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Mobile home insurance provides ample protection against covered perils such as fire, windstorms, and vandalism. In addition to covering the structures on your property, most standard policies also offer coverage for personal property, liability, and additional living expenses in case you can’t live in your mobile home while it’s being repaired.
However, there are also several HO-7 policy exclusions to be aware of. Exactly what does mobile home insurance not cover? We’ve got all the answers below.
Key Points
• Flood damage is excluded from standard mobile home insurance policies, requiring a separate flood policy, while mold is only covered if caused by a covered event.
• Earthquakes, storm surges, and mudflows are classified as ground threats and excluded from standard policies, requiring separate coverage to protect against these risks.
• Mobile home insurance does not apply while the home is in transit, meaning any damage during movement or beyond the final destination cannot be claimed.
• Damage from normal wear and tear, settling foundations, and neglected maintenance is excluded, and insurers will not approve claims attributed to neglect.
• Wildlife damage, including termites, rodents, and insects, is excluded from coverage and remains the homeowner’s responsibility to address independently.
Why Understanding Policy Exclusions Matters
An exclusion explicitly states certain items or scenarios that are not covered within your homeowners insurance policy. It’s important to understand your mobile home insurance exclusions, so you know exactly what you’re financially responsible for.
If you don’t get additional coverage or take other steps to mitigate the risk associated with your policy exclusions, you could end up being surprised by unsuccessful claims. Here are five common exclusions in mobile home insurance policies so you know what you’re getting into.
1. Flood Damage
Although homeowners’ insurance covers sudden water damage from internal sources, flood damage is generally excluded. If you want to add coverage for flooding, you’ll need to purchase a separate policy. Similarly, mold damage is covered if it’s caused by an event outlined in your policy, but not if it’s caused by an excluded event.
Why Flooding Is Excluded from Standard Policies
Most home insurance policies exclude flood damage because it’s both common and expensive. It’s even more so for mobile homes simply because they’re often located in coastal areas. Texas, Florida, and North Carolina, for instance, had the highest shipment of manufactured homes in 2024, and all have large portions of flood zones.
How to Get Covered
Even if your standard mobile home insurance policy doesn’t include flooding, there are ways to purchase additional coverage. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), for instance, is a federal insurance program. You can get a free quote online to see how much coverage you qualify for and at what price.
You can also explore available state programs as well as private insurance agencies to get mobile home flood insurance quotes. Coverage and costs largely depend on whether or not your home is located in a flood zone.
2. Earthquakes and Earth Movement
Earthquakes can cause major damage to your home, from shattering glass and burst pipes to foundation shifts and even structural collapse. But these seismic events aren’t included in a standard mobile home insurance policy. And while you may think you’re not at risk if you don’t live in California, new maps actually show that almost 75% of the country could be at risk of a damaging earthquake.
The Difference Between Wind and Ground Threats
Earthquakes, flooding, storm surges, and mudflows are considered ground threats and are excluded from policies. Wind-related perils, on the other hand, are usually covered by your policy. These usually include tornadoes, hurricanes (unless you live in a hurricane-prone area with a policy exclusion), wind-driven rain, and hail.
How to Add an Earthquake Endorsement
You may be able to add extra coverage for earthquakes onto your existing mobile home insurance policy. If not, you can look with other insurers to buy a standalone policy. If you live in California, you can also apply for coverage through the California Earthquake Authority.
3. Damage While the Home Is in Transit
Unfortunately, mobile home insurance is not in effect while in transit. That means any damage that occurs while it’s being driven or while parked beyond the final destination cannot be claimed on your insurance policy.
The Stationary Requirement for HO-7 Policies
HO-7 policies are only in effect when the manufactured home is stationary. So while you’re not covered during transit, you can get a policy for several of the following types of stationary homes, including trailers, fifth-wheels, single- and double-wide manufactured homes, sectional homes, park model homes, and RVs.
How to Get Covered During a Move
You can still protect your mobile home while on the move. Ask your insurance company for trip collision coverage. Any kind of collision or damage that happens while on the road is covered up to the dwelling coverage limit. Typically, this policy addition covers one move during a 30-day window.
4. Normal Wear, Tear, and Foundation Settling
Like any home insurance policy, mobile home insurance doesn’t cover any damage caused by normal wear and tear or a settling foundation. That’s because homeowners are expected to take care of ongoing maintenance responsibilities. If you file a claim and your insurance adjuster finds that the damage was a result of neglect, you won’t be approved.
Understanding Insurance vs. Routine Maintenance
While your insurance kicks in when there’s a covered event, you can’t avoid paying for a leaky roof or broken dishwasher. Create an annual maintenance routine to remind yourself to clean your HVAC unit, caulking around your openings, cleaning out your gutters, and more.
Rust, Corrosion, and Gradual Degradation
As mobile homes age, you may start to notice increasing issues. Roof deterioration is a major issue and can lead to interior issues like leaks and mold. Look for signs of rust and corrosion, particularly on metal roofs. Other signs of degradation include ceiling stains and sags. Keeping up with ongoing roof repair or even replacement can ensure that the rest of your home stays well-protected from the outdoor elements.
5. Infestations (Pests, Rodents, and Insects)
Speaking of the outdoor elements, any wildlife wreaking havoc in your home is also typically excluded from your insurance policy. That means termite damage, rodents, and insects fall under your list of responsibilities to deal with — not your insurance company’s.
The Financial Risk of Termites and Mice
Any issue with creatures or insects in your home should be addressed immediately. Termites and mice can quickly cause structural damage. Termites, for instance, can destroy wood support structures, while mice can gnaw on electrical wiring and cause extensive damage.
Why Preventive Maintenance Is Your Only Coverage
The best remedy, of course, is prevention. Set out rodent traps regularly and consider performing a regular insect treatment around your mobile home structure to reduce the chance of any critters getting inside.
The Takeaway
Your mobile home insurance comes with exclusions, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get covered. Compare quotes from SoFi to get an affordable policy with the coverage you need.
If you’re a new homebuyer, SoFi Protect can help you look into your insurance options. SoFi and Lemonade offer homeowners insurance that requires no brokers and no paperwork. Secure the coverage that works best for you and your home.
SoFi brings you real rates, with no bait and switch.
FAQ
Does mobile home insurance cover mold?
Mobile home insurance only covers mold if it’s a byproduct of a covered event, such as a burst pipe or other internal water damage. Mold caused by flood damage (which isn’t covered) would not qualify for a claim.
Does mobile home insurance cover water damage from a burst pipe?
Yes, usually mobile home insurance does cover water damage from a burst pipe. In order to qualify, it must have been a sudden and accidental event.
Can my mobile home insurance be canceled for lack of maintenance?
Yes, your insurance company can cancel your mobile home policy if you don’t keep up with routine maintenance on your roof, windows, structure, and other major areas of your home.
Do I need separate insurance for a detached shed or carport?
No, most mobile home insurance policies already come with “other structures coverage,” which includes things like a carport or detached shed.
Are pet damages or dog bites excluded from mobile home insurance?
It depends. Your personal liability coverage may cover medical or legal costs associated with a guest being bitten by your dog on your property. But there may be certain exclusions based on the dog’s breed, so check the details before bringing Fido home.
Photo credit: iStock/felixmizioznikov
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