Thinking of buying a manufactured home, but worried about protecting your investment? You’re not alone—many homeowners wonder if they can get the same insurance coverage that traditional houses enjoy. This question matters because securing the right insurance means peace of mind and financial security, especially in unexpected situations.
In this article, we’ll answer whether homeowners insurance is available for manufactured homes, explain how it works, and offer practical tips to get the best coverage for your needs.
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Can You Get Homeowners Insurance on a Manufactured Home?
Absolutely! You can get homeowners insurance on a manufactured home, just as you can for traditional site-built houses. Insurers recognize manufactured homes—also called mobile homes or modular homes—as deserving of protection against mishaps, disasters, or unexpected losses. The process looks a little different due to how these homes are built and installed, but rest assured: coverage is available and often necessary.
Let’s break down what that means, how you get coverage, and what to expect from a policy.
Understanding Manufactured Home Insurance
Manufactured home insurance (sometimes called mobile home insurance) is designed specifically for homes built offsite in a factory and later transported to their final location. Although coverage is similar in many respects to standard homeowners insurance, there are important distinctions to consider.
What’s Covered?
A typical manufactured home insurance policy may include:
- Dwelling coverage: Protects your home’s structure from covered risks, like fire, wind, or vandalism.
- Personal property coverage: Guard your belongings—furniture, electronics, clothing—from damage or theft.
- Liability: Covers injuries to others or their property while on your land.
- Additional living expenses: Pays for temporary living costs if your home is unlivable due to a covered event.
- Other structures: Sheds, garages, or fences can also be protected.
How It’s Different from Standard Home Insurance
- Construction: Manufactured homes are built to national standards and then moved to their site. This process and some materials can make them riskier in the eyes of insurers.
- Installation: These homes may be installed on piers, blocks, or permanent foundations, which can influence coverage options.
- Age and condition: Older mobile homes, especially those built before 1976 (when stricter standards arose), may face higher premiums or limited coverage.
Why You Need Manufactured Home Insurance
While not always legally mandatory, insurance is often required by mortgage lenders or if your home is located within a mobile home park. But even if it’s not required, protecting your home with insurance is a wise decision.
Key Benefits
- Financial protection: Protect your investment against disasters—from storms to burglaries.
- Peace of mind: Sleep easier knowing unexpected repairs or losses won’t necessarily drain your savings.
- Liability coverage: Accidents happen. If someone trips on your property, liability insurance can protect you financially.
- Mortgage compliance: Most lenders require proof of homeowners insurance before closing or renewing a loan.
Steps to Insuring a Manufactured Home
Insuring a manufactured or mobile home is easier than you might think, especially if you follow these practical steps:
1. Gather Key Information
Before calling an insurance company, have the following details handy:
- Year, make, and model of your home
- Serial or identification number
- Square footage
- Date the home was built (pre- or post-1976 can matter)
- Physical location and whether it’s tied to a permanent foundation
- Any safety features (smoke detectors, security system, hurricane straps)
- Replacement value of home and possessions
2. Decide What Coverage You Need
Think about:
- The full replacement value of your home and upgraded features
- Personal property coverage for everything inside
- Liability amounts that make you comfortable
- Any extras (like shed or detached garage coverage)
- Flood or earthquake insurance (usually separate from standard policies)
3. Shop Around for Quotes
Insurance rates and coverage options can vary significantly, so get at least three quotes. Well-known carriers and specialty companies often offer manufactured home policies.
- Look for insurers with mobile/manufactured home experience.
- Ask about discounts for bundling other policies (like auto and home).
- Inquire about savings for safety improvements or community location.
4. Understand the Policy
Read the details—don’t just look at the price:
- Is it replacement cost or actual cash value coverage?
- Replacement cost pays to rebuild new—even if it costs more than you paid originally.
- Actual cash value factors in depreciation.
- Are there exclusions (especially for older homes or if the roof hasn’t been updated)?
- What is the deductible for each type of claim?
- Will you need separate flood insurance, or is it available as an add-on?
