What does the condo corporation's insurance cover versus what I need for my unit in Ontario?

Ontario's Condominium Act, 1998 requires every condominium corporation to maintain property insurance on the units and common elements for their replacement cost and liability insurance for the common elements. The corporation's policy typically covers the building structure, common areas, and the standard unit as defined in the declaration (including original fixtures like cabinetry, flooring, and plumbing at the level originally installed by the developer).

The corporation's insurance does not cover your personal belongings, your unit improvements or upgrades above the standard unit, your liability as an owner, or certain deductibles. If the corporation's policy has a large deductible, the Act lets the corporation charge that deductible back to you where the damage was caused by an act or omission of you or a resident of your unit (s. 105 (2)) — and many declarations extend this to any loss that originates in your unit.

As a unit owner, you should carry your own condo owner's insurance policy (sometimes called "condo unit owner" or "HO6" coverage). This covers your contents, upgrades, additional living expenses if you're displaced, personal liability, and can cover the corporation's deductible chargeback.