Are you considering a manufactured home and wondering if USAA will have you covered? You’re not alone—many homeowners want reliable protection for their unique homes, especially from a company they trust.
Knowing exactly what your insurance covers is crucial for peace of mind and financial security. In this article, you’ll find a clear answer about USAA’s policies for manufactured homes, helpful guidance on coverage options, and practical tips for protecting your investment. Let’s dive in!
Does USAA Cover Manufactured Homes?
When you’re shopping for homeowner’s insurance, securing coverage for your unique property is top priority. If you own a manufactured or mobile home, you might wonder if USAA extends its trusted insurance offerings to your home. This question comes up often among military families and USAA members.
Let’s take an in-depth look at USAA’s approach to manufactured home insurance, how coverage typically works, what to expect as a policyholder, and practical guidance for protecting your manufactured home.
Does USAA Offer Manufactured Home Insurance?
Yes, USAA offers insurance coverage for manufactured and mobile homes. However, the coverage might come through a partnership with Foremost Insurance Group—an established provider specializing in non-traditional properties like manufactured homes, mobile homes, and RVs.
Here’s what you need to know:
- USAA partners with Foremost Insurance to offer quality insurance options tailored specifically for manufactured home owners.
- As a USAA member, you can access quotes and customized policies to protect your property, belongings, and liability—just like with a site-built home.
- The coverage is available for USAA-eligible customers, such as military members, veterans, and their immediate families.
What is Manufactured Home Insurance?
Manufactured home insurance (also commonly called mobile home insurance) is designed for homes built in a factory and transported to their permanent site. These homes often differ from traditional houses in their materials and construction, so standard homeowner’s policies don’t always apply.
What Does Manufactured Home Insurance Usually Cover?
Your policy may include:
- Dwelling Protection: Covers damage to the structure from common hazards like fire, wind, or falling objects.
- Personal Property: Protects belongings such as clothing, electronics, appliances, and furniture.
- Liability: Offers financial protection if someone is injured on your property or if you’re responsible for property damage elsewhere.
- Loss of Use: Pays for temporary living expenses if your home is uninhabitable after a covered loss.
- Additional Structures: Includes other buildings on your property, such as sheds, garages, or decks.
Benefits of Choosing USAA for Manufactured Home Insurance
USAA is renowned for customer service and policies catered to military families. By teaming up with Foremost Insurance, USAA extends this care and expertise to mobile and manufactured home owners.
Benefits may include:
- Competitive pricing for USAA members
- Bundling options with other USAA policies (auto, renters, umbrella, etc.)
- Trusted claims support and knowledgeable staff familiar with military lifestyles
What Types of Manufactured Homes Are Covered?
Not all factory-built homes are alike. It’s important to understand the types USAA’s partnered policies generally insure:
- Single-Wide Manufactured Homes – Narrow, elongated homes often placed on leased land.
- Double-Wide Manufactured Homes – Larger, wider homes with more living space.
- Mobile Homes – Technically, these refer to homes built before June 15, 1976 (the date when federal standards changed), but many use the term interchangeably.
- Modular Homes – Some policies may also cover modular homes, which are built in sections at a factory and assembled on-site, but check with an agent for specifics.
Steps to Get Manufactured Home Insurance with USAA
Securing coverage is typically simple if you already have a USAA membership. Here’s how to get started:
1. Confirm Your Eligibility
- USAA membership is generally open to active, retired, and honorably separated military personnel, as well as their eligible family members.
2. Gather Home Details
You’ll need certain information to get an accurate quote:
- Year, make, and model of your home
- Dimensions (length and width)
- Serial or VIN number
- Foundation type and location details
- Current value and upgrades
3. Contact USAA or Apply Online
- Call USAA or visit your online USAA account. They will connect you to their manufactured home insurance partner (usually Foremost).
4. Customize Your Coverage
- Select coverage types and limits based on your needs. Here you can fine-tune deductibles, liability limits, and any add-ons or endorsements.
5. Review and Purchase
- Finalize the policy details. Make sure you fully understand what’s included and excluded.
What Does USAA Manufactured Home Insurance Typically Cover?
Let’s break down the core elements:
Dwelling Coverage
Helps repair or replace your manufactured home if it’s damaged by hazards like:
- Fire or smoke
- Windstorms and hail
- Lightning strikes
- Explosions
- Falling objects
Personal Property Coverage
Covers your possessions if damaged or stolen, such as:
- Clothing
- Furniture
- Appliances
- Electronics
Personal Liability
If someone is injured on your property, liability coverage can help pay for medical costs, legal fees, and settlements.
Loss of Use/Additional Living Expenses
If your home is unlivable due to a covered loss, this helps pay for temporary housing and additional costs, like meals.
