[Banbuk77]

Shopping for a condo insurance and not sure if I need to get a wind coverage.

The condo apartment is on 15th floor in an old (1970) high rise building.
The location is SE Florida, 2000 feet from the ocean.

The difference in coverage is $650 vs $1650.

The building is old and sturdy and windows are not that big.
Is there a big chance a hurricane would blow the window out on 15th floor?


Thanks.

[1insider]

Originally Posted by Banbuk77

The building is old and sturdy and windows are not that big.
Is there a big chance a hurricane would blow the window out on 15th floor?


Thanks.

I've seen many a condo window blown out. If you have good hurricane shutters it is less likely although I've seen hurricane shutters fail on condos in a few storms, primarily electric vertical shutters at the outer edge of a balcony rather than up against the sliders.

[adjusterjack]

Originally Posted by Banbuk77

Is there a big chance a hurricane would blow the window out on 15th floor?

I'm a retired claims adjuster. Florida was in my territory. I've seen the worst that hurricane season can offer.

Maybe there is a chance that your windows and patio door will survive a major hurricane. But if they don't, your home will be inundated. All your personal property will be damaged along with your flooring, cabinets and fixtures. Add the cost of dry-out fans for 3 or 4 days.

If you want to self-insure against wind I suggest you determine the replacement cost of your personal property and the "unit" elements that you get to pay for and put that money in a savings account that you never use for anything else.

The reason Florida has a state run wind insurance is because it's not a matter of "if" it's a matter of "when."

[jghorton]

On the 15th floor, you probably don't need 'rising water'/flood insurance. In the event of a hurricane or serious wind damage, you are likely covered under the Condo Association insurance policy (which has a 2-3% deductible). If not a hurricane, what are you concerned about in a 50-year old building? (Has anyone there ever had 'wind' damage w/o a hurricane?)

Typically an owner policy covers contents from the wallboard in, which is most likely covered under your basic homeowner policy. Therefore, if there is a window breach, the Association will likely pay for windows and you (or your insurance policy) will be liable for the interior.

Before buying more insurance, verify what you already have -- No sense doubling-up.

[WRnative]

Check to see what your condo insurance covers. There's a strong likelihood that it covers replacing damaged windows, but perhaps not damage to interior walls and ceilings, and most likelynot losses of your personal belongings due to hurricane winds and penetrating rain. So you likely need wind insurance covering your personal belongings and perhaps the interior walls and ceilings.

Review your condo legal documents and see what insurance coverage the association is required to maintain and what the association is legally responsible for in the event of losses. Then obtain, annually, a copy of the condo association's insurance policy to make certain the association is buying all legally required coverage and definitely check the deductibles.


It's a good idea to use an insurance agent experienced in condos. E.g., I would want some amount of excess loss coverage, but you may need a rider to get loss assessment coverage due to hurricane winds. If the condo has inadequate hurricane/wind insurance, and damage to common areas, roofs, HVAC equipment, etc., exceed the amount of coverage, the association likely will have to assess owners for the difference. Loss assessment coverage would pay such assessments up to the policy limit.


https://www.thebalance.com/loss-asse...urance-4060435



https://andysirkin.com/subdivision-a...ium-documents/


Most condo owners have little understanding of condo insurance coverage and potential liabilities. I've always been concerned about subrogation, and the failure of many condo legal documents to require owners and their insurers to waive it. E.g., if a fire starts in your unit, and damages other units, what is your legal responsibility?


https://www.goldmanpease.com/condomi...f-subrogation/


Good luck!