Society insurance may not cover flat interiors, water damage

Housing society insurance typically covers only the building structure and common areas, leaving individual flats and their contents unprotected against monsoon-related flooding and water damage, experts say. Rakesh Kumar, founder of Square Insurance, said a society's policy does not extend to interiors, modular kitchens, wardrobes, flooring, furniture, electronics or jewellery inside a home. Priti Rohira, executive partner at ElpeeCo, added that the cover stops where the homeowner's responsibility begins.

Homeowners also face a liability blind spot: a fire or water leak originating in one flat could lead to compensation claims from neighbours. Urban homes often contain expensive contents and improvements worth several lakhs of rupees, but these remain uninsured unless the owner buys a separate home insurance policy. A comprehensive home insurance covering theft, natural disasters and liabilities costs around Rs 3,500 to Rs 5,500 for Rs 10-20 lakh of cover.