5. Finalize and Maintain Coverage
Choose your policy, set up your payments, and review your policy yearly to account for home improvements or changing needs.
What Affects Manufactured Home Insurance Rates?
Several factors influence how much you’ll pay for insuring your manufactured home. Knowing these can help you manage costs.
Common Factors
- Location: Areas prone to storms, floods, or theft may have higher premiums.
- Year and Condition: Newer homes with modern materials and safety features get better rates.
- Size and Value: Larger, more expensive homes cost more to insure.
- Installation: Homes on permanent foundations are often considered safer and can be cheaper to insure.
- Personal Claims History: Prior claims on any property can increase costs.
- Chosen Coverage and Deductible: More coverage and lower deductibles mean higher premiums.
Average Costs
Expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $1,500 per year, depending on location, age, and the extras you select. For comparison, manufactured home insurance is often more affordable than covering some older, site-built homes, but rates can spike in disaster-prone zones or for older models.
Unique Challenges and Solutions
Manufactured homes present certain insurability challenges, but they shouldn’t stop you from getting good coverage.
Common Challenges
- Older Homes: Homes built before 1976 may be considered higher risk. Some insurers decline to cover them, or only offer limited options.
- Local Weather Risks: Tornado-prone, hurricane-exposed, or wildfire areas can make insurance tougher or costlier.
- Community Living: If your home is in a park or on rented land, you may need additional liability insurance to satisfy the park’s requirements.
Overcoming These Hurdles
- Seek specialty insurers: Companies with experience in manufactured homes know what questions to ask and how to properly assess your needs.
- Upgrade safety: Improvements, like storm shutters, upgraded roofs, or modern tie-downs, can lower risk and premiums.
- Bundle and save: Insuring your auto, life, and home together can mean discounts.
- Ask about valuation options: Replacement cost is often the better value long term, even if it costs a bit more now.
Tips and Best Practices
Dos
- Review and update coverage annually: Life and home circumstances change. Make sure your policy keeps pace.
- Take inventory: Document your valuables with photos and receipts for smoother claims.
- Understand claims process: Know who to call and what information you’ll need if you ever need to file a claim.
- Keep safety equipment updated: Smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and anti-theft devices not only protect you but can earn you discounts.
Don’ts
- Don’t underinsure: Skimping on coverage can leave you exposed in a major disaster.
- Don’t let coverage lapse: Even a short period without insurance can be risky, especially if you have a loan.
- Don’t overlook liability: Medical and legal costs add up quickly. Make sure you have enough coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I insure a manufactured home that is very old?
Yes, but it can be more challenging. Homes built before 1976 may have limited options or higher costs. Specialty insurers will sometimes offer policies with specific requirements or restrictions.
Is manufactured home insurance required by law?
It’s not mandatory by law, but if you have a mortgage or live in certain communities, you’ll likely be required to maintain coverage. Even without those requirements, insurance is highly recommended.
What’s the difference between manufactured and modular homes for insurance?
Modular homes are built in sections in a factory and assembled on-site, conforming to local building codes. Manufactured homes (mobile homes) are built entirely in a factory to federal standards and transported to the site. Insurance is readily available for both, but policy details may differ based on construction standards.
Does my policy cover floods and earthquakes?
Standard manufactured home insurance policies usually do not cover flood or earthquake damage. You may need to purchase separate policies or endorsements for these risks, especially if you live in an area prone to such natural disasters.
How can I lower my manufactured home insurance premium?
There are several ways:
– Install safety features (like smoke detectors or hurricane straps)
– Bundle your home and auto insurance
– Maintain a claims-free history
– Choose a higher deductible if you can afford it
– Shop around and compare policies regularly
In Summary
You can—and absolutely should—get homeowners insurance for your manufactured home. Policies can be customized to suit your home’s age, value, and your unique situation. With proper coverage, you gain vital protection for your investment and peace of mind for you and your family.
Understanding the nuances, comparing quotes, and following best practices help ensure you’re well-protected. Don’t let myths or confusion keep you from securing the insurance your home deserves—your security and comfort depend on it.
