Mobile and manufactured home insurance basics

Mobile home · Updated October 2026

A different policy form

Manufactured and mobile homes are usually insured on policies designed for them rather than standard homeowners forms. Coverage is similar in structure: the home, other structures, personal property, loss of use and liability. But eligibility and pricing depend on factors specific to manufactured housing.

What insurers look at

• Year built. Many companies have age limits or treat older homes differently, especially homes built before federal construction standards changed in 1976 and wind standards were strengthened in later years.
• Tie-downs and anchoring. Proper anchoring matters for wind risk.
• Skirting, roof type and additions, such as porches and carports.
• Whether the home is on owned land or in a park.
• Distance to a fire hydrant and fire department.
• Occupancy, whether you live there full time, rent it out, or use it seasonally.

Wind and hail

Manufactured homes can be more vulnerable to wind. Expect wind and hail deductibles to be an important part of the decision. See percentage wind and hail deductibles.

Replacement cost or actual cash value

Some manufactured home policies pay replacement cost; others pay actual cash value, especially on older homes. Ask how your home, and your roof, would be valued after a loss.

Moving the home

Most policies do not cover a home while it is being transported unless you arrange coverage in advance. Tell us before a move.

What to have ready

• Year, make, model and size
• Serial or VIN number
• Photos of the home, anchoring and additions
• Lienholder information, if financed
• Whether you own the land

Liability and personal property

Don't overlook the parts of the policy beyond the structure. Personal liability protects you if a guest is injured on your property, and many parks require residents to carry it. Personal property coverage protects your furniture, clothing and electronics; ask for replacement cost rather than actual cash value if available.

Living in a park

If your home is in a manufactured home community, check:

• Whether the park requires a minimum liability limit
• Whether the park's own insurance covers anything of yours (usually it doesn't)
• Rules about additions, decks and sheds that may affect coverage

Financed homes

Lenders typically require physical damage coverage and list themselves on the policy. If your home is financed, have the lender's name and address ready, and make sure the policy never lapses; lenders can buy expensive force-placed insurance and add it to your loan.

Renting it out

If you rent your manufactured home to someone else, tell us. Owner-occupied policies may not cover a rented home. Your tenant needs their own renters insurance.

Common questions

Is mobile home insurance different from homeowners insurance?

Yes. It usually uses a policy form designed for manufactured homes, with its own eligibility rules.

Can I insure an older mobile home?

Some companies have age limits, but options often exist. We compare the companies that write them.

Is my mobile home covered while being moved?

Usually not unless coverage is arranged in advance.

Do tie-downs affect my insurance?

Yes. Proper anchoring matters for wind risk and eligibility.

Related

• Mobile home insurance
• Percentage wind and hail deductibles, in dollars
• Your roof: actual cash value or replacement cost?
• What homeowners insurance does not cover

Questions about your own situation? Call 417.206.3733 or send us your current policy. We are licensed in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma, and you can buy by phone without coming in.