What's the difference between HO-7 and HO-3 insurance?

HO-7 is the ISO standard form for manufactured (mobile) homes. HO-3 is the standard homeowners form for site-built stick-frame homes. HO-7 differs in valuation, coverage limits, and underwriting because manufactured homes have different construction, value profiles, and depreciation curves than site-built homes. A mobile home on a permanent foundation may be eligible for HO-3, but most are insured under HO-7.

What is HUD code, and why does it matter for insurance?

HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) Code establishes federal construction, safety, and energy standards for all manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976. Homes compliant with HUD Code are more readily insurable at standard rates. Pre-HUD homes (built before 1976) or non-compliant homes are harder to insure and may face surcharges or non-renewal. When insuring a mobile home, confirm its HUD compliance status.

Does a mobile home need to be on a permanent foundation?

Yes, in most cases. Most insurers require the home to be on a permanent, concrete-slab foundation or piers-and-blocks system meeting local building codes. Park-only homes (where you rent the lot) may face stricter requirements or may be uninsurable with standard carriers. Check your state's manufactured-home regulations and your insurer's specific foundation requirements.

What is tie-down, and why is it required in hurricane states?

Tie-down refers to metal straps, cables, or anchors that secure the mobile home to the foundation. In hurricane-prone states (Florida, Louisiana, Texas), insurers often require proof of proper tie-down to meet state or local wind codes. Some states mandate annual tie-down inspection certificates. Without proper tie-down, wind coverage may be excluded or severely limited.

What is a 'skirting' on a mobile home?

Skirting is the material (metal, vinyl, or lattice) that covers the space between the bottom of the mobile home and the ground. It provides weather protection and a finished appearance. Some insurers consider skirting a separate structure; others include it as part of the dwelling. Confirm with your insurer whether skirting damage is covered under the dwelling or is excluded.

Is transport/conveyance coverage included in mobile home insurance?

No. Standard HO-7 policies do not cover the home while being transported from one location to another. If you plan to move the home, transport insurance must be purchased separately from a specialty carrier. Transport coverage is valid only for the duration of the move and is a separate policy.

Can I get mobile home insurance if the home is on leased land?

It is more difficult. Park-only homes (where you rent the lot in a mobile home park) may be uninsurable with standard carriers or may have exclusions and higher premiums. Some carriers specialize in park-only homes but with stricter underwriting. Confirm that your park's management allows standard homeowners insurance and that you can meet your park's requirements before purchasing the home.

What if I live in a high-wind or hurricane-prone state?

In Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and other hurricane-exposed states, mobile home insurance is more expensive and comes with stricter requirements. Tie-down compliance, annual wind mitigation inspections, and proof of foundation integrity are common conditions. Some areas are becoming 'hard-to-insure,' meaning standard carriers are declining new business. You may need to turn to state-run insurers of last resort if you cannot find coverage in the standard market.

Does my home have to be on a permanent foundation?

Foundation requirements vary by insurer and state. Most carriers require the home to be on a permanent, concrete-slab foundation or piers-and-blocks system that meets local building codes. Some states or insurers impose stricter permanent-foundation requirements in hurricane-exposed zones. Park-only homes (rented lot, not owned land) may have different foundation criteria and may be harder to insure. Check your state's manufactured-home regulations.

What's HUD code and does it matter?

HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) Code sets federal construction, safety, and energy standards for all manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976. Homes that predate HUD Code or are non-compliant may be harder to insure or attract higher premiums. Newer HUD-compliant homes are more readily insurable at standard rates.

Are hurricane-state tie-down and wind requirements mandatory?

In Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and other hurricane-exposed states, insurers often require proof of proper tie-down (straps or anchors securing the home to the foundation) meeting state or local codes. Some states mandate annual tie-down inspection certificates. Requirements vary by state and insurer — confirm what your state and carrier require.

Is the home covered while being transported?

Standard mobile home policies do not cover the home during transport from one location to another. Transport (or 'conveyance') coverage must be purchased separately from a specialty carrier and is valid only for the duration of the move. If you plan to move the home, notify your insurer and secure transport coverage beforehand.

