Hurricane Theta was approaching the Gulf Coast. I evacuated. When I came back, my tiny home was on its side, rolled by 100mph winds. I filed a claim. The adjuster came out, looked at the chassis, and asked, “Where are the hurricane straps?” I pointed to the wheel chocks. He shook his head. “Policy requires earth anchors for any named storm coverage.”
Key Takeaways
- Tiny Homes are Sails: They are tall, narrow, and light. Without anchors, they roll over in 60mph gusts.
- The “Tie-Down” Warranty: In wind-prone states (FL, TX, LA), insurance policies often have a warranty clause: Coverage for windstorm is suspended unless the unit is anchored to the ground according to manufacturer specs.
- Skirting is Not Anchoring: Skirting hides the wheels, but it provides zero structural hold-down.
- Deductibles are Percentage-Based: For hurricanes, your deductible is often 2% to 5% of the insured value ($2,000 – $5,000), not the standard $500.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Proper Installation.”
Insurers treat tiny homes like mobile homes. Mobile home code (HUD) requires strict tie-down patterns (straps drilled into concrete or augers into dirt).
If you treat your tiny home like an RV (just parked on jacks), you are compliant for an RV, but you might be non-compliant for a Dwelling Policy in a high-wind zone. If the policy says “Must be anchored,” and you aren’t, the wind claim is denied.
The Investigation (My Analysis of 3 Carriers)
I checked the wind requirements.
American Modern
- The Rule: For mobile/manufactured homes, tie-downs are mandatory. For “Tiny Homes” written as RVs, it’s ambiguous.
- The Risk: If you are stationary, they expect tie-downs. If you are mobile, they expect you to evacuate.
Foremost
- The Rule: They have specific “Windstorm” exclusions in coastal counties unless you provide an engineer’s certification of anchoring.
Lloyd’s (Surplus)
- The Rule: High deductibles (often $5,000 for wind). They will pay, but you eat the first chunk.
[IMAGE: Diagram showing proper helical earth anchors strapped to a tiny home chassis frame]
Comparison Table
| Setup | Wind Rating | Insurance Compliance | Cost to Install |
| On Wheels/Jacks | Low (Rolls at ~60mph) | Low (Risk of denial) | $0 |
| Earth Augers/Straps | Medium (Holds to ~90mph) | High | $300 (DIY) |
| Concrete Pad + Straps | High (Holds to ~110mph) | Best | $1,000+ |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Buy “Minute Man” Anchors: These are standard mobile home augers. Twist them into the ground 4 feet deep. Strap them to the frame. Cost: $200.
- Document It: Take photos of the anchors installed. Email them to your agent. Ask: “Does this satisfy the windstorm anchoring requirement?” Get the “Yes” in writing.
- Check the “Named Storm” Deductible: Look at your Dec page. If it says “5% Wind/Hail Deductible,” keep $5,000 in savings.
- Evacuate the House: Even if anchored, don’t stay inside. Tiny homes disintegrate in Cat 3+ winds. The insurance is for the house, not your life.
FAQ
Can I move the house to avoid the storm?
Yes! This is the benefit of wheels. If you move it out of the “Cone of Uncertainty,” you avoid the risk entirely. Insurance covers the move if you have the Trip Endorsement.
Does skirting help?
Actually, solid skirting can increase wind load (pressure builds up). Vented skirting allows wind to pass through.
What if I am parked on pavement?
You can’t use augers. You need concrete anchors (bolted to the slab) or heavy weight ballasts.