More information is needed on the source and cause of ‘your big water leak’. If it was an OC responsibility, then they can lodge an insurance claim. I assume they would have done this already if it was considered to be their fault/ responsibility. However, if you were at fault or it was from a pipe that is considered owner responsibility, then you will have to pay. It always pays to have insurance, and that is the risk you take in not having insurance. $960 seems quite a moderate cost considering a broken balcony door handle replacement in my complex cost almost $1,000.