If you are a flat owner or a block manager, it is normal to have questions about whether flat insurance is compulsory in Portugal.
The short answer is: Yes, but with a few important caveats.

Condominium insurance is compulsory; you’ll find out exactly what the law says, what is compulsory and what is strongly recommended — so that you can avoid financial and legal risks.

O condominium insurance Is it required by law?

In Portugal, the law stipulates that All buildings under the horizontal property regime must be insured against the risk of fire.

This means that:

• Every flat must be protected against fire
• The building as a whole must be insured

👉 In practice, this means there are two options:

• Each flat owner takes out their own insurance
• Or the housing association takes out comprehensive insurance (the most common option)

What does Portuguese law say about block insurance?

Under the Portuguese Civil Code, fire insurance is compulsory by law (Article 1429 of the Civil Code)

• It must cover both the individual units and the communal areas
• The sum insured must correspond to the cost of rebuilding the property

👉 If a flat owner does not take out insurance, the property manager must do so on their behalf — and charge them for it later.

Compulsory insurance vs recommended insurance: what’s the difference?

Here is one of the most important points that many people fail to understand.

Compulsory insurance

• Covers fire risk only

Recommended insurance (multi-risk flat insurance)

It includes much more comprehensive cover:

• Water damage
• Storms
• Civil liability
• Vandalism
• Broken glass

👉 Conclusion:
 Having only compulsory insurance can leave you exposed to many risks.

What happens if the block of flats isn’t insured?

Not having insurance can have serious consequences:

• ❌ Full financial liability in the event of a fire
• ❌ Disputes between flat owners
• ❌ Legal issues
• ❌ Difficulty in obtaining a mortgage

👉 In the event of a claim, the costs can run into tens or hundreds of thousands of euros.

Who is responsible for taking out the insurance?

Liability may vary:

• Residents → when they hire on an individual basis
• Property manager → when comprehensive insurance is in place

👉 In practice, the most efficient solution is to have a single insurance policy covering the whole block.

Is it worth taking out comprehensive block insurance?

Yes — and here’s why:

• Avoid gaps in cover
• Reduces conflicts between neighbours
• Protects your property investment
• Guarantees greater peace of mind

👉 Comprehensive insurance is inexpensive compared with the risks it helps you avoid.

How can you ensure that your block of flats is properly protected?

To ensure complete protection, you should:

• Check whether there is active insurance cover
• Check the cover included
• Verify the insured sum
• Compare offers on the market

👉 This is where CJ Seguros can help you.

Ask CJ Seguros for specialist help

At CJ Seguros, we assess your block of flats and find the best solution:

• Comparison of insurance companies
• Adjustment of hedges to actual risk
• Support throughout the process
• Support in the event of a claim

👉 Request a free quote now and make sure you’re fully covered.

Frequently asked questions about condominium insurance

Is block insurance really compulsory?

Yes, at least when it comes to fire cover.

Can I just take out insurance for my flat?

Yes, but if there’s damage to the communal areas (such as the roof or the stairwells), dealing with the repairs through several different individual insurers becomes a bureaucratic nightmare. Comprehensive Insurance is always the most efficient option 

Does the insurance cover water damage?

Only if that cover is included in the policy.

Who pays for the insurance?

Normally, all residents, through their service charges.