As a mobile homeowner in Barrie, Ontario, safeguarding your home against potential losses, damages, and unexpected events is crucial. Like businesses, mobile homes are susceptible to property damage, theft, and natural disasters. To ensure financial protection for your mobile home against these common risks, mobile home insurance is the answer.
With over 20 years of expertise, the seasoned insurance specialists at Bevan Insurance possess the knowledge and skills necessary to offer top-notch insurance solutions for mobile homeowners. Understanding that each mobile home has its own requirements, our team is dedicated to working closely with mobile homeowners to create an insurance portfolio tailored to their specific needs.
Contact Bevan Insurance today for free mobile home insurance quotes today!
What is a mobile home?
A mobile or manufactured home is a type of prefabricated housing that is largely assembled in factories and then transported to a site where it is used as a permanent dwelling. These homes provide an alternative to traditional site-built homes, offering flexibility, affordability, and, increasingly, a range of amenities and design options that rival standard homes.
Traditionally, the term mobile homes refers to homes built before June 15, 1976, before the HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) Code standards were set in place. On the other hand, manufactured homes are homes built after June 15, 1976, and they adhere to HUD Code standards, which regulate design, construction, strength, durability, transportability, fire resistance, and energy efficiency.
What does mobile home insurance cover?
Mobile home insurance provides coverage for mobile or manufactured homes, which are different from standard homes in terms of construction, transportation, and regulations.
Insurers may view older mobile homes as a higher risk for issues like electrical wiring problems, plumbing issues, or structural weaknesses, impacting the availability and cost of insurance. On the other hand, newer manufactured homes built to stricter codes may be seen as lower risk, which can be reflected in more favourable insurance terms.
Comprehensive mobile home insurance typically includes:
Dwelling coverage
Property coverage primarily covers the mobile home against damage from risks like fire, explosion, hail, or vandalism. It can also extend to attached structures like decks or patios. This part of your policy also covers structures on your property that aren’t attached to your mobile home, such as detached garages, sheds, or fences.
Personal property protection
This includes coverage for personal belongings like electronics, clothes, and furniture. The coverage is usually for risks like theft, fire, or water damage. Some policies allow you to add additional coverage for high-value items such as jewelry, art, or collectibles.
Personal liability coverage
This is crucial in case someone is injured while on your property or if there’s property damage for which you’re held responsible. It helps cover legal costs and any awarded damages.
Additional living expenses (ALE)
If your mobile home is damaged and becomes uninhabitable due to a covered peril, this coverage can help pay for temporary housing and other living expenses while your mobile home is being repaired or rebuilt. This can include hotel bills, restaurant meals, and other expenses beyond your normal costs.
Insurers will assess risk and determine coverage premiums based on factors like the age, condition, and location of the mobile home. For older mobile homes, insurance companies often require that certain upgrades (like electrical or plumbing systems) be made to older mobile homes before they provide coverage to reduce the risk of fire, water damage, and other common issues.
It’s important to note that coverage limits, deductibles, and specific terms can vary based on the insurance provider and the policy chosen. Mobile homeowners in Ontario should carefully review their policy details and consider their individual needs when selecting insurance coverage.
Optional coverages and add-ons for mobile home insurance policies
Depending on the insurer, there might be additional coverages available, such as:
Flood insurance
Flood insurance is a vital consideration, especially for homeowners living in flood-prone areas. Standard mobile or manufactured home insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage, so obtaining separate flood insurance can be crucial for comprehensive protection.
Overland water coverage
Overland water coverage is an important aspect of insurance for mobile homes, especially in areas prone to flooding or heavy rain. This type of coverage specifically addresses damage caused by water entering your property from the outside, which is distinct from other types of water damage coverage.
Earthquake insurance
Earthquake insurance provides protection against damages caused by earthquakes. Given the potentially devastating impact of earthquakes, this insurance can be crucial for mobile homeowners, especially those living in seismically active areas.
Sewer back-up coverage
Sewer backup coverage covers damages caused by the backing up of sewers or drains. This can be a crucial addition to a standard mobile home insurance policy, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall, flooding, or older sewage systems.
Replacement cost coverage
Replacement cost coverage provides homeowners with the financial means to replace their home and/or personal belongings in the event of a covered loss without deduction for depreciation. This differs from actual cash value coverage, which considers depreciation in its payout.
