I built an Earthship (tire/earth rammed home) off-grid in New Mexico. It was sustainable, fire-resistant, and beautiful. It was also uninsurable. I called State Farm, Geico, Allstate. “We don’t have a code for ‘Tire Walls’,” they said. I eventually found coverage, but I had to leave the standard market entirely and enter the Wild West of Surplus Lines.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Carriers Reject Non-Standard Builds: If it isn’t stick-framed or masonry, algorithms reject it. Yurts, Earthships, Domes, and Straw Bales are “Non-Standard.”
- Surplus Lines (E&S) is the Only Way: You need “Excess and Surplus” insurance (like Lloyd’s of London). These carriers are allowed to write risks that standard carriers reject.
- Higher Cost, Lower Coverage: E&S policies are expensive (2x-3x normal rates) and often have lower coverage (ACV only, high deductibles, no liability).
- Broker is Mandatory: You cannot buy E&S insurance directly. You must use a licensed broker who specializes in alternative dwellings.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Unknown Risk.”
Insurers work on statistics. They have data on 10 million wood houses. They know exactly how they burn.
They have zero data on Earthships. They don’t know what it costs to repair a tire wall. Therefore, they view the risk as 100%.
They also fear the “resale market.” If you walk away, can they sell an Earthship? Probably not easily.
The Investigation (My Analysis of the Market)
I hunted for Yurt/Earthship coverage.
The “Lloyd’s” Solution
- The Provider: A broker accessed a Lloyd’s syndicate.
- The Deal: They offered a “Named Peril” policy (Fire/Wind only). No theft, no water damage.
- The Price: $3,500/year for a $150k structure. (Ouch).
Foremost
- The Exception: Foremost sometimes writes Yurts if they are on a permanent foundation and professionally assembled. They will NOT write a DIY Earthship.
The “Self-Insure” Route
- The Reality: Many Earthship owners just invest in fire suppression (cisterns) and bank the premium money. It’s risky, but sometimes the only option.
[IMAGE: Photo of an Earthship with tire walls and glass bottle bricks, overlayed with a “High Risk” stamp]
Comparison Table
| Feature | Standard Homeowners | Surplus Lines (Earthship) |
| Availability | Stick/Brick Homes | Yurts/Earthships/Domes |
| Coverage | All Risk (HO-3) | Named Peril (Fire Only) |
| Cost | Low (~$800) | High (~$2,500+) |
| Regulation | State Protected | Not Guaranteed (by state fund) |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Find a Niche Broker: Google “Alternative Dwelling Insurance Broker.” Look for names like Accessible Marine Insurance (they do weird stuff) or Strategic Insurance Agency.
- Prepare an “Engineering Report”: Have a structural engineer sign off on the building’s integrity. This piece of paper is gold for underwriters.
- Prioritize “Fire” Coverage: If you can’t get full coverage, ask for a “Fire Only” policy. It protects the biggest catastrophic risk.
- Consider “Inland Marine”: If it’s a Yurt, sometimes it can be insured as “Property” rather than a “Dwelling.”
FAQ
Are Yurts considered tents?
To insurers, yes, unless they are on a concrete pad with permanent plumbing.
Can I get a mortgage on an Earthship?
Almost never. You need a “Construction Loan” or cash. Without a mortgage, insurance is optional (but recommended).
What happens if the Surplus Lines carrier goes bankrupt?
You are less protected. Standard carriers are backed by State Guaranty Funds. E&S carriers are not. Pick a big name like Lloyd’s.