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What Is Mobile Home Insurance (HO-7) and How Does It Work?
An HO-7 policy, commonly called mobile home insurance or manufactured home insurance, is a specialized form of homeowners insurance built specifically for factory-constructed homes. This includes single-wide and double-wide manufactured homes, park model homes, and some modular units. Just like an HO-3 policy protects a site-built home, an HO-7 is the HO-3's counterpart for mobile and manufactured homeowners. Learn more about how all home insurance policy forms compare side by side.
HO-7 vs. HO-3: Key Differences at a Glance
Both policy types share the same core structure (dwelling, other structures, personal property, loss of use, liability, and medical payments), but there are meaningful distinctions that affect your coverage and cost.
| Feature | HO-7 (Mobile Home) | HO-3 (Standard Home) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible Structures | Mobile, manufactured, modular, park model homes | Site-built, stick-frame homes |
| Dwelling Coverage | Open perils (all-risk) | Open perils (all-risk) |
| Personal Property | Named perils | Named perils |
| Valuation | Often actual cash value; RCV available | Typically replacement cost |
| Insurer Availability | Fewer carriers; specialty market | Widely available |
| Typical Annual Cost (2026) | $700 to $1,500 | ~$2,424 average |
One key distinction: HO-7 policies are designed for homes when stationary, not in transit. If you're moving your home, you'll need a separate transport endorsement.
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What Does Mobile Home Insurance Cover?
A standard HO-7 policy includes six key coverage categories:
Coverage Breakdown
- Dwelling (Coverage A): Protects the structure of your mobile home (walls, roof, flooring, and attached features) against open perils, meaning all causes of loss except named exclusions like floods or earthquakes.
- Other Structures (Coverage B): Covers detached sheds, garages, porches, carports, and fences on your property.
- Personal Property (Coverage C): Insures your furniture, clothing, electronics, and other belongings against named perils on or off your property.
- Loss of Use (Coverage D): Pays for temporary housing (hotels, rentals) and extra living expenses if a covered loss makes your home uninhabitable.
- Personal Liability (Coverage E): Covers legal costs and damages if you're found liable for injuries or property damage to others.
- Medical Payments (Coverage F): Pays minor medical bills for guests injured on your property, regardless of fault.
What's NOT Covered
Standard HO-7 policies typically exclude:
- Flood damage (requires a separate NFIP or private flood policy)
- Earthquakes (add-on endorsement needed)
- Foundation damage (generally excluded even if the home sits on a permanent foundation)
- Wear and tear or maintenance issues
- Mold, fungus, and rot (usually excluded or severely sublimited)
- Damage while the home is being transported
- Sewer or drain backup (unless specifically endorsed)
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How Much Does Mobile Home Insurance Cost in 2026?
Mobile home insurance is generally more affordable in raw dollar terms than standard homeowners insurance, but it can cost more per square foot due to the unique structural risks involved. According to Insure.com's 2026 data, most policies still fall in the $700 to $1,500 annual range nationwide, while NerdWallet pegs the broader range closer to $800 to $2,000 once high-risk states are factored in.
Average Annual Premiums
| Coverage Level | Estimated Annual Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Basic / Minimum | $300 to $500 |
| Average Coverage | $700 to $1,500 |
| High-Risk States (FL, TX coast) | $1,400 to $2,700+ |
| Standard HO-3 (comparison) | ~$2,424/year |
For context, Bankrate's 2026 analysis shows the average U.S. homeowners insurance cost is $2,424 per year for $300,000 in dwelling coverage. Mobile home premiums remain meaningfully lower than that national average for site-built homes. See our full breakdown of home insurance costs by state for more context.
State Spotlight: Florida and Texas
- Florida: The average Florida manufactured homeowner pays roughly $1,350 per year ($112/month), and policies that include full wind coverage often climb to about $1,392 per year. In coastal counties and the Keys, expect higher premiums and limited carrier options. Citizens Property Insurance is often the insurer of last resort for high-risk mobile homes.
- Texas: Inland Texas mobile homes typically run $700 to $1,200 annually. Gulf Coast counties (Galveston, Brazoria, Cameron) often push $1,000 to $1,600+ once windstorm coverage (often via TWIA) is added.
Key Factors That Affect Your Premium
🏠 Age of the Home Homes built after June 15, 1976 meet HUD safety standards and qualify for significantly lower rates. Pre-1976 units face higher premiums and limited insurer options due to outdated wiring, plumbing, and construction materials.
⚓ Anchoring & Tie-Downs Proper anchoring systems reduce windstorm risk and can qualify your home for premium discounts. Unanchored or improperly secured homes are seen as higher risk by insurers.
📍 Location Homes in hurricane corridors, tornado alleys, wildfire zones, or flood plains pay considerably more. Florida and Texas consistently rank among the most expensive states for mobile home coverage.
🏗️ Foundation Type A mobile home doesn't need to be on a permanent foundation to be insured. However, homes on permanent foundations (slabs, crawl spaces) are often classified as real property, improving eligibility and potentially reducing premiums.
