Mobile Home Insurance: What Makes It Different from Standard Homeowners Policies?

Mobile and manufactured homes require different insurance than traditional houses.

​Learn what sets mobile home insurance apart and how to make sure you’re covered in Texas, Kansas, or Missouri.

---

If you own a mobile or manufactured home, you might assume that a standard homeowners policy offers enough protection. However, there are key differences between mobile homes and site-built homes that require specially designed insurance. Whether you live in your mobile home year-round or use it seasonally, understanding how mobile home insurance works is essential for protecting your investment.

In Texas, Kansas, and Missouri—where mobile and manufactured homes are common—knowing your options helps you stay prepared for everything from severe weather to liability risks.

What Is a Mobile or Manufactured Home?
A mobile home (also referred to as a manufactured home) is a factory-built home constructed after June 15, 1976, to HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) standards. Homes built before this date are technically called “mobile homes,” but many use the terms interchangeably.
These homes are:

• Built off-site and transported to the property
• Typically placed on blocks, piers, or crawl spaces
• May or may not be permanently affixed to land

Their construction, foundation, and materials are part of the reason why insurers treat them differently than site-built homes.

Why Mobile Home Insurance Is Different
Mobile homes face different risks due to how they’re constructed and installed.
For example:

• They’re more vulnerable to wind, hail, and fire damage
• They may not be anchored to a permanent foundation
• Repairs and parts may be more difficult to source
• They’re more likely to be located in mobile home parks or communities

As a result, most standard HO-3 homeowners policies do not apply. Instead, you’ll need a mobile home insurance policy, often known as an MH (manufactured home) policy.

What Mobile Home Insurance Typically Covers
Mobile home policies typically include:

• Dwelling Coverage: Protects the structure of the home from perils like fire, windstorm, hail, and vandalism.
• Personal Property: Covers your belongings—such as electronics, furniture, and clothing—if they are stolen or damaged by a covered event.
• Liability Coverage: Offers protection if someone is injured on your property and you are found legally responsible.
• Loss of Use / Additional Living Expenses: Covers temporary housing costs if your mobile home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss.
• Optional Add-Ons: These may include detached structures, trip collision coverage (if transporting the home), or equipment breakdown coverage.

Key Differences from Standard Homeowners Policies
Here are some of the most important differences between mobile home insurance and standard homeowners insurance:

• Underwriting Standards: Insurers have specific guidelines for manufactured homes, including age and condition. Homes older than 20 years may face limited coverage or higher premiums.
• Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value: Mobile home policies may default to actual cash value (ACV), which factors in depreciation. You may need to add replacement cost coverage if you want full reimbursement for repairs or rebuilding.
• Wind & Hail Exclusions: In high-risk areas like coastal Texas or Tornado Alley (which includes parts of Kansas and Missouri), some carriers may exclude wind or hail damage or require separate deductibles.
• Transportation Risks: Unlike site-built homes, a mobile home can be moved. Some policies offer trip endorsement coverage to protect the home while it’s in transit.

Who Offers Mobile Home Insurance?
Some well-known carriers that offer mobile home insurance in Texas, Kansas, and Missouri include:

• Foremost: Specializes in mobile/manufactured homes with replacement cost and optional endorsements like liability for golf carts or ATVs.
• American Modern: Known for flexible coverage even for older or vacant homes.
• Safeco: Offers mobile home coverage in select states with standard and customizable options.
• Progressive: Offers mobile home policies with various discounts for bundling or protective devices.
• Allstate: Offers insurance for mobile homes as well
  

As an independent agency, we work with these and other carriers to help you compare coverage and pricing.

Tips When Insuring a Mobile Home

• Get Anchoring Inspected: Some carriers require that your home be properly tied down or secured to qualify for coverage.
• Bundle for Savings: You may be able to bundle your mobile home, auto, or even RV policies for discounts.
• Know Your Park’s Insurance: If you live in a mobile home park, know what’s covered under their policy vs. what you’re responsible for (especially liability).
• Ask About Flood Insurance: Standard mobile home policies don’t include flood coverage. A separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private carrier is needed.

Final Thoughts
Insuring a mobile or manufactured home isn’t the same as insuring a traditional house. With different risks and coverage needs, it's important to choose a policy that matches the way your home is built and where it's located. A policy tailored for mobile homes ensures you're protected from the unique risks they face—whether you live in yours year-round or use it seasonally.
​
At Corin Insurance, we can help you explore your options and find a policy that fits your budget and your lifestyle.

Disclaimer: Coverage and availability vary by carrier and state. Always review your specific policy or consult with your insurance advisor to understand what is and isn’t covered.