A mobile home is a dwelling built on a chassis and designed to be transported on its wheels. It's not the same as a manufactured home, built in a factory and then transported to its permanent site.
While most people think of mobile homes as RVs, they are considered homes by many insurance companies. That means they can be eligible for home insurance, but there are some things you need to know before you buy a policy.
For starters, not all home insurance policies cover mobile homes. You need to ensure that the policy you are considering includes coverage for mobile homes.
Additionally, the amount of coverage you need will vary depending on the value of your mobile home.
Even though mobile homes can be covered by home insurance, they aren't always easy to insure.
What Is Mobile Home Insurance?
A mobile home insurance policy covers your home against risks like fire, theft, and certain types of weather damage.
It also covers your personal belongings and can provide liability coverage if someone is injured on your property. Some policies even cover temporary living expenses if your home is uninhabitable after a covered event.
A standard mobile home insurance policy can include coverage options like liability coverage, which pays for damage you may cause to other people's property or injuries you cause.
Bodily injury liability covers damages when you are found liable. Property damage liability covers damages to other people's property if you’re found liable.
Medical payments coverage covers the medical expenses of others regardless of who is at fault. It also pays anyone injured on your property when they're legally entitled to be there (like contractors or couriers). It may cover funeral costs, too.
What Is the Difference Between a Mobile and a Manufactured Home?
Many people believe a mobile home and a manufactured home are the same. After all, they are both homes on wheels. Wrong. There is a big difference between the two types of homes, and it's important to know the distinction before you purchase either type of property.
A mobile home is a type of housing built in a factory and then transported to its permanent location. A manufactured home is factory-built, but it is constructed on a permanent chassis to move it from one location to another.
The main difference between these two types of homes is how they are taxed.
If you are purchasing a mobile home, it is considered personal property and may not be taxed. This means you will need to pay income tax on any profit you make when selling your home.
If your mobile home is used as a business, it may have to be taxed as commercial property. Once a manufactured home is sold, it's typically taxed as real estate—whether or not it has wheels!
How Do Mobile and Manufactured Homes Differ From Typical Homes?
Mobile and manufactured homes are built in factories and then transported to their permanent location.
They are usually placed on a permanent foundation, which makes them different from typical homes. Because they are not attached to the ground, they are at a higher risk for wind damage.
Home insurance for mobile homes typically costs more than insurance for a typical home because of this increased risk. How these structures are designed also increases homeowners' insurance coverage costs.
Moreover, manufactured homes don't have load-bearing walls. Or ceilings that run throughout the entire house like traditional houses do, so standard homeowner's policies may not cover everything you need to be covered for your home.
You should consult with an agent about what kind of coverage is available for your type of house before making any decisions about whether or not you want to buy coverage.
What Does Mobile Insurance Cover?
Dwelling coverage is the portion of an insurance policy that protects your home's structure, including the roof, walls, and foundation.
This coverage also extends to detached structures on your property, like a garage or shed. If your home is damaged by a covered event, like a fire or severe weather, this coverage helps you to pay for repairs or rebuilding.
Other Structures Coverage
This type of home insurance also protects other structures on your property, such as a detached garage or storage shed.
Most policies will cover these structures for 10 to 20 percent of the insurance you have on your home. So, if you have $100,000 worth of coverage on your home, your policy would provide $10,000 to $20,000 worth of coverage for other structures.
Personal Property Coverage
This type of coverage helps protect your belongings in the event that they are damaged or stolen. It can cover items such as furniture, clothing, electronics, and more. You'll typically want to insure your personal property for at least 50% of its value.
Liability Coverage
As a mobile home owner, you are liable for any accidents or injuries on your property. Home insurance can help protect you from financial damages if someone is injured on your property. You may also be required to have liability coverage if you have a mortgage on your mobile home.
Additional Coverage
If you live in a mobile home, you may need to purchase additional coverage for your home. This is because mobile homes are often not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies.
Some insurers will offer coverage for mobile homes, but it is essential to check with your insurer to see if this is an option. You may also need to purchase separate policies for your personal belongings and any attached structures, such as a deck or porch.
What Is the Cost of Mobile Home Insurance?
The cost of mobile home insurance depends on your home's value, age and location, the type of coverage you need, and the amount of your deductible.
Mobile homes are typically less expensive to insure than traditional homes, but you can still do a few things to save money on your premium. Here are a few tips that may help you get better rates:
Pay off any outstanding loans or liens before applying for an insurance policy
Provide accurate information about previous claims, even if they were not filed with your current insurer
Ensure all of your documents are up to date and accurate before submitting them to the agent or company
Do You Need Mobile Home Insurance?
You may need mobile home insurance if you own a mobile home, live in a mobile home park, or are considering buying a mobile home.
It's important to know what your insurance policy covers and what it doesn't cover. Here are a few things to recall when settling for mobile home insurance.
Know the different types of coverage and find out which one best suits your needs.
If you live in a mobile home park, ensure the homeowner's insurance is adequate for everyone. If not, get additional coverage on the homeowner's insurance before moving into the community or purchasing a new trailer.
Final Thoughts on Mobile Insurance
In short, if you are a mobile home owner, it is essential to ensure that you have proper insurance coverage. Not only will this protect your investment, but it will also give you peace of mind in knowing your home is protected.
There are various coverage options available, so be sure to do your research and find the policy that best suits your needs—looking to insure your mobile home, contact CIIG today!
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