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National Association of Real Estate Editors member
Bylines include Forbes, Bankrate, and CBS News
Aly is a reporter specializing in real estate, mortgages, and personal finance. You can find her work in Hearst newspapers and numerous financial publications.
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7+ years in content creation and management
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
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Table of contents
Mobile home insurance policies — sometimes referred to as manufactured home insurance — offer two main types of insurance coverage: physical damage coverage for the mobile home and your belongings, and personal liability coverage.
Mark Friedlander, director of corporate communications at the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), explains that these coverage options are generally available for the following types of mobile homes: mobile homes located in a park or on private property, commercial mobile homes, seasonally used mobile homes, and rental mobile homes.
If you have a mobile home in any of these locations, here’s what you need to know about getting home insurance.
Mobile home insurance isn’t required by law, but mortgage lenders may require it.
Mobile home insurance is usually more expensive than standard home insurance because mobile homes are more susceptible to damage from fire, wind, and theft.
A modular home isn’t the same thing as a manufactured or mobile home and generally requires different coverage.
Manufactured vs. mobile home insurance
The primary difference between manufactured and mobile homes is the date they were built. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development designates mobile homes as those built before June 15, 1976. Any homes built after that date are considered manufactured homes.
Both manufactured and mobile homes are typically constructed in a factory. They’re often built on metal frames rather than a basement or crawl space.
You might pay more to insure a mobile home than a manufactured home, since mobile homes are older. The age of your home is one of several factors that can affect your home insurance costs.
Why do you need mobile home insurance?
Mobile home insurance financially protects both the structure of your mobile home and your personal property. This coverage isn’t required by law, but if you have a mortgage on the mobile home, your lender will likely require you to have insurance.
“Just like any other property insurance policy, mobile home insurance should be purchased to financially protect you and your family from catastrophic losses,” Friedlander says.
Not having mobile home insurance can leave you on the hook for an expensive bill if your home is damaged or completely destroyed by fire, a severe weather event, or another peril.
Standard mobile home insurance policies don’t protect your mobile home while in transit. You may be able to purchase temporary coverage to insure the home and your personal belongings when moving it.
What mobile home insurance covers
Mobile home coverage typically provides protection against physical damage, personal liability, and loss of your property’s use. Here’s a deeper look at the coverages included in most mobile home policies.
Dwelling
Dwelling coverage pays for any accidental damage that occurs to your mobile home or other related structures, like an attached deck or storage shed. Eligible perils include theft, wind, hail, fire, falling objects, and vandalism.
Personal belongings
Personal property coverage pays for damage done to your belongings inside the home if a covered event occurs. For example, if a fire destroyed your couch or if someone stole your TV in a burglary, this coverage would pay to replace it.
Personal liability
If someone is injured on your property and files a claim or lawsuit against you, personal liability insurance can help pay for the associated costs, including medical expenses and lost wages. This coverage can also apply to damage you cause to other people’s property.
Loss of use
If you’re unable to live on your property after a covered event and are forced to move to a hotel or other living arrangement, loss of use coverage will pay for those hotel costs. It can also cover food and other living expenses you incur during displacement.
What mobile home insurance doesn’t cover
Just like homeowners insurance, mobile home insurance doesn’t cover everything that could happen to your home.
Mobile home insurance generally excludes:
Flood damage: You typically need to buy separate flood insurance to help protect against flood damage. You can purchase a policy from some private insurers or through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). You should consider this coverage if you live in an area prone to flooding.[1]
Earthquake damage: You can usually buy earthquake coverage as an add-on benefit to your mobile home insurance policy. If you live somewhere prone to earthquakes, this type of coverage can potentially save you a lot of money. Like flood insurance, standard home insurance policies usually exclude earthquake coverage due to the expensive damage earthquakes can cause.
Damage from negligence or wear and tear: Mobile home insurance is designed to protect against accidental damage, so it excludes issues that relate to how someone maintains their mobile home. It won’t cover rust, mold, wet or dry rot, vermin, rodents, water damage from sewers, drain back-ups, or other damage that occurs from negligence, poor maintenance, or wear and tear.
Damage done while moving: Mobile home insurance policies don’t cover the home while it’s in transit. You’ll likely need a temporary policy or special endorsement for coverage during moves.
How much does mobile home insurance cost?
The cost of your mobile home insurance can range widely based on the insurer, your location, and more.
