Essential Insights on Condo Insurance for Central Garden & Pet Employees: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

Healthcare Provider Update: Central Garden & Pet offers a flexible benefits package tailored to employee needs. U.S.-based employees can choose from multiple medical, dental, and vision plans. The company also provides voluntary benefits to help cover unexpected out-of-pocket costs, along with a confidential wellness program available to employees and their families. Additional offerings include a 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, and generous educational assistance for undergraduate, graduate, and professional certifications1. Healthcare costs in the United States are projected to continue rising through 2026, with insurers proposing significant premium increases for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. A recent analysis found that ACA insurers are seeking a median premium increase of 15% for 2026, marking the largest hike since 2018. This surge is attributed to factors such as the anticipated expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, rising medical costsincluding expensive medications and increased hospital staysand a shift in the risk pool towards higher-cost enrollees. Without the renewal of enhanced subsidies, out-of-pocket premiums for ACA marketplace enrollees could increase by more than 75% on average. Click here to learn more

Central Garden & Pet employees may benefit from understanding how the ownership structure of a condominium unit is different from that of a single-family house. Here’s what you need to know when purchasing insurance for your condo.

1. Understand the Master Policy

For Central Garden & Pet employees worried about condo insurance, since the ownership of all common areas is shared with other condo owners, the association of owners typically purchases insurance coverage (a master policy) for the common areas, e.g., hallways, exterior walls, etc. The condo association’s policy will outline what is covered and what is not.

2. Three Types of Coverage

There are three basic types of coverage under a master policy that those employed at Central Garden & Pet should be aware of.

• Primary buildings and common areas
• Your unit and any items within your unit, other than personal belongings
• Building, unit, and any fixtures

The individual coverage you may consider depends upon the scope of coverage of the master policy. Central Garden & Pet employees should also try to determine what is and isn’t covered under the master policy – this can influence the coverage you may need.

3. Know the Master Policy Deductible

Generally, an association’s master policy has a deductible that is charged pro-rata among unit owners in the event of a claim. Determining that obligation is important because while it may never materialize, it could represent a meaningful financial commitment.

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4. Consider Additional Coverage

Similar to any homeowner, Central Garden & Pet employees will need to make decisions about other coverage options, such as cash value or replacement coverage, adding personal liability coverage, and whether flood insurance may be appropriate.

Several factors will affect the cost of condo insurance, including the insurance coverage provided by the homeowners association. You should consider the amount of your deductible and level of coverage before purchasing a condo insurance policy. Any guarantees associated with a policy are dependent on the ability of the issuing insurance company to continue making claim payments.