Best Older Mobile Home Insurance In 2024
When it comes to insuring older mobile homes, Allstate stands out as the top choice. Known for its comprehensive coverage options tailored specifically for mobile homes, Allstate provides peace of mind through robust protection and excellent customer service.
We’ve saved shoppers an average of $450 per year on their home insurance.
In this article, we’ll compare the best insurers for older mobile homes, addressing common concerns and guiding you towards the right choice. By not carefully selecting a good insurance policy for your older mobile home, you run the risk of inadequate coverage, leaving you vulnerable to financial losses from damages and repairs.
During my 15 years of experience as an insurance agent, I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to have the right coverage in place.
Best Older Mobile Home Insurance Companies, 2024
Compare The Best Older Mobile Home Insurance
| Overall Rating | Best For | A.M Best Rating | J.D Power Rating | Local Company Sales Agent Presence | Get A Quote | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate |
|
Best Overall |
A+ |
809 |
Yes |
Instant Quote |
| Foremost |
|
Affordability |
A |
813 |
Yes |
Instant Quote |
| American Family |
|
Discounts |
A+ |
800 |
No |
Instant Quote |
Our Methodology
To evaluate older mobile home insurance companies, we utilized a comprehensive rating method based on several critical criteria. We first analyzed customer satisfaction scores from reputable sources like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports to understand overall service quality. Next, we assessed financial strength ratings from agencies such as A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s to ensure the company's reliability in paying claims. We also examined the range of coverage options and the availability of discounts, emphasizing policies tailored for older mobile homes. Additionally, we reviewed the ease of claims processing and customer support responsiveness through user reviews and feedback. Last, we compared premium costs across different insurers to determine value for money.
Quotes Analyzed
Brands Reviewed
Years Of Experience
Research Hours
Best Older Mobile Home Insurance Companies
Best Overall
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Allstate is the best overall insurer for older mobile homes due to its comprehensive coverage options, exceptional customer service, and tailored protections. Allstate’s policies are specifically designed to address the unique vulnerabilities of mobile homes, including older models. Their coverage includes protection against common perils such as fire, wind, and theft, as well as unique features like emergency removal and transportation if the home is threatened by an imminent covered loss..
Allstate’s reputation for customer service and efficient claims handling also sets it apart. In the event of a claim, policyholders can expect a supportive and streamlined process, reducing the stress and inconvenience associated with home repairs or replacements. This level of service ensures that homeowners feel secure and supported during difficult times.
Allstate offers customizable policies, allowing homeowners to tailor their coverage to fit their specific needs and budgets. This flexibility is particularly important for older mobile homes, which may require different levels of protection depending on their condition and location.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Comprehensive coverage options available.
- Excellent customer service reputation.
- Customizable policies for specific needs. ✓
- Premiums can be higher.
- Coverage limits vary by location.
- Higher deductibles for certain coverages. ✘
Best for Affordability
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Foremost Insurance is the best insurer for affordability for older mobile homes due to its competitive pricing and extensive discount options. Foremost, a subsidiary of Farmers Insurance, is recognized for offering comprehensive coverage at lower premiums compared to many competitors. It provides a range of discounts, including those for new mobile homes, multiple policy bundles, and homeowners over 50 years old, which significantly reduces the overall cost of insurance.
Foremost also excels in offering highly customizable policies, allowing homeowners to select the coverage options that best suit their needs and budgets. This flexibility helps keep premiums affordable while ensuring adequate protection for older mobile homes. The company’s Agreed Loss Settlement feature is particularly beneficial, as it guarantees the full value of your home without hassle if it’s destroyed by a covered cause, providing both financial security and peace of mind.
Additionally, Foremost’s customer-friendly approach and efficient claims handling make it a preferred choice for budget-conscious mobile home owners. While its prices are competitive, the quality of coverage and service remains high, ensuring that affordability does not come at the expense of protection. This balance of cost-effectiveness and comprehensive coverage makes Foremost the top choice for affordable insurance for older mobile homes.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Competitive pricing for coverage.
- Extensive discount options available.
- Customizable policy options offered. ✓
- Higher prices for extra coverage.
- Limited instant online quotes.
- Availability varies by location. ✘
Best for Discounts
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅American Family Insurance is the best insurer for older mobile home discounts due to its extensive range of discount options designed to lower premiums significantly. American Family, commonly known as AmFam, offers various ways for policyholders to save. These include discounts for bundling home and auto insurance, which can lead to substantial savings. Additionally, homeowners who equip their mobile homes with smart devices like security systems or smoke detectors can qualify for further reductions, making safety upgrades financially beneficial.