Insurance Guide

Mobile Home Insurance

What manufactured (mobile) home insurance actually covers, HO-7 form, permanent foundation requirements, hurricane-state wind and tie-down rules, and the coverage gaps that catch owners off guard.

This content is educational and is not legal, financial, or insurance advice. Coverage decisions depend on your specific situation, risk tolerance, and the actual policy contract you’re offered. For a binding recommendation, speak with a licensed insurance agent in your state, or contact your state Department of Insurance.

What mobile home insurance covers

Mobile home (manufactured home) insurance using the HO-7 form covers the dwelling structure, detached structures, personal property, and liability similar to standard homeowners insurance, but with adjustments for manufactured construction and typical mobile-home exposure.

Dwelling (home structure) — physical damage to the manufactured home itself from covered perils (fire, theft, vandalism, windstorm, hail).
Other structures — detached garages, sheds, or covered parking structures on the property.
Personal property — your belongings inside the home (furniture, electronics, clothing) up to a percentage of the dwelling limit.
Loss of use — living expenses if the home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss.
Liability — bodily injury and property damage you cause to others on the property.
Medical payments — small medical benefits for guests injured on your property.
Tie-down coverage (in some policies) — replacement cost for tie-downs damaged in wind events.

What it doesn’t cover

Transport or conveyance of the home from one location to another (requires separate coverage)
Damage from poor or missing tie-down in a windstorm (if tie-down is required and not in place)
Damage from flood (requires separate National Flood Insurance Program or private flood insurance)
Wear and tear, mechanical breakdown, or deferred maintenance
Damage occurring while the home is unoccupied for extended periods (varies by insurer)
Certain park-only homes or homes with non-permanent foundations (may be uninsurable or high-risk)
Business operations or commercial use

Understanding mobile home coverage in detail

Dwelling Coverage (Structure)

This covers the physical structure of the mobile home itself — the walls, roof, flooring, and permanent fixtures. The HO-7 form bases dwelling coverage on replacement cost for the specific structure, adjusted for the age and condition of the home. Older homes and pre-HUD homes may be valued lower than newer homes, reflecting their higher depreciation rates.

Dwelling coverage typically pays for damage from covered perils: fire, theft, vandalism, windstorm, hail, lightning, and other named perils (varies by policy).

Loss of Use / Additional Living Expenses

If the mobile home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss (fire, windstorm damage), loss of use coverage pays for temporary housing, meals, and other living expenses while repairs are being made. This is critical for mobile home owners who may not own replacement properties nearby.

ALE typically covers 20–25% of the dwelling limit and reimburses reasonable temporary housing costs, not necessarily luxury accommodations.

Tie-Down Coverage (in Some Policies)

Some HO-7 policies include coverage for the replacement cost of tie-downs if they are damaged in a windstorm and need to be repaired or replaced. This is relatively uncommon but important in hurricane-prone areas where tie-down replacement can cost $500–$2,000.

Confirm whether tie-down damage is covered under your dwelling coverage or is excluded. This is critical in states requiring annual tie-down compliance.

Other Structures Coverage

Detached garages, sheds, covered carports, or enclosed storage structures are typically covered under the "other structures" component of the HO-7, usually at 10% of the dwelling limit. This covers these structures for the same named perils as the main home.

Ask your agent to confirm what detached structures qualify and whether storage buildings or RV ports are included.

Personal Property and Liability

Your belongings (furniture, electronics, clothing) are covered under the personal property component, usually at 50–70% of the dwelling limit. Liability coverage protects you if someone is injured on your property or you cause damage to others' property. Medical payments to guests covers small medical expenses for guests injured at your home.

These coverages work the same way on HO-7 as on HO-3 homeowners policies and carry similar limits and sub-limits.

What drives mobile home insurance costs

Mobile home insurance premiums depend on the age and condition of the home, its location, foundation compliance, and risk factors. Use this matrix to understand cost drivers.

