Anyone living in New York, and the surrounding areas, knows that having a stand-alone single-family home is very desirable. However, the average cost of a home in more popular parts of New York can be very expensive. The median price of a home is $726,000. That means you probably have to be a millionaire to own a home in most parts of New York City.

The average rent is $2,995 per month for an apartment that is around 716 square feet in the city. If those prices seem high, you can always go across the water to Manhattan where the prices double, triple, and maybe quadruple for the same thing.

For those who are not able to afford a single-family home, many homeowners have a condominium or own an apartment in a cooperative building. The agents at Bryan Insurance Agency, LLC in New Windsor, NY focus on helping clients throughout the state.

Home Insurance versus Condo Insurance

The goal of having insurance for your home or condo is the same. You want to protect it against the risk of financial loss due to damage to the structure and also have sufficient insurance to protect the contents, which are called “personal property.”

The main difference between home insurance and condominium/apartment insurance is that condos have what are called "common areas," such as hallways, elevators and the lobby. Also, a condo may share walls, ceilings, and floors with other condominiums or parts of the building. If someone has an accidental kitchen fire in the condo below yours and it burns upward to damage your place too; who is responsible? This is the kind of problem that should concern you.

Analysis of Your Home or Condo Insurance for ‘Gaps’

The key to understanding your insurance coverage for a condo is to carefully analyze the insurance that the building or condominium association maintains for the common areas. You need to understand what your insurance covers and what is covered by the building’s insurance. Then, look for “gaps” in insurance coverage. Gaps are where something bad can happen that is not sufficiently covered by any insurance.

Get Your Insurance Agent to Help

Luckily, you do not have to do this alone. If you are considering buying a new home or condominium in New York, work with your agent at Bryan Insurance Agency, LLC to get a quote. For condos, get a copy of the insurance that covers the building and common areas to give to your agent.

If you already have home or condo insurance, get a complimentary insurance review so that your agent can explain any gaps in insurance coverage, which you may not even be aware that exist. For a home or a condo, you need to make sure all your personal property is covered as well.

Give us a call or visit our office in New Windsor, NY, so we can help you to be sure there is adequate insurance coverage to protect you.