Insurance for Mobile and Manufactured Homes

If you are looking for insurance for a mobile or manufactured home, there are a few important aspects to become familiar with. While mobile and manufactured homes are constructed quite differently from a traditional house, they have many of the same basic insurance coverages. In this article you can find information regarding some characteristics of mobile and manufactured homes and what differentiates them from modular homes, what coverages are typically available to insure them, how much the insurance may cost, and more.

What are Mobile/Manufactured Homes?

Manufactured homes (previously called mobile homes, for homes built prior to June 15, 1976) are typically built in a factory or warehouse and are subject to federal building codes regulated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The following are some common characteristics of mobile/manufactured homes:

• Usually built in a factory and then installed on site, which may or may not be on a permanent foundation.
• May be set on a movable chassis.
• Built to follow federal building code requirements and regulations.

What are Modular Homes?

Although manufactured and modular homes are both types of prefabricated housing, and while some people may use the terms interchangeably, there are some differences between them. Modular homes are usually partially built in a factory, and then assembled on site and placed on a permanent foundation. Modular homes are subject to state and local building codes, rather than HUD requirements that manufactured homes must follow. The following are some common characteristics of modular homes:

• Built in pieces in a factory, typically assembled on site.
• Typically installed on a permanent foundation.
• May have multiple stories.
• Are built to follow state and local requirements.

How much does Mobile & Manufactured Home Insurance Cost?

Just as you would look at various factors to help estimate your homeowners insurance, you can look at the same types of factors to help estimate what your mobile or manufactured home insurance may cost. Although policies vary from person to person and home to home, there are some common factors that can be used to calculate insurance costs. The following are some of the factors that can affect your insurance costs.

• Your mobile or manufactured home’s age and size.
• How your mobile or manufactured home was built.
• The location your home is placed, and the risks associated with the area.
• Do you rent or own the land you will be placing your home on?
• What security features does your home have in place?
• The coverage options and deductible you have chosen.

What Coverages do you Need for your Mobile/Manufactured Home?

When looking for insurance for your mobile or manufactured home, there are a few generic coverages that you should consider. Contact your local Cross Insurance agent today to inquire about the details regarding the following coverages:

• Dwelling Coverage

This helps cover the physical structure of your mobile or manufactured home.

• Personal Property

This coverage refers to the belongings inside your home, potentially including furniture, appliances, and other items you own.

• Liability

This can help to cover medical expenses if someone is injured on your property.

• Other Structures

This helps to cover structures physically not attached to your mobile or manufactured home, such as a detached garage or shed.

• Loss of use

This coverage can provide compensation for things like eating out or temporary housing if you are currently unable to live in your mobile or manufactured home.

Does My Mobile/Manufactured Home Need Flood Insurance? 

Using this flood map from FEMA, you can see if your mobile or manufactured home is in an area that may be at risk of flooding. Typically, most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover damages caused by floods. In addition, your mortgage lender may require you to carry flood insurance, depending on which flood zone you live in.

How to save on insurance for your Mobile or Manufactured Home

Looking to save on how much you pay for your mobile or manufactured home policy? One possible solution is to get pricing options from different companies. Cross Insurance can give you options from different insurance carriers. Ask your local insurance agent if you can reduce your premium by buying multiple coverages from the same carrier, such as home and auto. Your local insurance agent may also know about additional discounts for security devices, such as installing an alarm system.

 

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This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Cross Insurance shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, insurance, accounting or other professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice. The views expressed in this article are that of its author and do not necessarily represent the views of Cross Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Cross Insurance”) or Cross Insurance’s management or shareholders.