AmFam also provides discounts for newly built homes or those purchased within the last three years. This is particularly advantageous for owners of older mobile homes that have been recently updated or well-maintained, allowing them to benefit from lower rates. Another notable discount is for using autopay, full pay, and paperless billing, which not only simplifies the payment process but also reduces overall costs.
American Family’s commitment to affordability does not compromise the quality of coverage. Policyholders still receive robust protection against a wide array of risks, including theft, fire, and weather-related damages. This balance of cost-effectiveness and comprehensive coverage ensures that mobile home owners receive excellent value. Therefore, American Family Insurance stands out as the best choice for those seeking substantial discounts on their older mobile home insurance.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Wide range of discounts.
- Comprehensive coverage options.
- Strong customer service reputation. ✓
- Higher cost for additional structures.
- Deductibles reset after claims.
- Limited customization options. ✘
Mobile Homes vs. Manufactured Homes
Mobile homes and manufactured homes, though often used interchangeably, have distinct differences, particularly in terms of construction and regulation. Mobile homes are factory-built homes constructed before June 15, 1976.
These homes were initially designed to be movable, often reflecting the building codes and standards of their time, which were less stringent compared to today’s standards. They typically have metal chassis and wheels attached, a clear identifier of their mobility origins.
In contrast, manufactured homes refer to factory-built homes constructed after June 15, 1976, following the implementation of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Code. This code includes regulations for design, construction, strength, durability, transportability, fire resistance, and energy efficiency, ensuring higher quality and safety standards. Each manufactured home has a HUD certification label affixed to it, indicating compliance with these stringent standards.
Insurers treat these two types of homes differently. Mobile homes are often considered higher risk due to their older construction standards and potential structural weaknesses, resulting in limited coverage options and higher premiums and deductibles. Conversely, manufactured homes, built to meet HUD standards, are seen as lower risk. Insurers typically offer broader coverage options, lower premiums, and deductibles for these homes.
Additionally, manufactured homes have more opportunities for discounts, especially when safety features like security systems are in place or when located in well-maintained communities.
How Are Older Mobile Homes Different From New Ones?
Older mobile homes differ significantly from newer ones in several key aspects, including building codes, energy efficiency, design features, resale value, and size.
Building codes have evolved substantially over the years. Mobile homes built before June 15, 1976, were not subject to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standards, resulting in less stringent construction quality. In contrast, newer mobile homes must adhere to HUD regulations, ensuring better structural integrity, fire resistance, and overall safety. This shift has led to more durable and reliable housing options for modern buyers.
Energy efficiency is another major difference. Older mobile homes often lack the insulation and modern HVAC systems found in newer models, leading to higher energy consumption and utility costs. Newer mobile homes are designed with energy efficiency in mind, incorporating better insulation, energy-efficient windows, and modern appliances, which help reduce energy bills and environmental impact.
Design features have also improved. Older mobile homes typically have a more utilitarian and basic design, while newer models offer more aesthetic appeal and modern conveniences. Features such as open floor plans, updated kitchens and bathrooms, and high-quality materials are more common in newer mobile homes, making them more attractive to potential buyers.
Resale value is another differentiator. Older mobile homes tend to depreciate more quickly and have a lower resale value compared to newer models. This is partly due to their outdated construction and design, as well as the wear and tear over time. Newer mobile homes, built to higher standards and with better materials, retain their value longer and are more appealing in the resale market.
Finally, the size of mobile homes has changed over the years. Older models were generally smaller and more compact, whereas newer mobile homes are often larger and more spacious, catering to the needs of modern families. This increase in size and space makes newer mobile homes more comfortable and practical for long-term living.
Can You Get Insurance On An Older Mobile Home?
Yes, you can get insurance on an older mobile home, though the options may be more limited compared to newer models. Insuring an older mobile home is often more challenging due to factors such as outdated construction standards and potential structural issues.
Insurers may view older homes as higher risk, leading to higher premiums and fewer coverage options. However, several insurers specialize in providing coverage for older mobile homes, ensuring that homeowners can still protect their investment.
Companies like Foremost, Allstate, and American Family offer policies specifically tailored for older mobile homes. These policies typically include standard coverage for damages due to fire, wind, and theft, as well as options for personal property and liability coverage. Despite the higher perceived risk, these insurers provide customizable policies to fit various budgets and needs.
