Covering HOAs with One Hot Mike

Why HOA Dues Are Going Up (And What Boards Must Do Now)

This episode breaks down the new Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lending guideline changes impacting condo associations, reserve funding, insurance requirements, and HOA assessments. Why are HOA dues rising? Why are reserve studies becoming more important than ever? And why can’t communities keep avoiding assessment increases? This episode dives into the financial realities HOAs are now facing — and what boards and homeowners need to understand moving forward.

Walls In vs Bare Walls: What Your HOA Insurance Actually Covers

This episode breaks down “walls in” vs “bare walls” — something that sounds simple, but gets confusing fast.With insurance costs going up, more associations are changing how coverage works, and a lot of homeowners don’t realize how that affects them until something happens.We walk through what’s actually covered, what isn’t, and where things can get messy.Walls In vs Bare Walls: What Your HOA Insurance Actually Covers

Beyond Basics: How Additional Insured Endorsements Fortify Your HOA

Most community managers overlook the critical step of verifying contractors' insurance — and pay the price when liabilities go wrong. Discover how a simple yet often neglected insurance protocol can protect your HOA from costly lawsuits and unforeseen risks.We break down the ins and outs of insurance forms like the Accord Certificate, what to ask for during contractor vetting, and the importance of getting an actual endorsement— not just a paper. You’ll learn why broad liability coverage is crucial, especially when dealing with multi-story buildings or events on HOA property. Plus, tips on handling homeowner event insurance, protecting your community during private functions, and ensuring you're not left exposed.Why does this matter? Because even a small oversight can leave your association vulnerable — risking lawsuits, damages, or worse — without proper insurance protection. In an era of shrinking coverage options, knowing how to confidently verify and manage insurance risks isn’t just smart— it’s essential.Whether you’re a community manager, HOA board member, or vendor, this episode equips you with practical frameworks and insider tips to safeguard your community. Tune in to make your risk management rock-solid and avoid the costly pitfalls of inadequate coverage. Protect your HOA, your residents, and your peace of mind!

HOA Board Members: This One Mistake Can Cost You Everything (D&O Insurance Explained)

In this episode, we break down one of the most important protections for HOA board members: Directors & Officers (D&O) insurance.If you're serving on an HOA board, you're not just a volunteer—you’re making decisions for a multimillion-dollar organization. And when something goes wrong, those decisions can lead to lawsuits.Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:What D&O insurance actually covers (and what it doesn’t)Why following the business judgment rule is criticalHow to avoid personal liability as a board memberThe biggest mistakes boards make when handling claimsWhy timing matters: “claims made and reported” explainedKey exclusions every board should understandWe also dive into real-world scenarios, including:What happens if you act outside your role as a board memberHow insurance companies handle claims and defenseWhy reporting issues early can make or break your coverageBottom line: Make decisions in good faith, rely on expert advice, and report claims as soon as possible.

Risk Management Starts Here: The 5 Core Insurance Policies for HOAs

In this episode of Covering HOAs - Mike breaks down the five core insurance policies every HOA and community association should understand — and why risk management is more than just buying coverage.From property and general liability to D&O, fidelity bonds, umbrella policies, and workers’ compensation, Mike explains how each policy works, when coverage applies, and the subtle distinctions that often create confusion for boards and managers.You’ll learn:✔️ Why insurance is really about transferring risk — not eliminating it✔️ The difference between occurrence-based and claims-made policies✔️ What deductibles actually mean (and what they don’t)✔️ Hidden exposures many associations overlook✔️ How understanding coverage can help you make better business decisionsWhether you’re a board member, manager, or industry professional, this episode simplifies complex concepts so you can feel more confident navigating HOA insurance decisions.