As their name suggests, manufactured homes (often referred to as mobile homes) differ from traditional site-built homes primarily in that they are constructed in a factory and then transported to their final location, instead of being built on-site. Given this difference, one might assume that insurance coverage for manufactured and mobile homes would differ from that for site-built homes. But is this really the case?
While the terms 'manufactured home' and 'mobile home' are often used interchangeably and essentially refer to the same thing, there is a difference between the two. Both are built in a factory and delivered to a chosen location, rather than being constructed from a permanent foundation. However, 'mobile homes' specifically refer to those built before 1976, whereas 'manufactured homes' are those constructed after 1976 under stricter safety standards.
Despite this difference, securing a homeowners insurance policy generally works the same regardless of whether the home is called a manufactured home or a mobile home.
Like any insurance policy, understanding coverage amounts and what is covered on your manufactured home policy can be confusing. Fortunately, while there are some differences, insurance policies for manufactured homes and mobile homes share many similarities with homeowners insurance for traditional site-built homes.
Manufactured home insurance provides financial protection in the event of a covered peril. This coverage can protect your home, your personal belongings, and detached structures on your property. The insurance policy may also cover medical and legal costs if someone is injured or their property is damaged on your premises.
While specific coverages can differ depending on your location and carrier, manufactured and mobile home insurance policies typically include the following coverages:
Dwelling coverage can cover the cost to rebuild or repair your manufactured home’s physical structure in the event of a covered peril. This coverage can potentially also extend to structures physically attached to your manufactured home, such as decks or awnings. Ensure your dwelling coverage is sufficient to completely replace your manufactured home if necessary.
Personal property insurance coverage refers to your personal belongings inside of the home that are damaged by a covered peril. This can include your home inventory like electronics, clothing, furniture, and other items not related to the physical structure of the manufactured home. This coverage is usually based on the actual cash value of the item, which considers depreciation. Valuable items like jewelry or collectibles may have coverage limits, so additional coverage might be needed.
Personal liability coverage for a mobile home protects you if someone is injured or their property is damaged while on your property, potentially covering medical expenses or legal costs.
Finally, mobile home insurance coverage can protect structures not attached to your home, such as sheds, garages, or fences.
Like traditional homes, there is no single price for insuring a manufactured home or a mobile home. Costs can vary based on factors such as:
Not all insurance companies offer insurance coverage for manufactured homes, and those that do may have certain requirements that must be met in order for your mobile home to qualify. This is due to the higher risk of damage, especially from wind or storms, as manufactured homes are not built on permanent foundations. That said, there are some agencies (such as 21st Insurance) that specialize in getting owners like you the right insurance coverage for your manufactured home.
If you’re looking for insurance for your manufactured home, our agents would be happy to help you find the coverage you need. Call one of our agents at 844-343-9408 to get started on a quote today!
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