Some other factors that can influence how much you’ll spend on mobile home insurance include:
The age of the mobile home
The home’s condition
Security and safety features of the home
The home’s value
Coverage limits
Claims history of both the policyholder and the property
Deductibles
The value of your personal property
Whether you own or rent the lot your mobile home is on
Mobile home insurance discounts
Most insurance companies offer discounts that can help you reduce the cost of your coverage. They may offer these when you first take out the policy or at renewal.
Here’s a look at some discounts you might be able to get on your mobile home insurance policy:
New-home discount: Some insurers offer premium discounts for newly bought properties.
Tie-down/skirted discount: These discounts reduce your premium if you have your mobile home tied down and fully skirted.
Claim-free discount: If you made no insurance claims in the last policy period, you may be eligible for a discount at renewal.
Original owner discount: You may qualify for this discount if you’re the first and original owner of your property.
Multi-line discount: Insurers offer this discount to customers who have multiple policies with them. You can qualify by using the same insurance company for your mobile home insurance and car insurance, for example.
Retiree/senior discount: If you’re retired or age 55 or older, insurers may offer you a discount on your premium.
Security discount: Having protective devices in your home, like a security system or cameras, could also qualify you for a discount.
Where to buy mobile home insurance
Many different insurance companies offer mobile home insurance, including large companies like Allstate, GEICO, State Farm, and Progressive. Here are some of the best mobile home insurance companies to consider for your policy.
Allstate
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.2/10 |
|---|---|
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 631 |
| $300,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $300,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $188/mo |
| $500,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $500,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $282/mo |
Allstate’s manufactured home policy provides coverage for liability, injury claims made against you, and property damage. Optional mobile home coverage is also available, including policies for scheduled personal property and 30-day collision coverage that protects your home temporarily while it’s being transported to another location.
But Allstate’s mobile home insurance doesn’t cover any damage caused by continuous or repeated seepage or leakage of water or steam. It also excludes damage caused by underground water.
Numerous discounts to help homeowners save
Coverage available to insure your mobile home while in transit
Doesn’t exclude certain dog breeds from coverage
Below-average J.D. Power claims and customer satisfaction ratings
Not available in all ZIP codes
Doesn’t offer guaranteed or extended replacement cost coverage
American Family
American Family
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.6/10 |
|---|---|
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 638 |
| $300,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $300,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $155/mo |
| $500,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $500,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $223/mo |
In addition to standard mobile home insurance coverage, American Family also offers a variety of add-ons that make it possible to customize your policy, like coverage for hidden water damage and trip collision coverage.
Notably, this insurer also lowers your deductible each year you continue to stay enrolled. But American Family’s mobile home insurance products are available in only 19 states, and you have to purchase additional coverage for other structures.
Wide variety of coverage options
Generational discounts if parents have American Family coverage
Above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating
Available in only 19 states
Below-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction rating
Restrictions on liability coverage for owners of certain dog breeds, like pit bulls, Dobermans, or Rottweilers
American Modern Insurance Group
American Modern
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | NR |
|---|---|
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | Not rated |
American Modern Insurance Group offers coverage for single-family, singlewide, doublewide, modular, rental, seasonal, and even vacant mobile homes. While the company isn’t rated by J.D. Power, its coverages are comprehensive, and you can add on extras like identity theft coverage, water backup coverage, and sump-pump overflow coverage. American Modern also offers six discounts that can save you money on your premium.
Insures multiple types of mobile homes
A+ (Superior) AM Best financial strength rating
Multiple add-on coverage options available
Not rated by J.D. Power
Fewer discounts than some competitors
Mobile home coverage not available in Florida
Farmers
Farmers
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.4/10 |
|---|---|
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 609 |
| $300,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $300,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $180/mo |
| $500,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $500,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $296/mo |
Farmers’ mobile and manufactured home insurance coverage is similar to its standard home insurance coverage. It’ll cover the structure of your mobile home, your personal belongings, and liability. The company also offers a variety of homeowner insurance discounts that could help you save on a policy, including a bundling discount and a non-smoking discount.
Offers extended and guaranteed replacement cost coverage
Several home insurance discounts available
Large nationwide network of Farmers agents
Not all discounts available in every state
Doesn’t advertise many add-on coverages for mobile homes
Below-average J.D. Power claims and customer satisfaction ratings
How to get cheaper mobile home insurance
Leveraging discounts is one way to reduce your mobile home insurance premiums, but you have other options, too. Here are some strategies that may help you secure a lower premium:[2]
Compare several insurance companies. Once you know how much coverage you need, get quotes from multiple insurers and compare each company based on its rates and discounts. Using a reliable quote-comparison site can help streamline this process.
