Mobile Home Insurance

What exactly is mobile home insurance?

Mobile home insurance is designed to cover manufactured and mobile homes. It is slightly different to a standard homeowners insurance policy due to the differences in these types of homes. The way mobile homes are built presents a new arena of risk and potential claims possibilities for insurance companies. Mobile homes are built in a factory, transported to a location once construction has been completed, and tied down and anchored for stability. Because of this and the lack of a concrete foundation found in a traditional home, insurance companies assume an additional risk, which they address through mobile home insurance.

What does an HO-7 policy cover? See more details here. 

 

In this article, we will discuss:

1. Are there different kinds of mobile homes?
2. What kind of coverage is there?
3. Is there any additional coverage?
4. Is there anything that isn't covered?
5. How can I save?
6. Where can I buy mobile home insurance?

 

 

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Are there different kinds of mobile homes?

Before we get into the insurance details, we should break down the differences between mobile, manufactured and modular homes.

 

Mobile and manufactured homes

The only real difference between manufactured and mobile homes is a technical definition - most home insurance companies consider them identical. Mobile homes are movable and never include more than one story. Mobile and manufactured homes must adhere to guidelines set out by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The federally regulated HUD code sets standards for all mobile or manufactured homes which override local or state building codes.

 

Modular home insurance

Modular homes are different than manufactured homes. Though most of their components are indeed manufactured offsite, modular homes are attached to a foundation that is more physically similar to a permanent structure. The individual elements are assembled onsite, often completing the home much faster than those built entirely on-site. Once a modular home is built, it is really no different than a site-built home. 

Unlike mobile or manufactured homes, modular homes are often built to the same code as site-built homes, which in most cases is the International Residential Code (IRC). However, this can vary state to state as regulations may differ by location. Because they adhere to many of the same codes and conventions as traditionally constructed homes, there is no separate modular home insurance. Most insurance companies will simply underwrite modular homes through a regular homeowners policy.

 

 

Coverage

Now that we understand the actual insurance definition of mobile homes, let’s break down their insurance stipulations. Most mobile home insurance can be separated into physical damage (sometimes called comprehensive), liability, and personal property coverage. However, although mobile home insurance can be generalized, there is still a considerable amount of variance between companies. This is important and should be carefully noted when shopping for mobile home insurance. Some companies will offer coverage options in their basic policy package closer to a homeowners policy, including additional living expenses, trip collision coverage, or separate structures coverage. Others, however, allow you to purchase it for an additional premium.

 

Physical damage refers to damages caused by:

• Fire and lightning
• Explosions
• Landslides
• Vandalism
• Falling objects
• Wind and hail
• Weight of ice and snow
• Wild or stray animals
• Burst pipes

 

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage ensures you are covered if a visitor is hurt on your property, if someone sues you, or if you accidentally damage or injure others. This would typically cover things like medical bills, lost wages, or property damage.

 

Personal Property

Personal property covers things like your furniture and electronics if they are damaged or stolen. Like a renters or homeowners policy, your personal property coverage on your mobile home extends away from home as well.

 

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Additional Coverage

As stated, coverage like additional living expenses isn't a guarantee with every basic mobile home insurance policy. However, you can add it and others with most companies. Here are some additional coverage options you can purchase.

 

Additional Living Expenses

Additional living expenses refers to your insurance company paying for you to live elsewhere in the event your mobile home is being rebuilt or reconstructed after a covered loss. Normally, your insurance company will give you a daily coverage monetary limit as well as a duration coverage monetary limit. Anything you spend above those limits comes out of your pocket.

 

Trip Collision Coverage

Your basic mobile home insurance begins when your home has been secured to its resting spot - it does not include the movement to and from any place. Trip collision coverage fills in this gap by offering coverage when your mobile home is being relocated.

 

Replacement Cost Coverage

Many insurance companies will offer you what they call "actual cash value" in your claims settlement. Actual cash value, or ACV, is calculated by subtracting depreciation from the replacement cost of the item. With this added coverage, you receive the exact cost it would take to replace your mobile home or another item, regardless of depreciation.

 

Personal Property Endorsements

You may also want to consider what insurance companies refer to as “floaters,” “riders,” or “endorsements.” Essentially, a floater is an additional coverage for a high-priced category of an item that exceeds the normal limits of your policy. For example, someone on your mobile home policy owns a very expensive ring that is valued at $12,000. Because most insurance companies limit their coverage for jewelry well below that value, you would need an endorsement or floater to help ensure your jewelry is properly covered. While it varies by company, floaters extend to other items as well as jewelry—such as works of art, musical equipment, and even firearms.

 

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So, what's excluded?

A big exclusion for mobile homes as well as traditional homes is coverage against flood damage. While you are covered if a pipe bursts and floods your living room, a naturally occurring flood is an entirely different situation. Insurance companies rarely offer any type of coverage for floods due to the severe nature of the claims - they will usually be a total loss payout and affect many of their clients. So, if you live in an area prone to floods and would like to be covered, you have to get flood coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is administered by FEMA.

 

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How can I save on mobile home insurance?

While there isn't an overarching set of discounts for mobile home insurance, many companies will offer you discounts for the following:

 

Original Owner Discount

If you are the original owner and title holder of your mobile home, some companies will offer you a discount. The amount varies, but can average around 5%.

 

Multi-Policy Discount

A multi-policy discount is a very common discount across insurance companies and extends to any type of insurance policy. Auto and renters, auto and homeowners, and auto and mobile home are common examples. When considering purchasing a mobile home, think of who you insure your car or other assets with in order to be eligible for a multi-policy discount.

 

Anti-Theft Discount

If you have any anti-theft devices such as a home monitoring system, you could be eligible for a discount. Some insurance companies will require you to submit a monthly statement for the security services you receive as proof.

 

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Where can I buy mobile home insurance?

Although not as widely provided as car or home, mobile home insurance can still be purchased fairly easily and at an affordable price. Here are some popular providers:

• Geico
• Allstate
• American Family
• Foremost
• Metlife