Community Association Insurance Claims

When a condominium building is damaged by a storm, fire, flood, or other such event, condo associations turn to their property insurance to recover and rebuild. But reality is often more complicated. Filing a claim does not guarantee a fair outcome, and delays, underpayments, or outright denials can leave associations facing major repair costs with limited resources.

At Vishio Watkins Forry, we represent condominium associations facing insurance disputes over property damage. We understand how these battles disrupt your operations, strain budgets, and create tension among residents. Our job is to make sure insurers honor their commitments so your community can rebuild without unnecessary delays or out-of-pocket costs.

How Vishio Watkins Forry Can Help Your Condo Association Recover

Our attorneys work exclusively on insurance recovery matters. Whether your association is filing a claim for the first time or challenging a wrongful denial, we can guide you through each phase of the process.

Our legal team can:

• Review your insurance policy and explain what is covered
• Assist with preparing and submitting a detailed and accurate claim
• Respond to insurer requests, examinations under oath (EUOs), or independent adjuster assessments
• Pursue full recovery when your insurer delays, underpays, or denies your claim

Helping You Understand Your Condo Association Master Insurance Policy

The master insurance policy is your association’s primary safeguard for shared components, roofing, exteriors, elevators, HVAC systems, and common areas. However, policy scope and restrictions vary widely, often tilting in favor of the insurer.

We analyze your policy details to clarify:

• What your master policy does (and does not) cover
• Who is responsible for what—association vs. unit owner
• Policy exclusions, deductibles, and coverage limits
• How losses are valued (actual cash value vs. replacement cost)

In many cases, associations assume a loss will be covered, only to discover coverage exclusions, co-insurance penalties, or caps they did not anticipate. We help COAs understand these limitations early so they can manage expectations, budgets, and next steps.

Filing a Condominium Association Damage Claim

When your condominium suffers damage, acting quickly is key.

Start by thoroughly documenting every affected area, take clear photos and, if possible, get professional inspections or repair estimates.

Notify your insurance company without delay. Most policies require prompt notice to keep your coverage intact. Gather all relevant documents, especially your master insurance policy, and prepare a detailed description of the damage and estimated repair costs.

Submit your claim carefully. Include all necessary paperwork and strong evidence to back up your loss. Keep a detailed record of every interaction with your insurer including emails, calls, and letters, because these can be vital later.

Expect the insurer to conduct a thorough investigation, which may include site inspections and detailed questioning. While it is important to cooperate fully, remain cautious to protect your association’s interests.

If this is your first time handling an insurance claim, hiring an experienced attorney can help you avoid common pitfalls, gather additional evidence, and strengthen your position for success.

What to do If Your Condo Association Insurance Claim is Denied

Unfortunately, even well-prepared claims can be denied. Common reasons include citing policy exclusions, disputing the extent of damage, alleging late reporting, or arguing the damage was pre-existing or due to wear and tear.

If your claim is denied:

• Do not accept the rejection without scrutiny. Insurers often misuse exclusions or base decisions on flawed evaluations.
• Seek a thorough review. Our experienced insurance claim attorneys will analyze the claim file, denial letter, engineering reports, and policy wording to assess the insurer’s position.
• Act promptly. Condo association insurance claims have strict filing deadlines, and delays can interfere with your legal options.

Often, insurance companies deny claims based on incomplete or inaccurate information. With the right approach, these decisions can be challenged by reopening the claim, requesting a re-inspection of the damage, or negotiating a better settlement. If negotiations fail and legal action is the best course, we have the expertise and resources to vigorously pursue your association’s rights in court.

Contact Vishio Watkins Forry For Help With Your Claim Today

Insurance companies deploy teams of attorneys to shield their financial exposure. Your board deserves equal, sophisticated representation. We have assisted condo associations nationwide in recovering compensation for storm damage, water intrusion, roof failures, and total structural loss. And we stand ready to help yours when you need it.

Do not allow your association to absorb costs the insurance carrier should rightfully cover. Contact Vishio Watkins & Forry to schedule a consultation with a trusted condo association damage attorney to review your property insurance claim.