Cost Factor	Why It Matters	Typical Impact
Home age and HUD compliance	Newer HUD-compliant homes are cheaper to insure. Pre-HUD homes face surcharges due to construction and safety concerns.	Post-HUD (1976+): standard rate; pre-HUD: 10–30% surcharge or non-renewable
Home size and replacement cost	Larger homes and higher replacement-cost values command higher premiums. Single-wide vs double-wide affects valuation.	$50K home: ~$400–600/yr; $100K home: ~$800–1,200/yr (varies by location)
Permanent foundation vs park-only	Homes on land you own with a permanent foundation cost less to insure than park-only homes on rented lots.	Owned land with permanent foundation: standard rate; park-only: 10–25% surcharge or uninsurable
Hurricane-exposed state location	Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and other hurricane-prone states face higher premiums and stricter underwriting.	Standard state: $400–700/yr; hurricane state: $700–1,500+/yr (same home value)
Tie-down compliance and certification	Proper tie-down per state/local code reduces premium in hurricane zones. Missing or improper tie-down can void wind coverage.	Compliant tie-down: discount eligibility; non-compliant: 15–30% surcharge or wind exclusion
Home condition and maintenance	Well-maintained homes with roof condition reports and recent updates cost less to insure than homes in poor condition.	Good condition: standard rate; poor condition: 10–20% surcharge or decline
Heating and electrical systems age	Older heating systems (oil heat) and outdated electrical wiring increase fire risk and may trigger surcharges.	Modern systems: standard rate; old heating/wiring: 10–15% surcharge or decline
Prior claims history	Homes with recent claims or repeated claims may face surcharges or non-renewal.	No claims: standard rate; 1–2 claims: possible surcharge; 3+ claims: non-renewal risk

Premiums vary widely by carrier and individual risk. Get multiple quotes before purchasing.

How mobile home insurance layers with other coverage

Mobile Home (HO-7) + Flood Insurance

HO-7 excludes all flood damage. If the home is in a FEMA flood zone or flood-prone area, you must purchase separate flood insurance via the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private flood carriers. Flood insurance covers damage from rising water, storm surge, and rainfall-driven flooding. These two policies work together to provide complete coverage in high-water-risk areas.

Mobile Home (HO-7) + Wind Mitigation / Hurricane Coverage

In hurricane states, HO-7 wind coverage depends on tie-down compliance and home condition. Some carriers offer separate wind/hurricane riders or endorse the base policy to include additional wind coverage. Wind mitigation improvements (upgraded roof, reinforced tie-downs) can reduce premiums and may be required to qualify for coverage in high-wind areas.

Mobile Home (HO-7) + Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance provides additional liability coverage (typically $1M+) above the HO-7 liability limit ($100K–$300K). If a guest is seriously injured on your mobile home property, the HO-7 liability limit is quickly exhausted, and umbrella coverage protects your assets. Umbrella is not required but is recommended for broader liability protection.

Mobile Home (HO-7) + Scheduled Personal Property

If you own high-value items (jewelry, art, collections), you can schedule them on a separate rider for full replacement cost coverage. This supplements the HO-7 personal property sub-limit and protects valuable belongings. High-value items are commonly scheduled separately to avoid depreciation under the standard personal property limit.

Mobile Home (HO-7) + Special Event or Liability Riders

If you host gatherings or events at your mobile home, a special event liability rider can provide additional coverage for guest injuries or property damage during specific events. Some parks require proof of liability coverage for large gatherings — a special event rider can satisfy this requirement without purchasing standalone event liability insurance.

Common mobile home insurance scenarios

Composite scenarios showing how HO-7 insurance typically responds to real-world mobile home situations. Outcomes vary by policy, carrier, and jurisdiction.

Hurricane damage to tie-downs and roof

Situation:: A mobile home in Florida is damaged during a hurricane. The tie-downs are partially torn, and the roof has shingles missing and minor leaks. The homeowner had not maintained current tie-down compliance certification.
How coverage typically responds:: A standard HO-7 policy covers wind damage to the roof (shingles). However, if tie-down is required in the state and the homeowner is not compliant, the insurer may argue that the damage is partially caused by inadequate tie-down and may reduce or deny the claim.
Typical outcome:: Roof damage is typically covered at $2,000–$5,000 depending on extent. Tie-down repair cost ($500–$1,500) may be covered if the policy includes tie-down coverage, but coverage may be limited if compliance was not maintained.
Lesson:: In hurricane states, maintain current tie-down compliance and annual inspection certification to avoid coverage gaps at claim time.

