Should I File a Condo or Co-op Insurance Claim?

You may be wondering who is responsible if you experience a loss that originated from a common area such as a roof or was caused by another condo or co-op owner.

Condo and co-op insurance claims may involve multiple parties, such as your condo association or co-op board, which is the group that manages the collective interests of the owners. In addition, the way your loss is handled may be determined by your building’s Master deeds, by-laws, and proprietary lease agreements. These documents define the rules and regulations for your condo or co-op and its members. You should contact your condo board or co-op for a copy of these documents if you do not have them.

As a result of these variables, some or all of your loss may be covered by your insurance or it may be covered by your associations, boards or Management Company’s insurance policy.

Fortunately, your Travelers Claim professional can help you determine the cause of your damage, the estimated cost of repairs or replacement, and who may be responsible.  

Completing the following steps as soon as possible can assist in resolving your claim:

• Notify a member of your condo association or co-op board or their management company of your loss.
• Obtain the name of the insurance company that provides property coverage for your condo or co-op, and determine if condo or co-op officials will be filing a claim with that insurance company.
• Discuss with your Travelers Claim professional whether there is anything you should do to prevent further damage to your property before making any repairs.
• Be sure to keep all receipts and invoices for any work completed.
• Review your Travelers insurance policy. If you have questions about your coverage, ask your Claim professional to walk you through your policy.

The following documents may help you and your Claim professional determine which insurance policy covers the damages to your unit:

• Your association’s policy
• Your association’s master deed
• Your association’s by-laws
• Any proprietary lease agreements

If you’re having difficulty contacting your condo association or management company, here are a few tips that could help:

• Send a letter to your condo association or co-op board asking for a copy of their master policy.
• Work with your Travelers Claim professional to identify the specific provisions in the master deed, by-laws, proprietary lease or the master policy that require your condo association or co-op board to make a claim under its  policy.
• Send letters or emails to your association, board or management company that outline the provisions that require the association, board or management company to report the claim under its policy.

If you have damage to the interior of your unit and Travelers is responsible for covering your property damage:

• Mitigate & Prevent: Discuss with your Travelers Claim professional whether there is anything you should do to prevent further damage to your property before making any repairs. This may entail removing water, securing broken windows, etc.
• Document: Maintain receipts and invoices for any damaged items or work completed. Photograph damaged property or  contents. Collect relevant condo association insurance information and a copy of the by-laws. This includes the name of the insurance company that  provides property coverage for your condo or co-op.
• Notify: Notify a member of your condo association or co-op board or their management company of your loss. Ask that they file a claim with their insurance company.

Travelers' responsibilities in this instance:

• Restore: We will work with you to determine appropriate repair or replacement services required.
• Subrogation: We will review your claim and inform you if subrogation is possible.
• Inform: We will provide you with updates of your claim.