As recently as 2022, Florida led all other states in demand for manufactured housing, including mobile homes. Together with Texas and North Carolina, Florida saw the highest number of mobile homes in the nation in 2023. As the popularity of these homes remains strong, so does the need for comprehensive and affordable mobile home insurance in Florida.
But is a mobile home insurance policy worth its cost in the Sunshine State? Take a closer look at what options Florida homeowners have when it comes to mobile home insurance.
Why Do You Need Mobile Home Insurance in Florida?
Florida homeowners are not mandated by law to have a home insurance policy. However, many Florida lenders make mobile home insurance a requirement of the mortgage agreement. This means that if your home is located within a dedicated mobile home community, they may require you to take out insurance.
In addition, Florida’s unique geography and climate make the state especially susceptible to adverse weather events like hurricanes, strong winds, sinkholes and floods. Mobile homeowners must assess what lines of coverage are most crucial to protect their property.
How to Determine if Your Mobile Home Is Eligible for Insurance Coverage in Florida
Underwriters in Florida use several factors to decide whether your mobile home is eligible for insurance and what your deductible and liability limits will be. Some of the factors they may consider include:
- Safety standards compliance
- Foundation permanence
- Structural condition
- Location
- Claims history
Many mobile homes in Florida that were built before June 15, 1976, may not be eligible for home insurance. That’s when the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) began regulating the construction of mobile homes — or, as they were renamed at that time, manufactured housing.
Underwriters made those mobile homes ineligible for home insurance, or at least made premiums more expensive. Local providers can supply you with a list of the requirements your home must meet.
What Does Mobile Home Insurance in Florida Typically Cover?
There are a few areas that Florida home insurance commonly covers, including:
Structure of the Home
Most policies cover structural damage to the mobile home’s:
- Roof
- Walls
- Windows
- Doors
- Foundation
- Attached structures, such as gates
Protection for these components is known as dwelling coverage. Specific events that a home insurance policy may cover damage for include fire, hail, windstorms and vandalism.
Belongings
Personal property coverage can include the home’s furniture, appliances, electronic systems, clothes and other belongings. Insurance companies use one of a few valuation methods to determine how much they will pay out after deductibles, including actual cash value (ACV) and replacement cost.
Liability Protection
Liability insurance shields a homeowner from financial losses when they’re found liable for property damage or injury to a third party while on the property. Common expenses liability protection can cover include legal fees, lost wages and other related fees.
Most policies include a predetermined coverage limit, which is the maximum amount insurers will pay out for liability claims.
Medical Expenses
Florida home insurance can potentially cover bodily injuries sustained by guests on your mobile home property. The coverage applies whether the homeowner is found liable for the injury or not. The policy can cover common expenses like ER treatment, ambulatory services, surgery, x-rays or extended hospital stays.
Additional Living Expenses
Coverage for additional living expenses (ALE) activates when the mobile home is deemed uninhabitable after a catastrophic event. ALE insurance can defray the cost of hotel stays or other rental agreements.
Your policy could be amended to include other temporary living expenses, like meals. In any case, the damage to the mobile home must be substantial enough to make it unfit for habitation.
How Much Does Mobile Home Insurance in Florida Cost?
The cost of Florida mobile home insurance varies according to coverage limits and extenuating factors, such as location and security. How close your home is to a body of water can play a role as well, and certain special coverages may drive up premium costs.
It’s important to note that many major insurance companies either do not offer or severely restrict mobile home insurance coverage to Florida homes because of the state’s unusual weather-related risks. You may have to canvas smaller, local insurance agencies to find a policy for your mobile home.
What Are the Mobile Home Insurance Discounts Available in Florida?
Insurers who sell Florida mobile home insurance may offer premium discounts based on some of the unique factors and features of the home in question. Discounts may include the following.
- Multi-policy discount: Bundling home insurance with other policies, such as auto insurance, could result in a discount.
- Safety features and upgrades: Installation of smoke detectors, security systems, alarms, deadbolts and other safety measures may save homeowners money.
- Age of home: Insurers may offer lower rates to owners of newer mobile homes since they are considered less risky.
- Loyalty discounts: Some insurers may lower premiums for homeowners who renew their policy with the same company over the long term.
- Claims-free discounts: If a homeowner files no claims over a certain extended time, insurers may offer them a lower premium.
Your insurance carrier may offer additional discounts for being a senior citizen, installing security devices or being part of a group membership insurance policy. Ask your prospective insurer what other discounts may apply.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Mobile Home Insurance in Florida
When deciding which home insurance companies could be right for your mobile home coverage in Florida, it helps to take certain key factors into account. Make sure you consider the following:
Level of Coverage
Because of Florida’s susceptibility to adverse weather conditions, it’s crucial to line up adequate protection against natural events. Determine whether you can afford the premiums for additional coverages like repair or replacement expenses.
Deductibles
Think carefully about how much out-of-pocket expense you can afford before insurance takes effect on a claim. Generally, the higher your deductible, the less expensive your premium will be. Consider how much risk you can tolerate in line with your budget.
Reputation and Customer Reviews
You might be researching local or smaller insurance agencies to line up mobile home insurance in Florida, so it’s important to vet reviews on those companies. Common review sites like Yelp can provide a snapshot, while more localized reviews and personal referrals may be a little more accurate.
Financial Stability of the Insurance Provider
Given the likelihood that you’ll consider local insurance companies, it’s vital to make sure they’re financially sound so that they can cover claims. You can find this information from credit rating agencies, Florida insurance regulators, public financial statements and the agents themselves.
Additional Coverage Options That May Be Available
In addition to standard coverages for damage and liability, Florida mobile home owners may consider added coverages like:
- Flood insurance
- Emergency debris removal
- Water or sewage overflow
- Personal property
- Animal or pet liability
- Property-related identity theft
These coverages can make your home insurance policy more inclusive. Check with potential carriers to find out which ones they offer.
Choose the Best Mobile Home Insurance Provider in Florida
Compare options and coverage from these top mobile home insurance providers in Florida.
Finding Mobile Home Insurance in Florida
Manufactured housing continues to enjoy popularity in the Sunshine State, making finding the right coverage all the more important. Mobile home insurance in Florida covers many of the same elements as insurance for traditional housing does.
By considering which coverage options are most critical to you, you can find the best policy available to protect your mobile home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose my deductible for mobile home insurance in Florida?
Generally, yes. A higher deductible usually means lower premiums. Check with your insurance company to see what it offers.
Can I make changes to my mobile home insurance policy in Florida?
Yes, you may be able to make adjustments to your coverage, limits and deductible to better fit your situation.
Can I cancel my mobile home insurance policy in Florida at any time?
You usually can, but the insurance carrier may charge a penalty for early cancellation. Consult with your insurance agent, and also ask your mortgage company whether they’ll allow you to terminate coverage.