Related coverage detail →

Fire damage to mobile home on rented park lot

Situation:: A mobile home in a private park (rented lot) is damaged by a kitchen fire. The homeowner rents the lot and does not own the underlying land. The insurer is reviewing the claim and questioning coverage eligibility.
How coverage typically responds:: A standard HO-7 covers fire damage regardless of whether the home is on owned land or a rented lot. However, the insurer may dispute coverage if the park lot rental violates the policy's owner-occupied/permanent-residence requirement or if foundation compliance cannot be verified.
Typical outcome:: If the park lot meets insurer requirements, fire damage is covered at replacement cost (typically $25,000–$75,000 depending on home size). If the lot rental is not acceptable to the insurer, coverage may be denied, and the policy may be non-renewed.
Lesson:: Confirm with your park management that standard homeowners insurance is allowed, and verify that the policy's foundation and occupancy requirements are met before purchasing.

Related coverage detail →

Water damage from burst pipe in winter

Situation:: Frozen temperatures cause a water pipe in the mobile home to burst, damaging flooring, walls, and personal property. The homeowner had left the home unheated for a month during winter.
How coverage typically responds:: A standard HO-7 covers sudden, accidental water damage from burst pipes. However, the insurer may deny or reduce the claim if the homeowner failed to maintain adequate heat, which is often a policy condition.
Typical outcome:: If the home was properly heated or the damage was unavoidable, coverage is typically $5,000–$20,000 for repairs and personal property replacement. If the homeowner failed to heat the home, coverage may be denied.
Lesson:: Maintain adequate heat during winter months (typically 55°F or higher) to avoid exclusions for preventable freeze damage.

Related coverage detail →

Flood damage during extreme rainfall

Situation:: Heavy rainfall causes ground-level flooding in the mobile home. Water enters through the skirting and damages flooring, walls, and belongings.
How coverage typically responds:: HO-7 excludes all flood damage, including damage from heavy rainfall, storm surge, or groundwater seepage. Flood insurance is required separately.
Typical outcome:: The HO-7 claim is denied. If the homeowner has NFIP flood insurance, the flood policy covers the damage (subject to the NFIP deductible and coverage limits). Without flood insurance, the homeowner absorbs the loss, which can be $10,000–$50,000+.
Lesson:: In flood-prone areas (FEMA flood zones), purchase separate flood insurance immediately. Do not rely on HO-7 to cover any water intrusion from outside sources.

Related coverage detail →

Guest injury at mobile home property

Situation:: A guest trips on a loose step at the entrance to the mobile home and breaks their leg. The guest's medical bills total $5,000, and they threaten to sue for $50,000 in damages (lost wages, pain/suffering).
How coverage typically responds:: The HO-7 liability component covers bodily injury to guests caused by a property condition. Medical payments covers the guest's medical bills up to the sub-limit (typically $500–$1,000). Liability coverage (typically $100K–$300K) covers the remainder of the lawsuit claim.
Typical outcome:: Medical payments covers $500–$1,000 of the guest's medical bills. If the guest sues, liability coverage handles the lawsuit up to the $100K–$300K limit. If the judgment exceeds the limit, umbrella insurance (if purchased) covers the excess.
Lesson:: Maintain your mobile home property (repair loose steps, handrails) to reduce injury risk. Consider umbrella insurance for additional liability protection.

Related coverage detail →

Scenarios are composite illustrations only — they are not real claims and not predictions of outcomes for any specific policy. Insurance contracts vary by carrier and state; the only authoritative source for what your policy covers is your declarations page and the policy contract itself.

