Mobile Home Insurance

What is a Mobile Home?

We’d describe mobile homes as residential properties which are typically found in within gated communities. They’re manufactured off-site, transported to these communities originally, and then remain there as full-time living options.

You might not hear this type of property referred to as a ‘mobile home’ as much anymore, as the term ‘mobile home’ was used to describe what we now know as a park home.

What is Mobile Home Insurance?

Very similar to home insurance, mobile home (or park home) insurance is there to provide owners of mobile homes with financial protection if their property and its contents becomes damaged in any way. 

What’s included in your mobile home policy will depend on how you use your mobile home. You may decide to rent out your mobile home, live in it permanently yourself, or use it as your holiday home. Either way, this specialist cover is available to suit your lifestyle, your budget, and ensure you’re not left out of pocket.

Do I need mobile home insurance?

No, you are not legally required to buy mobile home insurance. However, it’s extremely common for mobile homeowners to insure their property to ensure they’re protected against any unexpected expenses which they might encounter.

Just like a traditional site-built home, a mobile home can be damaged by a variety of events and having insurance can provide you with peace of mind.

What does Howden’s Mobile Home Insurance cover?

Mobile home insurance works similarly to standard home insurance, but is specifically tailored to cover mobile homes, or park homes as they’re referred to now.

Below is what is typically covered in a mobile home policy:

• Accidental damage
• Public liability
• Fire or weather damage
• Theft or attempted theft
• Floods
• Temporary alternative accommodation
• Legal expenses protection

Typical exclusions from mobile home insurance

Each insurer has its own terms and conditions, so what’s excluded from mobile home insurance policies will vary. However, mobile home policies normally don’t cover for:

• Theft – if you have something stolen whilst the mobile home is being rented or if it’s left unoccupied for a certain time period, you may not be covered.
• Damage caused by smoke
• Vandalism
• General wear and tear

It’s important that you speak to an insurance expert or broker if you want to include any potential exclusions in your policy so they can help you to build a level of cover that’s right for you.

How much is Mobile Home Insurance?

It's hard to put a finger on exactly how much your mobile home insurance policy will be worth, because each policy owner and mobile home is different.

Insurers have to evaluate how much a policy is worth depending on the risks your mobile home will face and what the likelihood is that they’ll never need to pay out to provide financial cover.

Despite this, we do know some of the factors that will affect how much your mobile home insurance might cost. These are:

• The age of the mobile home
• How large the mobile home is
• Where the mobile home is located
• How much the mobile home is valued at
• How many security features are fitted on the mobile home
• The claims history of the mobile homeowner

As every mobile homeowner is different, it’s a good idea that you speak to an insurance broker so you can discuss how you can get the most out of your insurance policy, for the best price.

How to cut the cost of your mobile home insurance

You’ll be glad to hear that there are ways you can get your mobile home insurance premium for a discounted rate. Ways you could do this include:

• Maintaining your mobile home so it doesn’t suffer from wear and tear
• Avoiding buying a mobile home in an area which could be deemed a high risk
• Look out for discounts, with help from an insurance broker
• Buying multiple policies with the same insurer – some will offer discounts if you have more than one policy with them.
• Ramping up the security devices on your mobile home to make it as safe as possible

Remember that speaking to an insurance broker or specialist about what you need from your policy could save you the hassle of searching around for the best insurance quotes at the cheapest prices.

What you need to get a Mobile Home quote from an insurance broker

In order to source you the best possible insurance policy options we have available to us, we need you to provide us with the following information:

• The owner’s personal details
• The owner’s insurance claims history
• The mobile home’s make, model, and the year it was made
• The site address of the mobile home
• The amount needed insure the mobile home for on a new for old or a market value basis

Who we work with

The great relationships we have with a wide range of trusted mobile home insurance providers allows us to provide a service which supports each and every one of our mobile home clients.

The years of experience our team have working in the insurance industry, in addition to being enthusiasts themselves, has meant that Howden continues to be rated highly by our clients.

Claims

We’re here to assist you when it matters most.

Whatever’s happened to you or your mobile home, we’re here to help. It’s part of our service to make sure that your claim is dealt with as quickly as possible and without any hassle.

MAKE A CLAIM

Can I cover my mobile home with a standard home insurance policy?

It’s unlikely that you’ll find an insurer who will provide cover for your mobile home under a standard home insurance policy. Due to how different mobile homes are compared to traditional brick and mortar homes in terms of structure and their build means that a specialised mobile home policy will most be required to protect your property.

I rent out my mobile home – do I need public liability insurance?

Public liability insurance for your mobile home isn’t legally required, but it’s highly recommended.

Public liability insurance can provide financial protection if a tenant, visitor, or member of the public is injured or their property is damaged as a result of your property or actions as a landlord. This can help to cover the cost of compensation and any legal fees that may arise.

What is BS 3632 and why do I need to know about it?

BS 3632 is a British Standard that sets guidelines and specifications for the design, construction, and performance of residential mobile homes. This standard ensures that park homes are built to a consistent high quality, with a focus on safety, energy efficiency, and durability.

Mobile homeowners may need to know about BS 3632 because it provides important information about the quality and performance of mobile homes. It also sets out requirements for materials and construction techniques, which can help to ensure that mobile homes are built to last and provide a safe and comfortable living environment.

Does mobile home insurance cover my mobile home contents?

Yes, residential mobile home insurance policies can cover both the contents of the property and its structure. Depending on the insurer though, contents may be covered as an optional policy add on, or it may form part of a policy which is similar to standard home insurance that has been specifically designed to cover mobile homes.

Is mobile home insurance a legal requirement?

No, mobile home insurance isn’t a legal requirement in the UK. However, it’s recommended to have insurance coverage for your mobile home to protect against potential losses due to damage, theft, or other covered perils. The choice of whether to purchase insurance for your mobile home is up to the individual owner, but having insurance in place can provide peace of mind and financial security in the event of an unexpected loss. It’s always a good idea to compare different insurance policies and coverage options to find the best policy to meet your specific needs.

Can you get a mortgage on a mobile home?

Yes, you’re able to get a mortgage on a mobile home. There are some specialist loan companies which can support financing a mobile home.

Buying a mobile home is different to buying a traditional home, as when you buy a traditional home you then own the land the property sits one, whereas when buying a park home you only then own the home. The site owner owns the land the mobile home sits on.

Can I put a mobile home on my land?

Yes, it’s possible for you to put a mobile home on your land if you choose to. However, it’s worth checking what specific regulations and requirements are in place in your local area, as there might be different laws depending on where you wish to site your mobile home.

Do you need planning permission for a mobile home?

You may not be expected to need planning permission for a mobile home, but you should expect to have to justify the intended use of the property, as well potentially other property details such as its size.

It’s important to note that each local area will have its own laws and regulations, so it’s worth talking to a professional or conducting your own research on whether you’ll need planning permissions for your mobile home.

Do you pay council tax on a mobile home?

If your mobile home is your main residence, yes, you’ll have to pay council tax. However, paying council tax isn’t necessary if you’re using your mobile home for holidays.