A Guide to Mobile Home Insurance

“A guide to mobile home insurance” may seem like a daunting read, but ensuring your home is fully covered is essential for peace of mind. To make the process easier, here’s a list of questions you should ask when considering the best mobile home insurance policy for your needs.

  1. What does the insurance cover for the building?

The first and most fundamental question to ask is: what does the policy cover when it comes to your actual mobile home building? Most comprehensive mobile home insurance policies will cover up to a specified amount, such as £600,000, for the structure itself. This may include new-for-old coverage, meaning that even if your home is older, the insurance will cover the cost of a brand-new replacement in the event of total destruction, such as from a fire or flood.

It’s also worth asking whether site clearance, transportation, and re-siting costs are included in the event your mobile home is damaged beyond repair. These costs can be substantial, so it’s important that they’re covered. Ask specifically about these elements so you’re not caught off guard by additional expenses.

  1. What contents are covered?

Beyond the structure of your home, you’ll want to know what the policy covers in terms of your possessions. A solid mobile home insurance policy should cover your contents up to a set value; typically around £75,000, with the ability to increase this cover for special events or holidays. Check whether items like furniture, electronics and appliances are all covered on a new-for-old basis. This means that if they’re damaged or destroyed, you’ll receive funds to replace them with new items, regardless of their age.

Also, pay close attention to what exclusions might apply. Some policies might not cover clothing or pedal cycles on a new-for-old basis, meaning you would only receive the current market value of these items, not their replacement cost. Understanding these nuances will help you avoid unexpected gaps in your insurance cover.

  1. Does the mobile home insurance policy cover valuables and special items?

When it comes to valuables, mobile home insurance policies often have limits. For example, your policy might cover valuables up to £20,000 inside your home. If you have high-value items like jewellery, art or antiques, you’ll need to check whether they are fully covered under the general policy, or if you’ll need additional cover or riders for these items.

This is also the time to ask about seasonal cover increases. Some policies increase contents coverage by 10% for one month before and after special events, such as weddings or religious holidays. This could be especially useful if you’re hosting gatherings or storing gifts.

  1. What liability cover is included?

Public liability is a crucial part of mobile home insurance that’s often overlooked. If someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally damage someone else’s property, liability cover may protect you financially. Many mobile home insurance policies provide public liability cover of up to £5million. Be sure to ask about this, especially if you plan to have guests or run a small business from your mobile home.

Additionally, if your mobile home is damaged by vermin (a common issue in rural or semi-rural settings), some policies now include cover for this kind of damage. Ask if the policy covers issues like these, and what the process for filing a claim looks like.

  1. What about business equipment or outbuildings?

If you work from home or run a business from your mobile home, it’s important to ensure your policy covers business equipment. Some policies include up to £7,500 in business equipment coverage, which can include items such as computers, printers and office furniture.

You’ll also want to ask about coverage for outbuildings, sheds or garages. Theft from these areas can be a concern, especially if you store expensive tools, gardening equipment or other valuables. A typical mobile home policy might cover up to £2,500 for theft from these spaces, but if you keep high-value items in these areas, you may need to increase this limit.

  1. What are the additional benefits of the policy?

In addition to the basics, mobile home insurance policies often include added benefits that can make a big difference. For instance, some policies cover accidental damage while moving your home—something you’ll definitely want if you plan to relocate your mobile home at any point. Ask whether the policy covers this and under what circumstances it applies.

Another useful benefit to enquire about is jury service cover. If you’re called for jury duty, some insurance policies will compensate you for lost wages, typically around £25 per day, up to a total of £1,500. While this may seem like a small detail, it can be a lifesaver in case you’re called away from work unexpectedly.

  1. Does the policy cover personal items away from the home?

Many people don’t realise that mobile home insurance can extend to items outside of the home. Some policies will cover up to £5,000 for items like money and credit cards that are stolen or damaged away from your property. If you have children attending full-time education, it’s worth asking if the policy covers their personal items, such as laptops or other belongings, while they’re at school. Some policies provide cover for contents temporarily removed from the home, often up to £5,000, with a limit of £1,000 per single item.

We hope that you’ve found this guide to mobile home insurance helpful. Finding the right cover to meet your needs means asking the right questions. Be sure to explore cover for the building, contents, valuables and liability. Don’t forget to check the additional benefits, like jury service cover and accidental damage protection. With careful research, you can find a policy to suit you and provides peace of mind for years to come.

This is a marketing article from multi-award-winning Park Home Assist.

Please note that all insurance cover is subject to acceptance of terms and conditions.

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Published – 29/11/24