As governors around the country ease stay-at-home restrictions, community association boards are forced to make difficult decisions regarding opening common areas, where once ordinary activities such as going to the gym or swimming pool or throwing a party are now fraught with risk. Managing social distancing during the pandemic is especially challenging for condominium and homeowners associations where residents live in close quarters and share common spaces.
It is vital that the board of directors of a community association understand its insurance coverage, especially related to issues that arise from COVID-19. Kevin Hirzel’s recent article for the Washington Post discusses community association insurance coverage issues related to COVID-19. The article also discusses issues that may arise under the following insurance policies:
· Commercial General Liability Insurance
· Directors and Officers Insurance
· Crime and Cybersecurity Insurance
Every community association should consult with its attorney and insurance agent to determine what risks are covered and avoid the temptation of simply choosing the cheapest coverage. This is especially true during a pandemic. While insurance does not cover everything, proper coverage can eliminate many risks. Click here to read more
Kevin Hirzel is the Managing Member of Hirzel Law, PLC and concentrates his practice on commercial litigation, community association law, condominium law, Fair Housing Act compliance, homeowners association and real estate law. Mr. Hirzel is a fellow in the College of Community Association Lawyers, a prestigious designation given to less than 175 attorneys in the country. He is also a member of the Community Associations Institute’s (“CAI”) National Board of Trustees. Mr. Hirzel has been a Michigan Super Lawyer’s Rising Star in Real Estate Law from 2013-2020, an award given to only 2.5% of the attorneys in Michigan each year. Mr. Hirzel has been named a Leading Lawyer in Condominium & HOA law by Leading Lawyers Magazine from 2018-2020, an award given to less than 5% of the attorneys in Michigan each year. He represents community associations, condominium associations, cooperatives, homeowners associations, property owners and property managers throughout Michigan. He may be reached at (248) 986-2290 or kevin@hirzellaw.com.