Optional Add-Ons and Endorsements
You can usually enhance your policy with:
- Water backup and sump overflow coverage
- Replacement cost coverage for personal property (instead of depreciated value)
- Enhanced coverage for expensive jewelry, collectibles, or electronics
What’s NOT Covered?
Like any insurance, there are limits and exclusions you should be aware of:
- Regular wear and tear or maintenance issues
- Flood damage (you need separate flood insurance for this)
- Earthquake damage (may require a separate endorsement)
- Damage from insects or vermin
- Intentional damage
Be sure to read your policy documents for a complete list of exclusions.
Benefits of Protecting Your Manufactured Home
Protecting your manufactured home with specialized insurance offers peace of mind and real-world financial security:
1. Financial Protection
Repairs or replacement after a disaster can be expensive. Insurance can cover substantial costs.
2. Belongings Are Included
Your valuables (furniture, gadgets, clothing) are often as exposed to risk as the home itself.
3. Liability Coverage
Injuries happen. Legal costs can drain your savings. Proper coverage shields you from significant expense.
4. Lender Requirements
If you finance your manufactured home, your lender will likely require proof of insurance.
5. Temporary Living Costs
Insurance can pay for a hotel or rental if your home is uninhabitable after a covered event.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
1. Finding the Right Policy
Manufactured home coverage can differ from standard home insurance. Work with an insurer experienced in these homes.
2. Understanding Value and Upgrades
Keep a record of any upgrades, renovations, or value increases. Being underinsured is a common issue—don’t rely on old estimates.
3. Knowing Exclusions
No insurance covers absolutely everything. Specify what’s excluded in your policy and consider endorsements as needed.
4. Understanding Claims Process
Be prepared to supply documentation in the event of a claim. This can include pictures, receipts, and repair estimates.
Practical Tips for Protecting Your Manufactured Home
Taking proactive steps can help you avoid claims and lower your insurance premiums:
-
Select an Appropriate Foundation
Tie-downs or a permanent foundation can improve your home’s stability and may reduce premiums. -
Upgrade Security
Add deadbolts, security systems, and smoke detectors. -
Perform Regular Maintenance
Keep roofs, skirting, and siding in good condition to avoid preventable damage. -
Document Everything
Keep a current home inventory with photos and receipts for valuables and upgrades. -
Review Your Policy Annually
Make sure your coverage amounts are still adequate, especially after renovations or purchases.
Tips for Lowering Your Premium
- Bundle manufactured home insurance with other policies, like auto or umbrella coverage.
- Install safety devices and alarm systems.
- Shop around and review coverage annually.
- Maintain a higher deductible if you want to lower monthly costs (but make sure you can afford it).
When Should You Consider Specialized Coverage?
If your manufactured home has:
- Expensive upgrades (custom decks, porches, or high-end appliances)
- Is located in an area prone to natural disasters (flood, wildfire, earthquake)
- Houses a business or high-value collections
ask your insurer about policy endorsements or additional coverage.
Conclusion
Owning a manufactured home provides flexibility and affordability, but protecting your investment is crucial. USAA, in partnership with Foremost Insurance, offers specialized coverage that caters to the unique needs of mobile and manufactured home owners. By understanding the details of your policy, proactively maintaining your home, and customizing your coverage, you can rest easier knowing you’re protected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does USAA directly provide manufactured home insurance or is it through a partner?
USAA typically offers manufactured home insurance through a trusted partner specializing in mobile and manufactured homes (often Foremost Insurance Group). This ensures you get tailored coverage, even though it’s accessed through USAA membership.
2. What’s the difference between manufactured, modular, and mobile homes in terms of insurance?
Manufactured homes are built in a factory after June 15, 1976, while mobile homes refer to those built before that date. Modular homes are also factory-built but assembled on a permanent foundation. Insurance for each may differ, so always discuss the specific type of home when requesting a quote.
3. What isn’t covered by manufactured home insurance?
Generally, manufactured home policies won’t cover routine maintenance, flood or earthquake damage (without endorsement), normal wear and tear, or damage due to pests. Always review your policy details for a full list of exclusions.
4. Can I bundle manufactured home insurance with my other USAA policies to save money?
Yes! USAA members often receive discounts for bundling various insurance products—like auto, umbrella, or even renters insurance. Ask your agent about available discounts.
5. How much manufactured home insurance coverage do I need?
Coverage needs vary. Consider the replacement cost of your home, the value of your contents, and potential liability risks. Work with your agent to assess your assets and risks so your policy limits are right for you.
With the right coverage, you can enjoy peace of mind in your manufactured home—knowing that no matter what life throws your way, you’re protected.