While premiums for older mobile homes may be higher, homeowners can still take steps to reduce costs. Installing safety features such as smoke detectors, security systems, and storm shutters can help lower insurance rates. Additionally, some insurers offer discounts for bundling policies or maintaining a claims-free history.
What Does Mobile Home Insurance Cover?
Mobile home insurance is essential for protecting your investment against various risks. It offers comprehensive coverage similar to traditional homeowners insurance, tailored to the specific needs of mobile and manufactured homes. Here’s a breakdown of the key coverage types included in mobile home insurance policies.
Dwelling Coverage
Dwelling coverage protects the physical structure of your mobile home. This includes damage caused by perils such as fire, wind, hail, lightning, and vandalism. If your mobile home is damaged or destroyed by a covered event, dwelling coverage helps pay for repairs or rebuilding costs up to the policy’s limits.
This coverage often extends to built-in appliances, attached structures like decks, and sometimes even the skirting around the base of the mobile home.
Personal Property Coverage
Personal property coverage helps protect your belongings inside the mobile home. This includes furniture, electronics, clothing, and other personal items. If these items are damaged or stolen due to covered events, this coverage can help pay for their repair or replacement.
Policies typically set limits on certain high-value items, such as jewelry or electronics, so additional coverage may be needed for these items.
Liability Coverage
Liability coverage protects you if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property. It helps cover legal fees, medical expenses, and any settlements or judgments up to the policy limit. This is crucial for mobile home owners, as it offers financial protection against lawsuits resulting from accidents or injuries on your property.
Loss Of Use Coverage
Loss of use coverage, also known as additional living expenses (ALE) coverage, helps pay for temporary housing and other extra costs if your mobile home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event. This can include hotel stays, restaurant meals, and transportation expenses incurred while your home is being repaired or rebuilt.
Additional Coverage Options
Many insurers offer optional coverages that can be added to a standard mobile home insurance policy. These may include trip collision coverage, which protects your home while it’s being transported, and endorsements for water backup, identity theft protection, and additional structures like garages or sheds. Optional coverages allow you to tailor your policy to better meet your specific needs and risks.
How Much Does Insurance Cost For An Older Mobile Home?
The cost of insurance for an older mobile home varies based on several factors, including the home’s age, location, condition, and the chosen coverage options. Generally, older mobile homes may have higher premiums due to their perceived higher risk, such as potential structural weaknesses and outdated construction standards. On average, insurance for an older mobile home can range from $300 to $1,000 per year.
Factors influencing the cost include the home’s location, with areas prone to natural disasters often facing higher premiums. The condition of the mobile home, including any updates or renovations, can also affect the price.
Additionally, the level of coverage chosen, such as basic liability versus comprehensive coverage, plays a significant role in determining the premium. Homeowners can often lower their insurance costs by installing safety features like smoke detectors and security systems or by bundling policies with the same insurer.
How To Get Insurance For An Older Mobile Home
Obtaining insurance for an older mobile home can seem challenging, but following a systematic approach can simplify the process. Here are five steps to help you secure the right insurance coverage for your older mobile home.
Assess Your Needs: Determine the level of coverage you need for your older mobile home. Consider factors like the home’s value, the value of your personal belongings, and potential liability risks. This will help you choose the right policy features.
Research Insurance Providers: Look for insurance companies that specialize in mobile home insurance and offer coverage for older models. Companies like Foremost, Allstate, and American Family are known for providing such policies. Compare their offerings to see which best fits your needs.
Request Quotes: Contact multiple insurance providers to get quotes. Provide detailed information about your mobile home, including its age, condition, location, and any updates or renovations. This will ensure you receive accurate estimates.
Compare Coverage and Costs: Review the quotes you receive, focusing on the coverage limits, exclusions, and premiums. Consider both the cost and the comprehensiveness of the coverage to determine the best value.
Finalize Your Policy: Choose the insurance policy that best meets your needs and budget. Work with the insurer to finalize the details, sign the necessary paperwork, and set up your payment plan. Ensure you understand the terms and conditions of the policy before committing.
FAQs
Can you get older mobile home insurance if you don’t own a mobile home?
No, you cannot get insurance for a mobile home you do not own. Insurance policies require an insurable interest, meaning you must have ownership or a financial stake in the property.
What does older mobile home insurance cover?
Older mobile home insurance typically covers dwelling protection, personal property, liability, and loss of use. It protects against risks like fire, wind, theft, and vandalism, ensuring your home and belongings are financially safeguarded.
