is the state with the third-highest wildfire risk, with Colorado’s 20 largest recorded wildfires occurring in the last 2 decades. In 8 of the last 10 years, Colorado has been listed as a state where homeowners insurance has been unprofitable for the insurance industry. Due to Colorado’s high ...
- Understanding Your Community Association’s Insurance Coverage February 25, 2025Protecting your community’s finances and assets is essential, and just as homeowners insurance protects individual properties, community association insurance protects your community. Various scenarios, from fallen trees on common property to injuries at the pool or damage to entrance monuments, highlight the importance of having the right insurance. Community association insurance ensures that the structures, services, and amenities you rely on remain protected, no matter what happens. Read the article…………………………….
- Q&A: To Insure or Not to Insure? February 20, 2025Q. Given the recent disasters on both the East and West Coasts, from flooding to fires, it seems obvious that property insurance is important. But it’s also getting very expensive. Owners who have mortgages are required by their banks to carry insurance, but if you own your property with no mortgage, is it still required? Read the Q&A………………………………..
Owners Insurance Article Archives
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