Guide
Condo Master Policy: All-In vs Bare Walls
All-in, bare walls, and walls-in master policies explained—what the association covers vs what your HO-6 must cover before you bind coverage.
By True Condo Cost editorial team · Editorial standards
Your HO-6 limits depend on how the association's master policy defines unit boundaries—not on what the listing says about insurance.
All-in, bare walls, and walls-in coverage—and what to confirm in the resale packet before you bind HO-6.
Calculators for this topic
Explore more tools for your condo search
- Condo InsuranceFree condo insurance calculator and cost estimator: enter your HO-6 quote to see monthly premium impact on total housing cost. No signup required.
- Dwelling CoverageFree dwelling coverage calculator: estimate condo replacement cost for HO-6 from square footage and rebuild cost per foot—not purchase price.
- Special AssessmentEstimate the monthly or lump-sum cost of a condo special assessment.
Last updated: June 2026
Why master policy type changes your HO-6
Every condominium carries a master policy on the building. Your HO-6 unit policy fills gaps the master policy does not cover. The split depends on whether the association bought all-in (often called single entity), walls-in, or bare walls coverage—not on what the listing agent calls it.
Before you bind HO-6 coverage, read the certificate of insurance in the resale packet. Your agent needs the exact form language, not a verbal summary from management.
All-in vs bare walls vs walls-in
| Master policy type | Association typically covers | You typically insure with HO-6 |
|---|---|---|
| All-in / single entity | Structure plus standard interior finishes to walls | Personal property, liability, improvements, loss assessment |
| Bare walls / studs-out | Building shell and common areas only | Interior finishes, cabinets, flooring, fixtures, belongings |
| Walls-in (middle ground) | Drywall outward; you may cover finishes inside | Varies—confirm where the line is drawn in declarations |
Misreading the master type is a common reason HO-6 limits are too low after a kitchen or bathroom leak. See also what condo insurance covers and loss assessment coverage.
Questions for your agent before binding HO-6
- What master policy form is on the certificate—all-in, bare walls, or other?
- Where do governing documents draw the unit boundary for insurance?
- What dwelling limit matches interior rebuild cost, not purchase price?
- What is the master deductible for water damage and named storm?
- Should loss assessment limits match deductible exposure per unit?
After renovations
If you upgrade cabinets or flooring before or after closing, dwelling limits may need to rise. Purchase price and rebuild cost diverge quickly on renovated units.
Frequently asked questions
- What is an all-in condo master policy?
- A form where the association's master policy covers the building structure and often standard interior finishes. You still need HO-6 for belongings, liability, upgrades, and many deductible scenarios.
- What is bare walls coverage?
- A master policy that insures the building shell and common areas but leaves interior finishes to unit owners. HO-6 dwelling limits must cover cabinets, flooring, and fixtures you would replace after a loss.
- Is condo insurance included in HOA fees?
- The master building premium is usually funded through HOA dues. Your individual HO-6 policy is a separate bill you pay to your carrier.
Sources to verify before buying
Use this checklist during due diligence. Calculators help you plan; these documents tell you what a specific building actually costs.
- HOA budget and audited financials (or reviewed statements if the association is small)
- Reserve study with percent-funded and component schedules — often prepared under CAI / APRA standards
- Master insurance declarations: carrier, deductible, wind/hail sublimits, and coinsurance
- Board minutes covering the last two insurance renewals and any assessment votes
- Written special assessment notices and payment plans
- County assessor or municipal property tax estimator for the parcel (not a neighbor’s bill)
- HO-6 quote aligned to master policy gaps — confirm with your state Department of Insurance licensed agent
- Lender condo questionnaire or Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac project review status for warrantability
Related calculators
Explore more tools for your condo search
- Condo InsuranceFree condo insurance calculator and cost estimator: enter your HO-6 quote to see monthly premium impact on total housing cost. No signup required.
- Dwelling CoverageFree dwelling coverage calculator: estimate condo replacement cost for HO-6 from square footage and rebuild cost per foot—not purchase price.
- Special AssessmentEstimate the monthly or lump-sum cost of a condo special assessment.
Related guides
Learn the basics before you run the numbers
- What Condo Insurance CoversHO-6 vs master policy, loss assessment, and interior coverage gaps.
- Loss Assessment CoverageWhat condo loss assessment coverage pays, how master policy deductibles trigger owner bills, and how much HO-6 coverage to buy before you close.
- Who Pays for Water Damage in a Condo?How master policy, HO-6, and assessments split water damage in condos—what to verify in governing documents before you close.
- Condo InsuranceMaster policy vs HO-6 coverage, typical premiums, and how insurance affects your total condo cost.