Mobile Home Insurance – What’s Not Covered

As a mobile homeowner, you might wonder what your insurance covers and what it doesn’t. Mobile home insurance helps protect your home and belongings from damage. But, it has some limits and exclusions you should know about. For example, earthquakes and flooding from outside sources aren’t usually covered.

It’s key to know what your policy doesn’t cover. This helps you make smart choices about your insurance. This is especially true for mobile homes, manufactured homes, and homeowners insurance.

Mobile home insurance covers several things like your home, other structures, and personal property. It also covers personal liability and loss of use. But, things like where your home is, how old it is, and how much coverage you need can affect the cost. Insurance costs can range from $300 to $1,200 a year.

If you’re looking for insurance, South Cumberland Insurance at 931-592-6721 can help. They offer policies for mobile homes, among other things.

As a mobile home owner, knowing about mobile home insurance is key. It helps protect your home from dangers like tornadoes. Mobile home insurance is different from regular homeowners insurance. It covers the special needs of mobile and manufactured homes.

To get mobile home insurance, you need to think about a few things. These include dwelling coverage, personal liability, and other coverages not found in regular policies. This ensures your mobile home is well-protected.

The cost of mobile home insurance varies. For a new manufactured home, the average price generally rises every year. Insurance costs can be between $700 to $1,500 or more a year. Several factors affect the cost, like the home’s size, location, and value.

Features like energy efficiency and safety devices can also change your premium. It’s important to know what your policy covers and what it doesn’t. This way, you won’t be surprised by exclusions like flooding or wildfires.

To keep your home safe, look for a policy with physical damage and personal liability coverage. Dwelling coverage and personal property coverage are also basic must-haves. Optional coverages, like flood or earthquake insurance, can raise your costs. But, knowing about mobile home insurance helps you choose the right coverage for your home and belongings.

Standard mobile home insurance policies typically exclude damage resulting from earthquakes across all states. To protect your mobile home from earthquake damage, you would need to purchase a separate earthquake insurance policy or an endorsement to your existing policy.

The availability and terms of earthquake coverage can vary by state and insurer. For instance, the California Earthquake Authority offers specific policies for mobile home owners in California. 

earthquakeauthority.com

In other states, insurers like GEICO provide earthquake insurance through partners such as Arrowhead. 

geico.com

It’s essential to consult with your insurance provider to understand the coverage options available in your state.

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Mobile home insurance policies generally exclude flood damage in all U.S. states. Flood coverage is typically not included in standard mobile home insurance policies, just like with traditional homeowners insurance. Instead, mobile homeowners must purchase a separate flood insurance policy through:

1. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) – Available in participating communities across all 50 states.
• Website: FloodSmart.gov
2. Private Flood Insurance Providers – Some private insurers offer alternative or additional coverage beyond NFIP limits.

States Where Flood Coverage is Particularly Important:

Flood insurance is strongly recommended in states with high flood risk, such as:

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• South Carolina

• North Carolina

• New Jersey

• New York

• California (due to flash floods and mudslides)

If you live in a FEMA-designated high-risk flood zone (Special Flood Hazard Area – SFHA), your lender will likely require you to carry flood insurance.

Do Mobile Home Polices Cover Damage from Hurricanes or Tornados?

Mobile home insurance policies do not necessarily exclude hurricane and tornado damage outright, but the coverage can vary by state and insurer. Instead of a full exclusion, policies in high-risk states often have higher deductibles, restrictions, or separate coverage requirements for windstorm-related damage.

Hurricane & Windstorm Exclusions or Special Deductibles

Some states prone to hurricanes may require a separate windstorm or hurricane deductible (typically a percentage of the home’s insured value, rather than a flat dollar amount). These states include:

• Virginia

• New Jersey

• New York

In Florida, for example, mobile home policies often exclude hurricane wind damage unless you add a separate windstorm policy through private insurers or the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corporation.

Tornado Coverage

Most standard mobile home policies do cover tornado damage because it falls under windstorm damage. However:

• High-risk states like Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas may have higher deductibles or stricter requirements.
• Some insurers may require you to secure or anchor your mobile home properly to qualify for coverage.

Most mobile home insurance policies provide some coverage for unattached structures like barns, sheds, garages, fences, and carports, but coverage levels and exclusions vary by policy and insurer.

How Unattached Structures Are Covered

• Many policies include “Other Structures Coverage” (Coverage B), which typically covers 10%–20% of the dwelling coverage.
• This means if your mobile home is insured for $50,000, your policy may provide $5,000–$10,000 in coverage for detached structures.
• Coverage may exclude damage from certain natural disasters (e.g., floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, or tornadoes in high-risk areas).

Exceptions & Limits

• Some insurers exclude large unattached structures like barns, workshops, or guesthouses unless specifically added as an endorsement or rider.
• Sheds, small storage units, and detached garages are usually covered but may have specific coverage limits.
• Business-related structures (e.g., a workshop used for a home business) may not be covered unless you purchase additional coverage.

What To Do

• Check your policy for “Other Structures Coverage” (Coverage B).
• Ask your insurer if large structures like barns require a separate endorsement.
• If you need more coverage, consider increasing limits or adding a separate policy for high-value structures.

Many people think their mobile home insurance covers everything. But, there are often exclusions and limits. It’s key to know what your insurance does and doesn’t cover. Mobile home insurance companies offer policies that fit your needs. Working with an independent agent can help you understand these policies better.

Some think homeowners policies are the same as mobile home insurance. But, mobile home insurance is made for mobile homes. Liability insurance is also crucial for accidents or injuries on your property. To get the right policy, compare rates from different companies. This way, you find the best coverage for your mobile home.

About 70% of mobile homeowners don’t fully get their insurance. This can lead to denied claims and financial loss. It’s important to review your policy and ask questions. Mobile home insurance companies and independent agents can help you find a policy that fits your budget and needs.

Knowing the common misconceptions about mobile home insurance helps you make better choices. Mobile home insurance companies offer various policies, including liability insurance. To find the best policy, compare rates from different companies. This ensures you’re protected and meets your budget.

Insuring your mobile home is key to protecting your investment. Mobile home insurance gives you the financial safety you need. It helps cover unexpected property damage or loss. By knowing your insurance needs and picking the right type of insurance, your mobile home is well protected.

Choose an insurance agency like South Cumberland Insurance that knows how to insure mobile homes. They can guide you to the basic coverage your mobile home needs. They can also show you extra coverage options to help protect your investment. It’s important to know that mobile home insurance offers more comprehensive coverage than traditional homeowners insurance.

By carefully looking at your insurance coverage and working with a smart insurance provider, you can keep your mobile home safe. This way, your investment is safe for the future.

How does mobile home insurance differ from standard homeowners insurance?

Mobile home insurance is different from standard homeowners insurance. Mobile home policies might not cover natural disasters like tornadoes and earthquakes. They also have other exclusions and limitations.

What are some common exclusions in mobile home insurance policies?

Mobile home insurance policies often don’t cover natural disasters like earthquakes and flooding. They also don’t cover maintenance and wear issues, personal property limits, and liability gaps. Always check your policy to know what’s covered and what’s not.

What are some common misconceptions about mobile home insurance?

Many think mobile home insurance covers everything. But, it actually has exclusions and limits. Working with an independent insurance agent can help you find the right policy for your needs.

How can I ensure I have the right mobile home insurance coverage?

To get the right coverage, work with an independent insurance agent who knows mobile home insurance. They can help you understand your needs and find the best policy. This includes extra coverage for natural disasters or liability.