Why Your Double-Wide Needs a Different Policy Than a Stick-Built Home.
The Risks Are Different. The Construction is Different. The Policy Should Be Different.
A standard, “stick-built” home is insured on a homeowners policy. A manufactured or mobile home is a completely different type of structure, and it needs its own, specialized insurance policy. A mobile home policy is a unique, hybrid product. It recognizes that a mobile home has the risks of a house (fire, liability) but also some of the risks of a vehicle (movement, unique construction). Trying to insure a double-wide on a standard homeowners policy is a recipe for a denied claim.
Mobile Home vs. Homeowners: One is a Vehicle, The Other is Real Estate.
The Legal and Structural Distinction is Key.
This is the fundamental difference that drives the insurance. A standard home is “real property.” It is built on-site, on a permanent foundation. A mobile or manufactured home is “personal property,” more like a vehicle. It is built in a factory, has a VIN number, and is transported to the site. This difference in its legal and structural classification is why it requires a specific type of insurance policy (often called an M-1 or a “Form 7”) that is designed for this unique type of dwelling.
The Unique Risks a Mobile Home Policy Covers (Like Trip and Tie-Down Issues).
A Policy That Understands the Specific Dangers.
A mobile home faces unique risks that a site-built home does not. The policy is designed to cover these. For example, it can include coverage for damage that occurs while the home is being transported to your lot. It can also include coverage for issues related to the “tie-downs” and anchoring systems that secure the home to the ground, which are a common point of failure in high winds. A standard homeowners policy would have no concept of these specific, mobile-home-related risks.
How a Mobile Home Policy Can Cover the Move from the Dealership to Your Lot.
The “Trip Collision” Coverage is a Must-Have.
When you buy a new manufactured home, one of the most dangerous parts of its life is the journey from the dealership to your property. A specialized mobile home insurance policy will offer an essential “Trip Collision” coverage. This protects the home from damage that occurs while it is in transit. It is a crucial, one-time coverage that protects your brand-new investment before it even becomes a home.
The Stigma and Higher Risk That Can Make Mobile Home Insurance More Expensive.
The Reality of the Underwriting.
It is a reality that, square foot for square foot, mobile home insurance can sometimes be more expensive than insurance for a site-built home. This is due to a few factors. Statistically, manufactured homes have a higher risk of total loss from fire and wind. They are also often located in more rural areas with volunteer fire departments, which can increase the risk. This perceived higher risk is often reflected in the premium.
Does Your Policy Cover Your Sheds, Skirting, and Porches?
Protecting the Add-Ons.
A mobile home is often more than just the box. You add porches, decks, carports, and skirting. You also have detached sheds and garages. A good mobile home insurance policy will allow you to specifically add coverage for these “attached structures” and “other structures.” A standard policy might not automatically include these items, so it is crucial to review your policy and make sure all of your property’s components are properly listed and insured.
From the Frame to the Foundation, The Key Differences in Coverage.
A Policy Built on a Chassis.
A mobile home is built on a steel chassis, which is a major structural component. A good mobile home policy will have specific language that covers this unique construction. It is a fundamentally different structure from a stick-built home on a concrete foundation, and the insurance policy is written to reflect this reality. It is a specialized contract for a specialized type of construction.
Why a standard HO-3 won’t work for a manufactured home.
The Wrong Tool for the Job.
An agent who tries to write a standard HO-3 homeowners policy on a manufactured home is making a massive error. The HO-3 form is specifically designed for a site-built home and contains language and valuation methods that are completely inappropriate for a factory-built dwelling. A claim would likely be a nightmare of legal and contractual conflicts. A manufactured home requires a specific mobile home policy form (like an M-1) to be properly and legally insured.
A Deep Dive into the Specifics of an M-1 or “Form 7” Policy.
The “Named Peril” Nature of Mobile Home Insurance.
Most mobile home insurance policies are written on a “named peril” basis, similar to an HO-2 homeowners policy. This means they only cover damage from a specific list of about 16 perils, like fire, wind, and theft. This is a more restrictive form of coverage than the “open peril” coverage found on a standard HO-3. It is a crucial distinction to understand. Some premier carriers may offer a more comprehensive “open peril” mobile home policy, which is a superior product.
Protecting Your Manufactured Home with a Policy Designed For It.
A Unique Home Deserves a Unique Policy.
A modern manufactured home can be a beautiful, comfortable, and affordable housing option. It is a significant investment that deserves to be protected with the right kind of insurance. Don’t settle for a generic policy that doesn’t understand your home’s unique construction and risks. A specialized mobile home insurance policy is the only way to get the peace of mind of knowing that your unique home is protected by a policy that was built just for it.