Many Florida manufactured and mobile home owners hear “no” from the first company they call. Usually it isn’t the owner; it’s a detail about the home that company doesn’t write. Knowing what carriers check, and having the answers ready, makes it much easier to find a company that will.
What insurance companies look at
1. When the home was built
Homes built after June 15, 1976 follow the federal HUD Code and carry a red HUD certification label on the outside of each section. Many companies won’t cover older homes, and some only write homes built after a later year. If your home is older, it narrows the choices but doesn’t always end them.
2. Wind zone
HUD rates homes for wind (Wind Zone I, II or III). Much of Florida, especially near the coast, calls for Zone II or III. The rating is printed on the data plate, usually inside a kitchen cabinet, the electrical panel or a bedroom closet. A photo of it answers one of the first questions an underwriter asks.
3. Tie-downs and setup
How the home is anchored matters a great deal in hurricane country. Carriers ask whether it is tied down to Florida’s standards, set on piers or a permanent foundation, and skirted. Paperwork from the installer or a recent inspection helps.
4. Roof
Roof type, age and condition, and whether there is a roof-over (a newer roof built over the original), affect both eligibility and price. Receipts or permits for roof work are worth keeping.
5. Where the home sits
- In a community (park) or on your own land. Some companies prefer one or the other.
- Distance to the coast and county. Coastal areas have fewer options and higher wind deductibles.
- Flood zone. Flood is never part of a standard policy; it is bought separately (see flood insurance).
6. How it is used, and its history
Whether you live there full time, part of the year or rent it out; additions, carports and screen rooms; and any claims in the last few years.
Have these ready before you ask for a quote
- Year, make, length and width (single-wide, double-wide or triple-wide)
- Serial or VIN number, and the HUD label number if you can find it
- A photo of the data plate (wind zone)
- Tie-down or installation paperwork, if you have it
- Roof age and type, and any roof-over
- Photos of the outside: front, back and each side
- Your current policy’s declarations page, if you have one
What a manufactured home policy covers
- The home itself, often with a choice between replacement cost and actual cash value (replacement cost minus wear)
- Other structures such as sheds and carports
- Your belongings
- Personal liability if someone is hurt on your property
- Additional living expenses if a covered loss makes the home unlivable
Most Florida policies have a separate hurricane deductible, often a percentage of the home’s coverage rather than a flat dollar amount. Ask what yours would be in dollars before you choose.
Turned down elsewhere?
Each company has its own rules about age, location and setup, so one company’s “no” isn’t the final answer. As an independent agency, Dupuy Insurance compares several carriers for manufactured and mobile homes and tells you plainly what is available for your home. We can’t promise every home qualifies, but we will tell you why, and what might change the answer.
See manufactured home insurance in Florida, or call or text (813) 447-7534, every day 7:30 AM–7:30 PM, except federal holidays.
General information; eligibility, coverage and price depend on each carrier’s underwriting and the policy terms.