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.
Here’s what you need to know about mobile home insurance in Florida.
Mobile homes, also referred to as manufactured homes, could benefit from mobile home coverage.
Due to their significant vulnerability to the elements, mobile homes are more expensive to insure than traditional homes.
Foremost, State Farm, Farmers, and HomeFirst are several companies that offer mobile home insurance in Florida.
Insurance for mobile and manufactured homes
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, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development considers it a mobile home. If it was built afterward, it’s a manufactured home.
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.[?]
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 you need mobile home insurance in Florida
Mobile homes make up a little more than 8% of the total housing units in the state.[?] 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 mobile home insurance covers
HO-7 mobile home insurance typically covers the following:
What mobile home insurance doesn’t 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
HomeFirst offers specialized insurance, including mobile home coverage. Its mobile home insurance policies come with flood coverage and debris removal. You can request a quote online, and an agent will get back to you with further information.
Includes flood coverage in mobile home policies
Quotes available online
Considers mobile home owners with bad credit
Doesn’t underwrite its own policies
Must wait for an agent to follow up with you
Not rated by J.D. Power for customer or claims satisfaction
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.
Mobile home insurance typically costs more than standard home insurance because mobile homes are more susceptible to damage from wind, fire, and theft.
Mobile home insurance discounts in Florida
Many insurance companies offer home insurance discounts that can help you save on a policy. You might be able to take advantage of several discounts for your mobile home, such as:
New-home discount: If your mobile home is newer, you could qualify for a discount.
Wind-mitigation discount: Some Florida insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who fit their homes with roof or wind-mitigation updates that are Florida Building Code-certified.
Tie down and fully skirted discount: Criteria vary by insurer. But if you have your mobile home tied down and fully skirted, you could qualify for savings.
Safety features discount: Installing safety features in your mobile home — such as smoke detectors, sprinklers, or a security system — could help you save.
Multi-policy discount: You could get a discount for bundling multiple types of insurance policies with the same company, such as home and auto insurance.
Claims-free discount: Some insurers offer discounts for homeowners who have gone a certain period of time without filing a claim.
Is it difficult to insure a mobile home in Florida?
It can be more challenging to insure a mobile home in Florida than it is to buy coverage for a traditional home. But many Florida insurers offer mobile home coverage, including Farmers, Foremost, Homefirst, and State Farm.
Because of how they’re built, mobile homes are more susceptible to damage from perils such as fire, theft, wind, and more. Insurers charge higher premiums to offset the risk of covering a mobile home.
If you’re having trouble finding a mobile home insurance policy, shop around and get quotes from at least three insurance companies. You can also consider getting coverage through Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, Florida’s insurer of last resort.
How to cut your mobile home insurance costs
Here are several tips to help you save money on mobile home insurance:
Mobile home insurance in Florida FAQs
If you’re looking for a mobile home insurance policy in Florida, check out the additional information below as you research your coverage options.
Does Florida require mobile home insurance?
Florida law doesn’t require mobile home insurance. But if you have a mortgage on your mobile home or live in a mobile home park or community, you may need it.
How much mobile home insurance coverage do you need in Florida?
The ideal amount of mobile home insurance depends on your unique situation. To come up with this figure, consider the full replacement cost of your home and how much you can comfortably pay for repairs out of pocket through a deductible.
Why is it difficult to get manufactured home insurance?
Compared to traditional homes, mobile homes are more prone to incidents like fires, floods, and wind damage. So they’re riskier and more challenging to insure.
What is the oldest mobile home that can be insured?
There’s no set standard for the oldest mobile home that can be insured. Coverage requirements vary depending on the insurance company you choose and the condition of your mobile home.
But if your mobile home was built before 1976, finding insurance may be challenging. Mobile homes that age weren’t built in line with Department of Housing and Urban Development safety standards.
How do you file a mobile home insurance claim?
To file a mobile home claim, contact your insurance company by phone or on its website. Fill out the claim form and attach evidence in the form of photos or videos that show the damage. It’s also important to get repair estimates and keep receipts if you need to move out temporarily.
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