What Happens to Your Insurance When You Move a Mobile Home?
Moving your mobile home? Understand how your insurance policy changes from preparation to transit and settling in at your new location.
Mobile homeowner’s insurance policies provide financial protection for individuals who own manufactured or mobile homes. These policies typically cover the dwelling structure, personal belongings within the home, and liability coverage for accidents occurring on the property. Relocating a mobile home introduces unique insurance considerations compared to a fixed dwelling.
Preparing for the Move
Before relocating a mobile home, homeowners should review their existing mobile homeowner’s insurance policy. Identify any clauses related to relocation, transit coverage, or specific notification requirements. Understanding these stipulations helps prevent potential gaps in coverage during the move.
Contacting the insurance provider well in advance of the planned move is necessary. Provide the insurer with details such as the new address, anticipated moving dates, and information about the professional moving company. This communication allows the insurer to advise on specific requirements and potential coverage adjustments.
Inquire about specific transit coverage options or endorsements. Standard mobile homeowner’s policies often exclude damage during relocation, necessitating additional coverage for the move itself. Also, gather information about the new location, including environmental risks like flood zones or windstorm areas, and local building ordinances, as these can influence future coverage needs and should be discussed with the insurer.
Coverage During Transit
Most standard mobile homeowner’s insurance policies do not provide coverage for damage that occurs while the home is actively being transported. Without specific arrangements, any damage sustained during relocation would not be covered under the existing policy. This highlights the importance of understanding transit-specific insurance options.
Coverage for transit generally requires a specific endorsement added to the existing mobile home policy or a separate, specialized transit insurance policy. The professional moving company may offer this coverage, or it can be obtained from a third-party insurer. These policies protect against perils directly associated with the home’s movement.
Transit insurance policies typically cover risks such as collision, overturning of the transport vehicle, and fire during transit. Common exclusions often include damage from improper packing of personal belongings or pre-existing damage. The valuation of the mobile home during transit can vary, often based on actual cash value or an agreed-upon value.
If damage occurs during the move, immediately document it with photographs and detailed descriptions. Notify both the moving company and the transit insurance provider promptly to initiate the claims process. Adhering to reporting requirements helps ensure smoother claims resolution.
Establishing Coverage at the New Location
Upon the mobile home’s arrival and setup at its new site, formally update the policy with the new address. Obtain confirmation from your insurer that this change has been recorded and coverage is active for the new location. This ensures the policy accurately reflects the home’s current dwelling site.
Re-evaluate coverage needs, as the new location may present different risk profiles. Consider factors such as natural disasters, local crime rates, or new building codes that might require specific enhancements. Adjustments to dwelling or personal property limits may be necessary to adequately protect assets.
The premium for mobile home insurance may change based on the new location’s risk profile. Factors like local fire protection services, proximity to emergency services, and historical claims data can influence the adjusted premium. Changes in local regulations or zoning could also affect insurance costs.
Ensure continuous coverage by confirming with the insurer that the policy is fully active and appropriate for the new setting. Review updated policy documents to verify all necessary coverages are in place. Also, be aware of any specific local or state regulations that might impact insurance requirements for mobile homes in the new area.