What drives the cost

Home age and HUD compliance. Newer HUD-compliant homes are cheaper to insure. Pre-HUD or older homes may face surcharges or be harder to insure due to construction and safety concerns.
Home value and size. Larger homes and higher-value replacements cost more to insure. Single-wide vs double-wide and newer construction affect replacement-cost estimates.
Permanent foundation vs park/rental lot. Homes on land you own with a permanent foundation are typically cheaper than park-only homes. Rented-lot homes may face restrictions or higher premiums.
Hurricane-exposed state location. Homes in Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and other hurricane-prone states face higher premiums and tie-down/mitigation requirements. Some areas are becoming hard-to-insure.
Tie-down compliance and mitigation. Proper tie-down (per state or local code) can reduce premium in hurricane zones. Wind mitigation improvements may also qualify for discounts.
Garaging and storage amenities. Homes with detached garages, covered parking, or surrounding storage structures may have higher replacement costs but also affect liability exposure.

Cost factors are general industry guidance. Premium ranges vary widely by carrier, state, and individual risk — get a quote before assuming the cost.

Common mobile home insurance coverage gaps to review

These are the most common places a standard policy in this category may leave you exposed. Review each against your declarations page, and ask your insurer or a licensed agent to confirm what your policy actually covers.

Park-only homes harder to insure. Homes on rented park lots (not owned land) may be difficult to place with standard insurers or may have exclusions and higher premiums. Confirm the park allows standard homeowners insurance.
Pre-HUD or old homes with construction concerns. Homes built before 1976 or non-HUD-compliant homes may be uninsurable or attract significant surcharges. Some carriers simply decline these risks.
Missing or improper tie-down in hurricane states. In Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and other hurricane zones, insurers often require annual tie-down inspection or specific tie-down standards. Missing or damaged tie-downs can void wind coverage.
Foundation issues not documented. If the home is not on a permanent, code-compliant foundation and the insurer discovers this at claim time, coverage can be denied. Have foundation compliance documented.
Transport / conveyance not covered under dwelling policy. If you plan to move the home, the standard HO-7 does not cover it in transit. Secure separate transport insurance before moving.
Extended vacancy exclusion. Some policies exclude coverage if the home is vacant (unoccupied) for more than 30–60 consecutive days. Verify if you plan seasonal or extended absences.
Flood damage excluded (nationwide). All homeowners policies exclude flood. Mobile homes in flood-prone areas need separate flood insurance via NFIP or private carriers.

This list is educational, not exhaustive, and not personalized advice. Always confirm coverage against your specific policy contract and consult a licensed agent for binding recommendations.

Questions to ask a licensed agent

If you work with an independent or captive agent, these surface the differences between policies that price-comparison sites tend to hide.

1Is the home on a permanent foundation, and does it meet state or local codes?
2Does the policy require annual tie-down inspection or compliance certification?
3Is the home HUD-compliant, and if older, how does the insurer treat pre-HUD homes?
4Does the policy cover extended vacancy, and for how long?
5Is flood coverage available through the insurer, or do I need separate NFIP/private coverage?
6Is transport or conveyance coverage available, or is separate coverage needed?
7What's the dwelling limit and does it match the home's current replacement cost?
8Are detached structures (garage, shed) covered, and at what limit?
9What personal property limit is included?
10Does the policy include wind mitigation discounts if I upgrade tie-downs or improve the home?

