Short version: You’ll likely want a specialized manufactured-home policy (often called HO-7/MH policy) that covers the home, your belongings, and liability—plus a few smart add-ons. Your exact mix depends on where the home sits (park lot vs. land), local weather risks, financing requirements, and your budget.
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Step 1: Pick the right base policy
Manufactured home (HO-7 / MH policy). Purpose-built coverage for HUD-code homes—works for both land-home and park (leased lot) setups. It typically includes:
- Dwelling: the structure itself (walls, roof, built-ins, attached porch/carport).
- Other structures: shed/steps/awning (verify limits).
- Personal property: your belongings inside the home.
- Loss of use: pays for temporary housing if a covered loss makes the home unlivable.
- Liability & medical payments: if someone is injured on your property.
If you own the land, some carriers may write a standard HO-3 with manufactured-home endorsements. Ask your agent which form best fits your install/foundation.
Step 2: Choose how your home is valued
- Actual Cash Value (ACV): cheaper premium, but pays depreciated value after a loss.
- Replacement Cost (RCV): higher premium, but pays what it costs to repair/replace without depreciation (up to policy limits).
Tip: If your budget allows, RCV is the safer bet for most buyers—especially with newer or well-kept homes.
Step 3: Add endorsements that protect your equity
- Wind/hail/hurricane (coastal & storm-prone states): may carry a separate deductible—know the percentage.
- Flood (NFIP or private flood): not included in standard policies; required in FEMA flood zones and smart in low-lying areas.
- Water backup/sump overflow: covers damage from backed-up drains (common small claim).
- Dwelling extension/“Other Structures” bump: if you have a large shed, screened room, or extended carport.
- Equipment breakdown: protects HVAC, appliances, and sometimes well pump.
- Named-peril vs. open-peril upgrades: broadened coverage for the dwelling.
- Scheduled personal property: jewelry, collectibles, high-value electronics with low/no depreciation.
- Golf cart liability (popular in amenity parks).
- Short-term rental or home-sharing endorsement if you plan occasional rentals (ask the park first).
Step 4: Park rules & lender requirements (don’t skip)
- Parks/Communities often require:
- Proof of liability coverage (e.g., $100k–$300k+).
- The community listed as an additional interest for notifications (not as additional insured).
- Lenders (chattel or mortgage) typically require:
- Dwelling coverage at least equal to the loan’s replacement cost estimate.
- Named peril list that includes wind/hail where relevant.
- Deductibles that aren’t excessive.
Ask for the park’s insurance rider and your lender’s coverage checklist before binding a policy.
Step 5: Price it right (without gutting coverage)
- Increase deductibles a notch to drop the premium, but keep them affordable.
- Bundle with auto to capture 10–20% multi-policy discounts.
- Mitigation credits: tie-down upgrades, newer roof, storm shutters, or a wind-mit inspection can reduce cost in some states.
- Shop MH-savvy carriers: not every insurer prices manufactured homes competitively—get 2–3 quotes that specifically list your home as HUD-code.
Common questions (fast answers)
Is “mobile home insurance” different from homeowners insurance?
Yes—manufactured-home policies are designed for factory-built, HUD-code homes and typical placements (parks/leased lots), with coverage nuances a standard HO-3 may not handle without endorsements.
Do I need flood insurance?
If you’re in a mapped flood zone and have a loan, yes. Otherwise it’s optional—but remember flood is excluded from standard policies.
Will the policy cover my shed and carport?
Usually, but limits can be low by default. Increase “other structures” if you’ve got a large shed, screened room, or big awning.
What about hurricane/wind deductibles?
Coastal states often use a percentage deductible (e.g., 2% of dwelling coverage). Make sure that cash number feels manageable.
Quick buyer checklist (copy/paste)
- MH-specific policy (HO-7/MH) or HO-3 with proper endorsements
- Replacement cost on dwelling & personal property (if budget allows)
- Wind/hail/hurricane and flood reviewed (add if needed)
- Water backup + equipment breakdown (optional but useful)
- “Other structures” limit fits shed/porch/carport
- Liability limit meets park & lender requirements
- Deductibles make sense for your emergency fund
- Proof of insurance sent to park (additional interest) and lender
Bottom line
Protect your home, your stuff, and your monthly budget with a manufactured-home policy tailored to your setup. Start with the right base form, add wind/flood where needed, and tune deductibles so the premium fits—without sacrificing the coverage that matters.
Next step: compare homes and get buyer resources → https://moveinmobile.com/
Keep learning (avoid repeats by checking recent posts) → https://consumer.moveinmobile.com/
Share industry tips with your seller/park → https://industry.moveinmobile.com/