📋 Coverage Type Replacement cost coverage (RCV) costs more than actual cash value (ACV) coverage. ACV subtracts depreciation from your payout, meaning an older home could receive far less than what it costs to rebuild.
Best Mobile Home Insurance Companies for 2026
Not all insurers write mobile home policies. Insurance.com's 2026 list of top mobile home carriers includes Allstate, American Modern, Assurant, Foremost, State Farm, and American Family. Here is how the leading options stack up:
Top Insurers Compared
🏆 Foremost Insurance
Foremost was among the first insurers to offer mobile home coverage and remains the top-rated specialist. They cover homes of virtually any age, including rentals and vacant units. ValuePenguin's 2026 rate study found Foremost averages about $788/year for $150,000 dwelling coverage, often beating American Modern by 30% or more. Foremost carries an A.M. Best rating of A (Excellent).
🔧 American Modern
Ideal for older homes in fair condition or better. American Modern, backed by Munich Re, offers open-peril dwelling coverage, water backup protection, and earthquake add-ons through independent agents. It carries an A+ financial strength rating. Read our full American Modern home insurance review for a deeper look.
💻 Assurant
Best for homeowners who prefer a digital-first experience. Assurant partners with GEICO and Progressive, offers rare flood add-on coverage, and has a highly rated app for claims management. Note that Assurant's NAIC complaint index for 2026 is elevated, so expect more issues than average for service.
🏷️ American Family
Strong choice for discount seekers. Bundling, smart home devices, and new home discounts are all available. Offers online quotes and local agent support.
🔎 Allstate
Allstate posts the best service metrics of the bunch, with a J.D. Power homeowners satisfaction score and a NAIC complaint index just slightly above average (1.26). It also carries an A+ financial strength rating and offers specialized add-ons like mine subsidence coverage and hail protection. See our list of the best home insurance companies of 2026 for more national carrier comparisons.
Insuring Older Mobile Homes & Frequently Asked Questions
How to Insure an Older Mobile Home
Insuring a pre-1976 mobile home is possible, but it comes with limitations. These homes were built before HUD safety standards took effect on June 15, 1976 and are viewed by insurers as significantly higher risk. Here's what to expect in 2026:
- Specialty insurers are your best bet. Foremost, American Modern, and surplus-lines markets accessed through independent agents will write policies for older units that standard carriers often decline.
- Expect ACV coverage, not replacement cost. Most insurers will not offer replacement cost value for pre-1976 homes. Foremost is one of the few that may offer RCV at 100% on older units, but this is condition-dependent.
- Maintenance matters. Insurers will likely require an inspection. Updating the roof, electrical, and plumbing can improve both your eligibility and your premium.
- Compare with options for older site-built homes. Many of the same underwriting concerns apply. Our guide to older home insurance and the HO-8 policy form walks through similar considerations.
If you own a non-traditional dwelling like a condo, you may also benefit from reviewing how specialized policy types like HO-6 condo insurance differ from HO-7 or HO-3 to make sure you have the right protection in place.
Does My Mobile Home Need to Be on a Permanent Foundation?
No. Mobile home insurance does not require a permanent foundation. Homes on pier-and-block setups, tie-down systems, or even some ground-set arrangements can be insured as long as they meet local code requirements. However, placing your home on a permanent foundation (slab or crawl space) can improve financing eligibility and sometimes lower your insurance premiums by reclassifying the home as real property.
Note that regardless of foundation type, HO-7 policies typically exclude foundation damage itself.
FAQ: Mobile Home Insurance
Q: Is mobile home insurance required by law? Mobile home insurance is not legally required in any U.S. state. However, if you're financing your manufactured home, your mortgage lender will almost certainly require you to carry an active HO-7 policy. Mobile home park communities and HOAs may also require proof of insurance as a condition of residency.
Q: How much is mobile home insurance per month in 2026? The average mobile home insurance policy costs between $58 and $125 per month, based on an annual range of $700 to $1,500. Your exact rate depends on your home's age, location, size, and the coverage limits you choose. High-risk states like Florida and Texas can push monthly costs to $115 or more.
Q: Can I use a standard HO-3 policy for my manufactured home? No. Standard HO-3 policies are written for site-built, stick-frame homes and are not designed for mobile or manufactured homes. You need an HO-7 policy that accounts for the unique construction, materials, and risk profile of factory-built housing. Using the wrong policy type could leave your home uninsured after a claim.
Q: What discounts are available for mobile home insurance? Common discounts include multi-policy bundling (auto and home), claims-free history, senior homeowner discounts (typically age 55+), safety device installations (smoke detectors, security systems), proper tie-down and anchoring systems, and new home discounts for recently purchased manufactured units. Always ask your insurer for a full list of available discounts.
Q: Does mobile home insurance cover me if someone is injured on my property? Yes. The personal liability (Coverage E) and medical payments (Coverage F) portions of your HO-7 policy cover you if a guest is injured on your property. Liability coverage pays for legal costs and court judgments up to your policy limit, while medical payments coverage handles smaller medical bills regardless of who was at fault.