Homeowners insurance

HO-3 for site-built homes; HO-7 for manufactured

Flood insurance

Required separately in flood-prone areas

Umbrella insurance

Adds liability above mobile home policy

Coverage gap workflow

Cross-check every insurance line for gaps

FAQ

What's the difference between HO-7 and HO-3 insurance?: HO-7 is the ISO standard form for manufactured (mobile) homes. HO-3 is the standard homeowners form for site-built stick-frame homes. HO-7 differs in valuation, coverage limits, and underwriting because manufactured homes have different construction, value profiles, and depreciation curves than site-built homes. A mobile home on a permanent foundation may be eligible for HO-3, but most are insured under HO-7.
What is HUD code, and why does it matter for insurance?: HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) Code establishes federal construction, safety, and energy standards for all manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976. Homes compliant with HUD Code are more readily insurable at standard rates. Pre-HUD homes (built before 1976) or non-compliant homes are harder to insure and may face surcharges or non-renewal. When insuring a mobile home, confirm its HUD compliance status.
Does a mobile home need to be on a permanent foundation?: Yes, in most cases. Most insurers require the home to be on a permanent, concrete-slab foundation or piers-and-blocks system meeting local building codes. Park-only homes (where you rent the lot) may face stricter requirements or may be uninsurable with standard carriers. Check your state's manufactured-home regulations and your insurer's specific foundation requirements.
What is tie-down, and why is it required in hurricane states?: Tie-down refers to metal straps, cables, or anchors that secure the mobile home to the foundation. In hurricane-prone states (Florida, Louisiana, Texas), insurers often require proof of proper tie-down to meet state or local wind codes. Some states mandate annual tie-down inspection certificates. Without proper tie-down, wind coverage may be excluded or severely limited.
What is a 'skirting' on a mobile home?: Skirting is the material (metal, vinyl, or lattice) that covers the space between the bottom of the mobile home and the ground. It provides weather protection and a finished appearance. Some insurers consider skirting a separate structure; others include it as part of the dwelling. Confirm with your insurer whether skirting damage is covered under the dwelling or is excluded.
Is transport/conveyance coverage included in mobile home insurance?: No. Standard HO-7 policies do not cover the home while being transported from one location to another. If you plan to move the home, transport insurance must be purchased separately from a specialty carrier. Transport coverage is valid only for the duration of the move and is a separate policy.
Can I get mobile home insurance if the home is on leased land?: It is more difficult. Park-only homes (where you rent the lot in a mobile home park) may be uninsurable with standard carriers or may have exclusions and higher premiums. Some carriers specialize in park-only homes but with stricter underwriting. Confirm that your park's management allows standard homeowners insurance and that you can meet your park's requirements before purchasing the home.
What if I live in a high-wind or hurricane-prone state?: In Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and other hurricane-exposed states, mobile home insurance is more expensive and comes with stricter requirements. Tie-down compliance, annual wind mitigation inspections, and proof of foundation integrity are common conditions. Some areas are becoming 'hard-to-insure,' meaning standard carriers are declining new business. You may need to turn to state-run insurers of last resort if you cannot find coverage in the standard market.
Does flood insurance apply to mobile homes?: No. Flood damage is excluded from all homeowners policies, including HO-7. If your mobile home is in a flood-prone area (FEMA flood zone AE, VE, or Special Flood Hazard Area), you must purchase separate flood insurance via the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private flood insurers. Flood insurance is separate from your homeowners policy and typically required by lenders.
Does my home have to be on a permanent foundation?: Foundation requirements vary by insurer and state. Most carriers require the home to be on a permanent, concrete-slab foundation or piers-and-blocks system that meets local building codes. Some states or insurers impose stricter permanent-foundation requirements in hurricane-exposed zones. Park-only homes (rented lot, not owned land) may have different foundation criteria and may be harder to insure. Check your state's manufactured-home regulations.
What's HUD code and does it matter?: HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) Code sets federal construction, safety, and energy standards for all manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976. Homes that predate HUD Code or are non-compliant may be harder to insure or attract higher premiums. Newer HUD-compliant homes are more readily insurable at standard rates.
Are hurricane-state tie-down and wind requirements mandatory?: In Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and other hurricane-exposed states, insurers often require proof of proper tie-down (straps or anchors securing the home to the foundation) meeting state or local codes. Some states mandate annual tie-down inspection certificates. Requirements vary by state and insurer — confirm what your state and carrier require.
Is the home covered while being transported?: Standard mobile home policies do not cover the home during transport from one location to another. Transport (or 'conveyance') coverage must be purchased separately from a specialty carrier and is valid only for the duration of the move. If you plan to move the home, notify your insurer and secure transport coverage beforehand.

Important Disclaimer

This site provides general educational information only and is not a substitute for professional insurance advice. All rates, data, and coverage details are estimates and may not reflect your actual premiums. Insurance availability and pricing vary by state, insurer, and individual risk factors. Always consult a licensed insurance professional in your state before making coverage decisions.

Michael Torres

Editorial Lead, Catastrophe & Commercial Property

This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.

Reviewed June 2026