The Solution for Association Insurance

Providing insurance expertise tailored specifically for community associations, including condominiums, homeowner associations, cooperatives, and planned unit developments.

Request A Quote

Earthquake & Flood Insurance

Community associations in the Pacific Northwest face unique environmental risks, particularly from earthquakes and flooding. These catastrophic events can cause significant structural damage and financial strain, making specialized insurance coverage an essential component of a comprehensive risk management strategy. Standard property insurance policies typically do not include protection for earthquake or flood-related losses, requiring associations to secure this coverage through endorsements or separate policies.

Understanding how these coverages work—and the deductibles associated with them—is critical for both boards and unit owners. Proper planning ensures that communities have the financial resources necessary to recover and rebuild following a major disaster while minimizing unexpected financial burdens on homeowners.

Earthquake Insurance

Earthquake Insurance provides protection for community associations against damage resulting from seismic activity, including ground shaking, aftershocks, and related structural impacts. In the Pacific Northwest, the potential for significant seismic events, such as those associated with the Cascadia Subduction Zone, makes this coverage particularly important.

Because earthquake coverage is generally excluded from standard property insurance policies, associations must obtain it either through an endorsement to their existing policy or by purchasing a standalone earthquake policy. Coverage typically includes damage to buildings and common elements and may be extended to include certain associated costs, such as debris

Protect Your Community with Confidence

Every community association has unique risks and insurance considerations. Associs works alongside boards and property managers to provide clear, strategic guidance that supports informed insurance decisions and long-term financial stability.

Whether you are evaluating new coverage or reviewing your current program, our team is here to help you navigate the complexities of community association insurance.

Request A Quote

  • How to Read Loss Runs and Use the Data to Strategically Plan

    people with calculator

    Loss runs are more than a record of past insurance claims. They tell a story. When reviewed thoughtfully, they reveal patterns in maintenance, operations, and risk exposure. Boards that understand how to interpret this data can move from reacting to claims to strategically planning for the future. Start by looking at the loss amounts. Are

    View Full Article

  • How often does your community association think about cyber insurance?

    coding

    If the answer is “not much,” that is worth changing. Community associations and the management companies that serve them handle a surprising volume of sensitive data every day. Financial records, homeowner personal information, banking details, vendor contracts, access credentials, payment histories. All of it lives in systems that often lack the protections you would expect

    View Full Article

  • How Incorrect Application Answers Turn into Material Misrepresentation and Lost Coverage

    Associs

    Insurance applications are legal documents, and the accuracy of the information provided is far more important than many associations realize. Material misrepresentation occurs when information on an application is inaccurate or incomplete in a way that influences an insurer’s underwriting decision. When this happens, the consequences can extend far beyond higher premiums and, in some

    View Full Article

  • Why Insurance Companies Are Judging Your Community’s Housekeeping

    Associs

    When insurance carriers evaluate a community association, they are not just reviewing loss runs and replacement values. They are increasingly assessing the overall “housekeeping” of the community. In underwriting terms, housekeeping refers to how well a community maintains its property, manages everyday risk, and plans for issues before they turn into claims. In today’s insurance

    View Full Article

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Earthquake damage is typically excluded from standard property insurance policies. Associations must obtain coverage through a specific endorsement or by purchasing a standalone earthquake insurance policy.

Earthquake deductibles are usually expressed as a percentage of the insured value of the property, often ranging from 5% to 20%. This means the out-of-pocket cost can be substantial and should be carefully considered during financial planning.

Flood insurance generally covers damage caused by rising water from events such as heavy rainfall, overflowing rivers, storm surges, or rapid snowmelt. Coverage typically applies to buildings and common elements, while personal property may require separate coverage by unit owners.

Yes. Unit owners can often obtain earthquake or flood coverage through endorsements to their HO-6 policies or by purchasing standalone policies. These policies may also include loss assessment coverage to help pay their share of the association’s deductible.

These coverages provide essential financial protection against catastrophic events that are not included in standard property policies. Without them, associations and unit owners could face significant out-of-pocket expenses and special assessments following a major disaster.

Associs

Answers to your Insurance Questions .

Our team is ready to answer your questions.

Inquire Now