If you’ve recently decided to hit the road by traveling in a “tiny home” on wheels, living the mobile home lifestyle, or converting your van into a full-time living space, it’s important to protect yourself and your property.
By moving into a “home on wheels,” you may assume you’re covered under your current auto or home insurance, right?
Well, not exactly.
Once you remove the seats and store your belongings, finalize the purchase on your RV, or claim a mobile home as your permanent residence, your insurance needs to change. Sure, this may not be one of the most exciting aspects of your new life on the road—but it is the most important.
Manufactured Home Insurance vs. Home or Auto Insurance
Your automobile insurance will only cover the vehicle itself. However, building materials, additional parts, or any of the equipment inside will not be covered. For example, if you plan on making heavy modifications to your engine, you may need to add modified parts coverage to your policy.
Standard home insurance protects your home and belongings. Manufactured home insurance, also known as mobile home insurance (if constructed before June 15, 1976), is like home insurance with some key differences.
- Specifically designed for people who own mobile or manufactured homes.
- Typically only covers your home while it is not in motion. The same is true when it is being built, set, or finished. Discussing the different options with your insurance agent will give you a clearer picture.
- Broken down into various types of coverage, including structure coverage, personal property coverage, liability coverage, etc.
Key takeaway: While a standard homeowner’s insurance policy and manufactured home insurance policy are similar, you need to purchase a policy that is specially designed for a manufactured or mobile home.
What Are My Options?
The first step is knowing what types of mobile home insurance policies are available.
There are many variables to consider before you decide on the policy that’s right for your home on wheels, your belongings, and you. Here are some questions to consider:
- Are you in an area that is susceptible to flooding or wildfires?
- Will you be keeping valuable possessions inside?
- Have you recently done a major renovation?
- What is your driving history like?
- Will this be your primary, secondary, or rental residence?
Once you have picked and transformed your space, you need to choose either a manufactured home or a specialty home insurance policy.
- Manufactured home policies combine home and auto coverage and feature dwelling coverage, personal property coverage, and liability coverage.
- Specialty home policies are geared towards individuals who have a DIY or customized home. They’re usually tailored to the specific needs of that specialized space.
Bethany Insurance Agents Are Here for Your Unique Needs
The cost of the mobile home insurance policy you create will depend on the coverage limits and deductibles you choose. When living in a van or mobile home full-time, there are also several add-on options available. These will include everything from medical payment coverage to emergency roadside assistance, and depend on your coverage.
Again, this is something you need to discuss with an expert agent—especially if you are living in a DIY or custom conversion van.
Work one-on-one with an experienced insurance agent from Bethany Insurance to get all the specifics for your home on wheels and find the best deal on manufactured home insurance. We provide complete insurance solutions to clients near Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Azusa, Monrovia, and Chino Hills.