Choose a higher deductible. If you opt for a higher deductible, your premium will decline (and vice versa). Just make sure you have enough in savings to cover that deductible if you need to file a claim.
Make your home safer. Installing security devices or weather-resistant features can put your home at lower risk for theft and damage. This could also qualify you for lower premiums.
Boost your credit. Many states allow insurers to consider your credit history when pricing their policies, and they give lower rates to people with better credit.
You can also work with an independent insurance agent or broker to find the perfect policy for you. They can help you compare companies and premiums and ensure you get the best deal and the right coverage.
How to file a mobile home insurance claim
If a covered event damages your mobile home, you‘ll want to file a claim as soon as possible. The faster you file, the quicker you’ll get the funds needed to repair your property.
To file a claim, you’ll need to:
Call the police or fire department (if necessary). If someone vandalizes your home, it’s burglarized, or on fire, call the police and fire department. You’ll need to file an official report and submit this to your insurer.
Take photos and videos of the damage. Your insurer will want documentation of any damage done to the property.
Contact your insurance company. You’ll likely need to fill out a form to report the claim and give your insurer a detailed account of what happened. Be sure to have your policy number on hand when you make this call.
Meet the adjuster. Your insurance company will send out an adjuster to assess the damage and determine how much your policy will cover.
Once that’s all done, your insurance company will process your claim and send you a check for the amount covered. You can then use the funds to repair any damage done to your property or belongings. How long this process takes depends on your insurer and where you’re located. In Texas, for example, insurance companies must accept or reject your claim within 15 business days. Once they’ve accepted it, they have five business days to pay out.[3]
Keep in mind that filing a claim against your home insurance policy may increase your premiums come renewal time, though it depends on the nature and extent of the claim. It may also mean forgoing any claim-free discounts your insurer offers.
Mobile home insurance FAQs
If you still have questions about securing the best mobile home insurance policy, the information below may help.
Is mobile home insurance required?
Not legally. If you have a mortgage, your lender will likely require mobile home insurance. But federal and state laws don’t require it.
What makes a mobile home uninsurable?
No single factor makes a mobile home uninsurable. But if your mobile home was built before 1976, you may have a harder time getting coverage because mobile homes of that age weren’t built in line with Department of Housing and Urban Development safety standards. Some insurers may also decline to insure mobile homes that aren’t at least in fair condition.
Can you get flood insurance on your manufactured or mobile home?
Yes. You can get flood insurance on mobile and manufactured homes. In fact, your mortgage lender may require you to if you live in an area at high risk of flooding.
Can you get earthquake insurance on your manufactured or mobile home?
Yes. You can get earthquake insurance on a mobile home, and you may want to if you’re in an area where earthquakes occur frequently. You can also consider an open-peril policy.
How much mobile home insurance coverage do you need?
It depends. The amount of mobile home insurance you need varies on the value of your home and belongings, as well as your risk tolerance regarding paying out of pocket to replace belongings or repair your home if damage does occur.
Is it difficult to get manufactured home insurance?
Securing manufactured home insurance is fairly simple. Many large insurance companies offer this form of insurance, like Allstate, American Family, Farmers, GEICO, and Progressive.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed rates from more than 180 home insurance companies sourced directly from Insurify’s partner companies and Quadrant Information Services. Rates span all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and quote averages represent the mean price for a given coverage level and geographic area. To ensure data reliability, only insurers meeting minimum quote thresholds were included in the analysis.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for homeowners with no prior claims and good credit with a home construction year of 1980. The default coverage assumptions include:
Default Coverage Assumptions
- Dwelling coverage: $300,000
- Deductible: $1,000
- Personal property limit: $25,000
- Liability limit: $300,000
Additional data points beyond these default values are sourced from Insurify’s proprietary database. Rates are updated monthly.
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Sources
- Insurance Information Institute. "Mobile home insurance."
- Insurance Information Institute. "12 Ways to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Costs."
- Texas Department of Insurance. "How do I file a homeowners insurance claim?."
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Aly J. Yale is a freelance writer and reporter covering real estate, mortgages, and personal finance. Her work has been published in Forbes, Business Insider, Money, CBS News, US News & World Report, and The Miami Herald. She has a bachelor’s degree in radio-TV-film and news-editorial journalism from the Bob Schieffer College of Communication at TCU and is a member of the National Association of Real Estate Editors.
Aly has been a contributor at Insurify since September 2023.
)
7+ years in content creation and management
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
Featured in
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