Homeowners Insurance and Mobile Homes: What You Need to Know
Learn how manufactured home insurance coverage works, whether you require insurance for manufactured homes, and how to lower premiums if you do!
Mobile and manufactured homes are proper homes that are simply built differently. Many find them a practical way to get space, privacy, and a place of their own without the price tag of a traditional house. The tricky part is figuring out the insurance.
You might want to know:
• Does your existing homeowners' insurance plan cover mobile homes?
• Do you need separate insurance for manufactured homes?
• Are you legally bound to have mobile home insurance?
Mobile homes are constructed and then transported to a different site. Thus, most mobile and manufactured homes require a policy that is specifically written for them.
Here is a guide on how insurance for manufactured homes works and what it covers.
What is the Meaning of Insurance for Manufactured Homes?
Standard homeowners' insurance is designed for homes built on the land or on a permanent foundation. It assumes the building never moves and has been built according to local building codes for site-built homes.
Mobile and manufactured homes are different as they're built in sections, transported to a lot, and secured in place. Many insurers issue a dedicated insurance policy for manufactured homes instead of a standard homeowners plan.
That policy generally covers -
• The home itself
• Your belongings
• Liability in case of injury or if someone else's property gets damaged
• Loss of use home insurance if you can't stay in the home after a covered claim
Are You Required to Have Insurance for Manufactured Homes?
Usually, there isn't one big law that makes it mandatory for you to get manufactured home insurance coverage. However, in the real world, most mobile homeowners need insurance if -
• They have a mortgage or loan on the home
• The home is in a park or rented community, which requires proof of cover
• There is a lender, bank, or finance company listed on the title
• They want to know their investment is protected if something goes wrong.
Standard homeowners' policies do not always accept mobile or manufactured homes, particularly older units or homes that are not on a permanent foundation. In such cases, the insurer will usually write a specific mobile or manufactured home policy instead.
What is Manufactured Home Insurance Coverage?
Insurance for manufactured homes could cover -
|
Coverage Type |
What It Usually Covers? |
|
Home Damage |
Covers damage from covered perils such as fire, vandalism, etc. |
|
Attached structures |
Could include sheds, fences, garages, etc. |
|
Personal property |
May cover furniture, electronics, and other expensive possessions |
|
Personal liability |
Damage to others that you’re responsible for |
|
Medical payments to others |
Small medical bills if a guest is hurt at your home |
|
Loss of use home insurance |
Hotel stays, short-term rent, and extra meal costs if the home is uninhabitable after a covered loss |
|
Optional add-ons |
Could include extras like flood, earthquake, equipment breakdown, higher limits, etc. |
How to Lower Your Insurance for Manufactured Homes Premium
Here are some tips -
• Compare Mobile Home Insurance Quotes Online - Shop around and get a few mobile home insurance quotes online rather than sticking with the first number you're given. Different companies treat insurance for manufactured homes very differently.
• Check your Limits and Deductible - Your dwelling limit should reflect what it would cost to rebuild the home today. If you can afford a slightly higher deductible, you may be able to cut the premium.
• Look for Discounts - You could save money by combining your home and auto insurance, or by simply installing alarms or security lighting.
• Take Care of Your Home - Clear space around the home, and regular maintenance will keep you safer and make you look like a better risk to insurers.
Conclusion
The best insurance for manufactured homes provides peace of mind by covering the structure and protecting your belongings.
Always compare a few options, consider what each manufactured home insurance coverage includes, and then pick the most affordable package.
Get loss-of-use home insurance after comparing mobile home insurance quotes online and choosing the policy that fits the way you live in your home.
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