Florida is known for its abundance of manufactured homes, offering affordable housing options for many residents. However, owning a manufactured home in Florida also comes with unique challenges, especially due to the state’s susceptibility to natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods. As such, insurance for manufactured homes is essential to protect both the home and its contents from potential damage. Several insurance options are available to manufactured homeowners in Florida, each offering different levels of coverage and protection. This article will outline the primary insurance options and factors to consider when insuring a manufactured home in Florida.
- Manufactured Home Insurance (Homeowners Insurance)Manufactured home insurance in Florida typically functions similarly to standard homeowners insurance but is specifically designed for mobile or manufactured homes. This type of insurance covers both the structure of the home and its contents. Policies often include the following:
- Dwelling Coverage: This covers the structure of the home, including repairs or replacement in case of damage due to fire, theft, vandalism, or other covered events. This is especially important in Florida, where hurricanes and tropical storms can cause significant damage to manufactured homes.
- Personal Property Coverage: This covers personal belongings inside the home, such as furniture, electronics, clothing, and appliances, in the event of theft, fire, or damage. Coverage can typically be extended to include items in external structures like sheds.
- Liability Protection: This provides coverage if someone is injured while on your property, including medical expenses and legal fees if the homeowner is sued.
- Additional Living Expenses: If the manufactured home is uninhabitable due to a covered loss, this coverage will help pay for temporary living expenses, such as hotel costs or renting another property.
- Windstorm Insurance: Florida is highly vulnerable to hurricanes and windstorms, making windstorm insurance particularly important. Windstorm insurance specifically protects a home against damage caused by wind, including the high winds associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, and tornadoes. Windstorm coverage typically includes damage to the roof, siding, windows, and other parts of the home, which are especially susceptible to storm damage in Florida.Since Florida is prone to hurricanes, many homeowners may be required to purchase windstorm insurance through the Florida Residential Property and Casualty Joint Underwriting Association (FRPCJUA) if private insurance is unavailable or too expensive. Windstorm insurance can often be added to a manufactured home insurance policy for comprehensive coverage.
- Flood Insurance: Florida has extensive coastal areas and a high risk of flooding, particularly during hurricane season. Flooding is a common risk during heavy rains, tropical storms, and hurricanes. While flood damage is generally not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies or windstorm insurance, flood insurance is available as a separate policy.Flood insurance is offered through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or through private insurers. In flood-prone areas, such as coastal regions or areas with high water tables, it’s highly recommended, and in some cases, it may be required by mortgage lenders. Flood insurance covers structural damage to the home as well as damage to personal property, including furniture and electronics, if they are damaged by floodwaters.For manufactured homeowners in Florida, purchasing flood insurance is an important consideration, as flood damage can be costly and devastating.
- Mobile Home Insurance vs. Manufactured Home Insurance
In Florida, it’s important to distinguish between “mobile home insurance” and “manufactured home insurance.” Though the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, the difference lies in the age and construction of the home. “Mobile homes” refer to homes built before June 15, 1976, while “manufactured homes” are those built after this date, in accordance with updated federal standards.Manufactured homes may be eligible for coverage under modern homeowners policies, while mobile homes may need specialized policies due to their older construction and different structural characteristics. Mobile home insurance policies may include additional coverage for items like axles and hitches, which are common in older homes. - Insurance Coverage Considerations
When selecting insurance for a manufactured home in Florida, several factors should be considered:Home Location: The location of the manufactured home is one of the most important factors in determining insurance premiums. Homes located in flood zones, hurricane-prone areas, or regions with high crime rates may have higher premiums.Age and Condition of the Home: Older manufactured homes may be more expensive to insure, especially if they do not meet modern building codes or hurricane-resistant standards. Upgrading the home with new roofing or impact-resistant windows may help reduce premiums.Deductibles: Florida’s manufactured home insurance policies often come with higher deductibles, especially for windstorm and hurricane coverage. Homeowners should be aware of these deductibles, as they will affect how much they must pay out-of-pocket in the event of a claim.State Regulations: Florida has specific regulations and requirements regarding insurance for manufactured homes. It’s important to consult with a licensed insurance agent familiar with Florida’s laws to ensure the policy meets all state and local requirements.Policy Add-ons and Riders: Homeowners may wish to add specific coverage options to their policy, such as protection against sinkholes (a common issue in Florida), extended personal property coverage, or coverage for personal liability outside the home.
Manufactured home insurance can be complex – and it is recommended that homeowners work with an experienced insurance agent to navigate the challenges of Florida’s insurance market. Anderson & Associates Insurance is a team of experienced professionals dedicated to your success – and we are here to help.
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