Mobile homes may not be as permanent as most homes, but they still need to be insured. Perils such as fires, floods, etc. don’t pick and choose which properties they want to destroy. If you want to protect your property, the best way to do that would be to purchase insurance. Below, we’ll break down the basics of insurance for your mobile or manufactured home.
Mobile and Manufactured Homes: What’s the Difference?
Compared to single-family homes, mobile and manufactured (or prefabricated) homes are constructed in factories rather than on-site. They are mounted on a moveable frame and have only one story. It can be on wheels or a solid slab but remember that the more “secure” it is, the more insurable it will be.
Mobile homes are those that were constructed before 1976 – this was prior to the imposition of a law that demanded stricter safety criteria for their construction. When that law was passed, newly built “mobile” homes were now named “manufactured’ homes.
If you aren’t sure when your mobile or manufactured home was constructed, it’s best to consult a property management firm. They should be able to determine when it was constructed, so you can file for the proper insurance policy.
What Is Mobile Home Insurance?
Your homeowner’s insurance policy will not be able to cover mobile and manufactured homes. This is because the kind of construction that mobile and manufactured homes have makes them more vulnerable to natural disasters. For one, they’re made of lightweight materials that are more likely to be damaged than a home that’s built on-site. They’re also merely secured into place, so a single strike from Mother Nature could destroy them with one swoop.
That is why insurance companies provide a policy that takes into account the risks that mobile homeowners face. Mobile home insurance, also known as manufactured home insurance, is a type of insurance policy that protects your property and personal possessions in the event of a covered peril.
Similar to homeowner’s insurance, it provides coverage for the property itself, personal property, and liabilities. However, the difference is that mobile homes do not need to be insured by law. Although it can be tempting to forgo coverage, bear in mind that many mortgage companies will need you to get insurance.
Do You Need Mobile Home Insurance?
Insurance should be a non-negotiable. Whenever you get a mortgage for a property, your lender will almost always tell you to get insurance. It is very rare for lenders to lend to homeowners who do not have insurance. Then there are the elements beyond your control, such as the weather. If a disaster destroys your property, you’ll have to pay for repairs out of pocket.
Remember that you are responsible for what happens to the people on your property. Suppose someone slips and decide to sue you for medical costs, you’ll have to cover the costs yourself if you aren’t insured.
What Does Mobile Home Insurance Cover?
When “window-shopping” for mobile and manufactured home insurance, it’s critical to understand what’s typically included in your policy:
Dwelling Coverage
Similar to homeowners insurance, the policy provides coverage for damage done to the structure itself. This coverage, which is also known as dwelling coverage, covers structures like walls and windows. Do note that it does not cover additional structures such as a shed.
Personal Property Coverage
If any of your personal possessions inside the home are destroyed due to a covered peril, your insurance company can compensate you up to a certain sum. Do note, however, that there are limits to how much – with that said, it would be a good idea to get additional coverage if you have high-value items.
Liability Coverage
Let’s say your neighbor comes to visit, but then he slips and falls on the steps. He breaks his leg, and suddenly you’re saddled with a medical bill. If you don’t have mobile or manufactured home insurance, you’ll have to pay out of pocket. If you do, it can cover your neighbor’s medical costs in addition to any damages.
Additional Living Expenses
If you need to live somewhere else while your property is repaired, this coverage will pay for your accommodation and meals costs. If, for example, you need to stay in a hotel for a couple of days while you wait for the repairmen to fix your home, your policy can pay for your stay.
What Perils Are Covered By Mobile Home Insurance?
Perils pertain to the risks that are covered by your insurance policy. Your policy should include a list of named perils – these are the exact risks that your policy will cover. Examples of perils are:
- Fire
- Windstorms
- Hail
- Theft and Burglary
- Vandalism
- Explosions
- Ice and snow
- Damage due to wild animals
If you’ve partnered with a South Florida property management firm, they can help you determine which coverages your property needs. For instance, if your property is in a flood-prone area, they may suggest getting additional flood coverage.
How Much Does Mobile Home Insurance Cost?
Because the value of a mobile home is significantly lower than that of a single-family home, it would follow that the cost of insurance will also be lower. However, it depends on your property’s needs and how “risk-prone” it is. Insurance companies want to protect themselves, so if they think your property is a risk, you will have to pay more. In addition, if you live in a flood-prone area, you may want to add flood insurance – it will cost more, but it will be worth it.
The best thing to do would be to chat with a property management agent about your mobile home. They should be able to ballpark a price depending on your property’s needs.
Conclusion
As we earlier said, mobile or manufactured homes are more vulnerable than other real estate investments. For that reason, it’s important to insure them.
A property management company like Luxury Property Care can help you determine exactly how much coverage your property needs. Our experts stay up-to-date on local construction costs, so we can accurately estimate how much you’d need. To start, call us at (561) 944 – 2992. You can also fill out our contact form to request more information.
