Mobile homes have become more popular in the Sunshine State in recent years. And if you have one, mobile home insurance may be worth exploring. Also known as an HO-7 policy, mobile home insurance provides the same coverages as standard home insurance but is specifically created for mobile homes.

On average, the cost of mobile home insurance in Florida is $4,235 per year. Here’s what you need to know about mobile home insurance in Florida.

Insurance for mobile and manufactured homes

Mobile home insurance includes several coverages designed to protect the structure of your mobile home. It also covers your personal belongings, additional living expenses in the event your mobile home sustains damage, and liability expenses if you’re held liable for an accident.1

Since mobile homes are constructed off-site, are transportable, and don’t have a foundation or basement to protect them from the elements, they’re riskier to insure. As a result, mobile home insurance often costs more than standard home insurance coverage.

Why do you need mobile home insurance in Florida?

Mobile homes make up 8.2% of the total housing units in the state.2 Even though Florida law doesn’t require mobile home coverage, your lender might ask you to buy it if you have a mortgage on your property. You may also need mobile home insurance if you live in a mobile home park.

Mobile home insurance can be a worthwhile investment to protect your home and personal property from unforeseen events like theft, fire, and inclement weather. Without it, you may be on the hook for significant out-of-pocket costs to rebuild or replace your mobile home and your belongings.

What does mobile home insurance cover?

HO-7 mobile home insurance typically covers the following:

• Dwelling: Dwelling coverage is for the structure of your mobile home. It includes the roof, walls, base, and windows.

• Personal property: Personal property insurance will kick in if your personal belongings get stolen or damaged, on and off your property. These belongings may include clothing, furniture, appliances, and electronics.

• Other structures: Other structures coverage protects other structures on your property, such as a detached garage, shed, or fence.

• Additional living expenses (ALE): Also known as loss of use insurance, ALE coverage may come in handy if your mobile home requires a repair or replacement and you need to live elsewhere while it happens. It can help pay for lodging, restaurant meals, and more.

• Personal liability: Personal liability insurance will cover legal fees and medical expenses if someone sustains injuries on your property and you’re held responsible. It usually protects you up to a predetermined coverage limit.

What does mobile home insurance not cover?

Just like standard home insurance, mobile home insurance has exclusions. It usually won’t cover:

• Flood damage: You’ll likely need to invest in a stand-alone flood insurance policy to protect your Florida mobile home from flood damage. You can buy it through a private insurer or the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

• Earthquake damage: Some mobile home insurance companies allow you to add earthquake insurance to your policy. While earthquakes are rare in Florida, you may still want to consider this type of coverage for more peace of mind.

• Wear and tear and poor maintenance: It’s your responsibility to maintain your mobile home. For this reason, mobile home insurance won’t pay for issues like mold, rust, pest infestations, or water damage.

Best mobile home insurance companies in Florida

If you’re looking for mobile home insurance in Florida, here are several of the best companies.

Foremost

State Farm

Farmers

HomeFirst

How much does mobile home insurance cost in Florida?

The cost of mobile home insurance in Florida depends on a number of factors, including the age of your mobile home, your home’s condition, its safety features, your claims history, your deductible, and your coverage limits.

On average, Florida mobile home owners pay $4,235 annually for mobile home insurance. Foremost and Farmers are two insurers that offer mobile home policies in the Sunshine State.

Insuring a manufactured home

A manufactured home is similar to a mobile home. The only difference between the two properties is their construction date. If it was built before June 15, 1976, it’s considered a mobile home. If it was built afterward, it’s a manufactured home.

A manufactured home is made in a factory that follows building standards set forth by the HUD Code. It’s then transported to a permanent site and may be placed on a foundation that’s either temporary or permanent. To insure a manufactured home, it’s a good idea to look for a mobile home insurance policy.

Insuring a modular home

A modular home is built in phases or modules in a factory setting. It’s then transported to a site and assembled on a permanent foundation, such as a slab or basement. A modular home is very similar to a traditional home that was constructed on a building site. If you own a modular home, you may protect it with a standard insurance policy rather than specialized mobile home coverage.

How to cut your mobile home insurance costs

Here are several tips to help you save money on mobile home insurance:

Mobile home insurance FAQs