Why Condo/Co-op Boards Providers Hire Matthew

Sontag partners with HOA boards, management firms, and legal counsel to protect association assets during complex property and casualty losses. He represents policyholders in large-scale claims where technical precision, strategic leverage, and disciplined execution directly impact recovery outcomes and the financial health of the community.

His approach addresses the specific friction points inherent in multi-unit insurance programs. He evaluates exposures through a financial and risk-management lens—identifying potential coverage gaps, analyzing the impact of changing limits, and ensuring a seamless interface between the association’s master policy and the individual insurance requirements of unit owners. This comprehensive oversight preserves both the association’s capital and its relationships with stakeholders.

Optimizing the “Master-to-Unit” Interface

The greatest risk to a community is the “gray area” between the Association’s Master Policy and individual HO-6 policies. Matthew audits governing documents to ensure a seamless “handshake” exists, eliminating coverage gaps that could force the Association to absorb uninsured costs.

Executive Program
Architecture

Drawing on his experience as a former Chief Claims Officer for major carriers, Matthew provides an “insider’s” review of insurance program design. He identifies “silent exclusions” and restrictive endorsements that brokers often overlook but carriers use to limit liability.

Fiduciary Risk
Mitigation

Board members have a duty to protect the community’s assets. Matthew acts as an independent advisor to verify that coverage limits reflect real-world replacement costs. He provides the technical documentation and “stress testing” the Board needs to justify their insurance decisions and protect against “failure to maintain insurance” claims.

Expert Claims Advocacy
& Strategy

When a significant loss occurs, Matthew provides the strategic roadmap for recovery. He oversees the process through a legal and financial lens, ensuring that policy interpretations are favorable to the Association and that the recovery is documented with the precision required for long-term Board records.

Coordinated Professional
Oversight

Complex insurance events require a “symphony leader.” Matthew serves as the central technical liaison between the Board’s legal counsel, property managers, and independent engineers. He ensures all professionals are operating from the same risk-management playbook, preventing the conflicting advice that leads to delays.