Protection Tailored for Townhome Communities
Townhome associations face unique risk exposures that differ from standard HOAs or condo boards. Refine Risk provides insurance solutions specifically designed to protect townhome associations, their boards, and shared assets. Our advisors understand the complexities that arise from shared walls, overlapping maintenance duties, and diverse architectural structures.
Townhome developments vary widely in layout and governance. Some resemble condo associations with closely integrated shared walls and infrastructure. Others function more like HOAs with detached garages or tiered maintenance responsibilities. That variability makes generic insurance coverage insufficient. At Refine Risk, we evaluate the structure and CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions) of each townhome community to ensure precise alignment between policy coverage and real-world exposure.
What Townhome Associations Need to Insure
Unlike detached homes, townhomes often share walls, infrastructure, and common areas. That creates a complex responsibility matrix between individual owners and the association. Adequate insurance must account for both property risks and governance risks.
Common Property Coverage Areas:
- Exterior structures: roofs, siding, shared walls, and building envelopes
- Foundations and structural components
- Landscaping and hardscaping in common areas
- Fencing, lighting, signage, and walkways
- Parking lots, driveways, and drainage systems
- Community clubhouses, pools, and shared amenities
Governance and Liability Exposures:
- Directors & Officers (D&O) coverage: protection for board decisions
- General liability: for slip-and-fall claims and property damage
- Umbrella liability: for added limits beyond base policies
- Crime/fidelity coverage: protection against embezzlement or fraud
- Cyber liability: if your association collects and stores digital payments or records
How Townhome Association Policies Differ
Townhome associations typically require a hybrid policy structure. Unlike condo associations, which usually insure interior walls, or HOAs for detached homes that cover only shared land, townhome associations often require:
- Walls-in coverage: Covering from the exterior walls through to the interior paint or drywall. This ensures that damage to shared infrastructure is covered, even if it impacts an individual unit.
- Shared responsibility clauses: Reflecting overlapping maintenance obligations between the association and unit owners.
- Higher liability thresholds: Due to the density of attached units and proximity of structures.
- Special assessment protection: For unexpected expenses passed on to unit owners due to inadequate reserves or uncovered claims.
A poorly structured policy can leave boards and homeowners exposed to disputes over who is responsible for repairs, or worse, uncovered claims after a major event. Refine Risk closes those gaps before they happen.
How is Townhome Association Insurance Priced?
When designing a policy, underwriters evaluate the following:
- Number of buildings and units
- Construction type (e.g., wood frame vs. masonry)
- Age and condition of roofs, siding, and systems
- Presence of amenities like pools, gyms, or elevators
- Claims history and loss control measures
- Reserve funding levels
- Fire suppression systems and inspection protocols
Well-governed associations with updated maintenance schedules and reserve studies typically qualify for better coverage terms and rates. Refine Risk helps associations implement risk management strategies that strengthen their underwriting profile.
What Happens If You’re Underinsured
Townhome associations that carry insufficient or misaligned coverage face the following risks:
- Personal liability for board members: if D&O coverage is missing or limited
- Delays in reconstruction: due to disputes over structural vs. unit-owner responsibility
- Legal exposure: if injuries occur in common areas without sufficient liability coverage
- Special assessments: passed to homeowners to cover uninsured losses
The financial and reputational consequences of underinsurance are severe—especially for volunteer boards trying to serve their community. Refine Risk ensures your policy aligns with your governing documents and your long-term operational reality.
Why Work with Refine Risk
We specialize in community association coverage for high-value residential environments. Our advisors are trained to work with townhome associations that value clarity, long-term protection, and tailored solutions. When you work with Refine Risk, you receive:
- Clear policy structure aligned with your governing documents
- Annual policy reviews and inflation adjustments
- Access to legal reviews of your CC&Rs for insurance alignment
- Board education on coverage responsibilities and risk mitigation
- Guidance on reserve studies and financial readiness
- Support during claims and insurance audits
We are not a commodity broker. We are a strategic partner focused on protection, longevity, and clarity.
Serving the Tri-State Area
Refine Risk serves boards across:
- Westchester County – from bridge views in Tarrytown to lake days in Mahopac
- New York City – from Brooklyn row houses to new builds in State Island
- Fairfield County – Greenwich to Darien and everything in between.
- New Jersey – from the Gold Coast to The Shore
Local governance rules and building codes vary across regions. Our knowledge of jurisdictional differences ensures that your policy aligns not only with your community documents but with your local compliance environment. We work closely with property managers and legal counsel to help you meet your obligations under New York and Connecticut law.
How Refine Risk Helps Townhome Associations Stay Protected
Consider a townhome association with 48 units and three attached buildings. Their CC&Rs require the association to maintain roofs, siding, and common plumbing, but individual owners are responsible for interiors and private patios. A standard HOA policy would leave gaps in the shared wall plumbing and electrical systems.
Refine Risk structures a policy that:
- Insures the full building envelope
- Covers water intrusion through common systems
- Includes D&O, umbrella, and crime coverage
- Matches the CC&Rs in scope and language
This alignment avoids disputes, protects property values, and supports board confidence.
Partnering with Boards and Property Managers
We collaborate closely with board members and community managers to:
- Review governing documents and past insurance
- Identify gaps in coverage and risk exposure
- Present policy options with clear comparisons
- Coordinate with property managers and legal counsel
Our approach is consultative, not transactional. Every policy is the result of a strategic review—not a copy-paste quote.
Get a Quote for Your Townhome Association
Connect with a Refine Risk advisor to structure coverage that fits your association’s unique needs. We’ll review your CC&Rs, reserve allocations, and existing insurance to ensure you’re properly protected.
Our quoting process includes:
- Intake call with a licensed advisor
- Review of governing documents and site plan
- Risk analysis and underwriting preparation
- Presentation of coverage options and pricing
This is more than insurance. It’s protection for the long-term value of your community.
Related Coverage: HOA Insurance