How to Choose the Best Mobile Home Insurance Policy: A Step‑by‑Step Guide
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Jan 2
- 3 min read
Choosing the right mobile home insurance policy is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a manufactured home owner. Unlike traditional homeowners insurance, mobile home insurance must account for unique risks such as wind exposure, transportation factors, and depreciation.
Whether you’re buying your first mobile home or reviewing an existing policy, this step-by-step guide will help you select the best coverage for your home, belongings, and budget.
Step 1: Understand What Mobile Home Insurance Covers
A standard mobile home insurance policy typically includes:
Dwelling Coverage – Protects the structure from fire, wind, hail, lightning, and vandalism
Personal Property Coverage – Covers furniture, clothing, appliances, and electronics
Liability Coverage – Protects you if someone is injured on your property
Additional Living Expenses (ALE) – Pays for temporary housing after a covered loss
The Insurance Information Institute provides a helpful overview of manufactured home coverage basics.
Step 2: Choose Between ACV and RCV Coverage
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is how claims are paid:
Actual Cash Value (ACV): Pays the depreciated value of your home or belongings
Replacement Cost Value (RCV): Pays the cost to replace without depreciation
RCV offers stronger protection, especially for newer or well-maintained homes, while ACV may be more affordable for older homes.
Step 3: Evaluate Your Home’s Risk Factors
Your policy should reflect where and how you live. Consider:
Location (storm, wind, or flood-prone areas)
Age and condition of the home
Roof type, anchoring, and skirting
Proximity to water or low-lying areas
Flood damage is not covered under standard policies and may require separate coverage through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program.
Step 4: Select the Right Coverage Limits
Avoid underinsuring your home by ensuring:
Dwelling limits reflect current replacement costs
Personal property limits cover the value of your belongings
Liability limits are high enough to protect personal assets
Many lenders and mobile home parks require minimum liability limits, so always confirm requirements before finalizing coverage.
Step 5: Consider Important Policy Add-Ons
Optional endorsements can fill common coverage gaps, including:
Flood insurance
Sewer or drain backup coverage
Mechanical breakdown coverage
Personal property replacement cost
Extended replacement cost coverage
These add-ons are especially valuable for older homes or homes in higher-risk regions.
Step 6: Compare Policies—Not Just Price
The cheapest policy isn’t always the best. When comparing insurers, review:
Coverage exclusions and deductibles
Claim handling reputation
Experience with mobile and manufactured homes
Flexibility in customizing coverage
Working with a specialized provider ensures your policy is designed for mobile homes—not adapted from standard homeowners insurance.
Wexford Insurance helps mobile home owners choose policies that meet lender requirements, cover key risks, and fit their budget.
Step 7: Review and Update Your Policy Annually
Life changes—and so should your coverage. Review your policy if you:
Renovate or upgrade your home
Purchase high-value items
Move to a new location
Experience premium increases
Annual reviews help ensure you’re always properly protected.
Conclusion
Choosing the best mobile home insurance policy doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding coverage options, evaluating risks, selecting proper limits, and working with an experienced provider, you can protect your home and finances with confidence.
Wexford Insurance specializes in mobile home coverage and can help you build a policy that delivers real protection—not surprises.
Contact us today.