Scheduled personal property insurance
This supplemental insurance option provides additional coverage for specific, high-value items. This coverage is particularly important for items that exceed the typical limits of standard personal property coverage in a mobile home insurance policy.
Umbrella insurance
Umbrella insurance is an additional liability coverage that goes beyond the limits of a standard mobile home insurance policy. This more comprehensive coverage provides an extra layer of financial protection against large liability claims or lawsuits that might arise. This type of insurance is especially useful for mobile homeowners who may face risks that could lead to expensive legal situations.
Rental and seasonal homes protection
Do you have plans for renting out your mobile home? What about season plans for your mobile home? These uses may require a different insurance policy, like rental or seasonal mobile home insurance. Rental and seasonal home protection for mobile homes involves specific types of insurance policies that cater to the unique needs of these properties. Here are the key aspects of both:
Rental mobile home insurance
This type of insurance is for mobile homes that are rented out to tenants. It’s different from standard homeowners insurance because it considers the risks associated with having renters. It typically includes
- Property damage: covers the mobile home itself and possibly other structures on the property.
- Liability protection: protection if a tenant or a visitor is injured on the property
- Loss of rental income: financial protection if the home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered peril.
Seasonal mobile home insurance
This insurance is designed for mobile homes that are used as seasonal or vacation properties and not as primary residences. Because seasonal homes are often left unoccupied for extended periods, they can be at higher risk for certain types of damage, like theft or environmental damage. Seasonal home insurance policies often account for these increased risks.
Similar to standard homeowners insurance, it generally includes:
- Property damage: coverage for the mobile home and other property structures.
- Personal property: coverage for personal belongings.
- Liability coverage: protection should a visitor be injured on the property or a neighbour’s property be damaged
However, the coverage might be tailored to the seasonal use of the home, with potential adjustments for periods when the home is unoccupied.
How do I get mobile home insurance in Barrie, Ontario?
Are you looking to purchase mobile home insurance in Barrie, Ontario? Reach out to our knowledgeable insurance specialists at Bevan Insurance today! Our team is equipped to assist you in finding the optimal coverage for your mobile home. As an independent insurance brokerage, Bevan Insurance has access to a variety of top-tier insurance policies for mobile homes, allowing you to select coverage that aligns with your specific needs and expectations. Our independence from any single insurance firm enables us to offer you unbiased advice, ensuring you receive comprehensive protection for your mobile home.
To discover more about how our professional team at Bevan Insurance can safeguard your mobile home, start your free online insurance quote online today.
FAQs
Is my mobile home insured against flooding?
Standard mobile home insurance policies typically do not include coverage for flooding. To protect your mobile home against flood damage, you would need to purchase separate flood insurance, often available through national programs like the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in the United States.
What is the average rate to insure a mobile home?
The average cost to insure a mobile home varies widely based on factors such as the home’s location, age, size, coverage amount, and the policyholder’s claim history. Rates can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars annually. It’s best to get personalized quotes from insurance providers for a more accurate estimate.
What is the oldest mobile home that can be insured?
There is no universal cutoff age for insuring mobile homes. However, homes built before the implementation of the HUD Code in 1976 may face more challenges in obtaining insurance. Some insurers specialize in coverage for older mobile homes, but they might require updates or improvements for eligibility.
Should you get flood insurance on a mobile home?
Yes, especially if your mobile home is located in a flood-prone area. Flood insurance can provide vital protection against potentially devastating damages caused by flooding, which is not covered under standard mobile home insurance policies.
Should you get homeowners insurance on a mobile home?
Yes, homeowners insurance for a mobile home is crucial. It provides coverage for the home structure, personal property, liability, and potentially additional living expenses in case of covered damages or losses.
Is it mandatory to have mobile home insurance in Canada?
While it is not federally mandated to have mobile home insurance in Canada, it is highly recommended. Moreover, if you have a mortgage on your mobile home, your lender will likely require you to have insurance. Even without a mortgage, insurance is important for financial protection against a range of risks.
Is there a difference between RV insurance and mobile home insurance?
Yes, there is a significant difference. RV (Recreational Vehicle) insurance is designed for vehicles that are often used for travel and may be driven on roads. It includes elements of auto insurance, such as coverage for road accidents. Mobile home insurance, on the other hand, is more similar to traditional homeowners insurance, focusing on a stationary dwelling and covering aspects like structure, personal property, and liability.
