Insuring Your Tiny House Rv: What You Need To Know

Whether you need to insure a tiny house RV depends on a few factors. If you own your tiny house outright, you may not be required to have insurance, but if you're still paying off a loan or mortgage, your lender will probably require you to insure it. If your tiny house is on wheels and you plan to drive it, you'll need to insure it in the same way you would a car or a regular RV. The type of insurance you need will depend on how your tiny house was built and how you use it. If you plan to travel frequently, RV insurance is a better option as it covers your home while parked and during transport. If you only plan to move your tiny house a couple of times a year, mobile or manufactured home insurance might be a better option.

RV Insurance for tiny houses

If your tiny house is on wheels and you plan to move around frequently, RV insurance may be the right choice. This is because it covers your home while it's parked and during transport. As RV insurance is designed for travellers, it includes provisions that some other options don't—namely, collision coverage.

To qualify for RV insurance, the tiny house must meet standards from the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). Basic RV policies typically include collision, comprehensive, liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist, personal property, and medical payment coverage.

However, not all insurance companies offer the same coverage options, so it's important to review your policy carefully to ensure it provides the coverage you need. If it doesn't, you can fill in the gaps with endorsements or a separate policy. For example, if your policy doesn't cover personal liability, you could get a cheap renter's insurance policy to cover both your personal property and your personal liability.

It's worth noting that RV policies tend to be more expensive than mobile home insurance because they protect the home while it's in transport, which puts the home at a greater risk. Additionally, if you plan to rent out your tiny house, be sure to discuss your options with an insurance representative, as you may need a different type of policy.

Mobile/manufactured home insurance

One key difference between mobile/manufactured home insurance and traditional homeowner's insurance is that mobile/manufactured home insurance may not cover the home or belongings during transportation. If you plan to move your home, you will need to purchase a separate transit endorsement policy to cover any potential damages during transit.

When considering mobile/manufactured home insurance, it is important to review the policy carefully and understand the specific coverages and exclusions. Some policies may not cover water damage caused by maintenance issues, for example. It is also essential to disclose any intended movements of your home to your insurance provider to ensure proper coverage.

The cost of mobile/manufactured home insurance can vary depending on various factors, including the age, location, construction type, credit score, and claims history of the home. It is recommended to consult with insurance experts or advisors to find the best coverage options that match your unique needs and budget.

DIY tiny homes and insurance

The tiny house movement is about simplifying life and reducing costs, but that doesn't mean you should skimp on insurance. This guide will cover everything you need to know about insuring your DIY tiny home, from the different types of insurance available to the factors that affect the cost of coverage.

Types of Insurance for DIY Tiny Homes

Most large home insurance carriers will not insure DIY tiny homes that aren't certified by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) or the National Organization of Alternative Housing (NOAH). However, there are a number of specialised tiny home insurance providers that will. Here are some options:

• RV Insurance: If your tiny home is on wheels and you plan to move it frequently, RV insurance may be a good choice. It covers your home while parked and during transport and includes collision coverage. Keep in mind that to qualify for RV insurance, your tiny home must meet RVIA standards.
• Mobile/Manufactured Home Insurance: If you plan to move your tiny home only a couple of times a year or not at all, and it's built by a NOAH-certified builder, this type of policy might be a better option. It's similar to standard homeowners insurance, covering the home, your personal property, and liability claims. However, it doesn't cover your home or belongings during transport.
• Specialty Insurance: Some companies, like Strategic Insurance Agency, specialise in insurance for tiny homes. They offer a range of coverage options, including dwelling, personal property, theft, personal liability, and medical payments coverage. They don't require your home to be certified by the NOAH or RVIA, and their policies are available in most states.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Tiny Home Insurance

The cost of insuring your DIY tiny home will depend on various factors, including:

• Location: The state or area where your tiny home is located can impact the cost of insurance, especially if it's in an area prone to natural disasters or extreme weather.
• Mobility: Insuring a tiny home on wheels will typically be more expensive than a stationary tiny home since you'll need a special "full-timers" policy if you live in it year-round.
• Certification: Tiny homes built by certified builders will generally have lower insurance rates than DIY builds, as DIY homes may not be up to code.
• Usage: Whether you live in your tiny home full-time, use it seasonally, or rent it out will impact the type and cost of insurance you need.

While it may be challenging to find insurance for your DIY tiny home, it's not impossible. By understanding the different types of insurance available and the factors that affect the cost, you can find the right coverage to protect your investment. Remember to compare quotes from multiple providers and consider your specific needs and priorities when choosing a policy.

Homeowners insurance for tiny homes

Stationary Tiny Houses

If your tiny house is stationary, you won't be able to cover it with a standard home insurance policy. Instead, you'll need to purchase a mobile or manufactured home insurance policy. This type of policy is similar to standard homeowners insurance and typically covers:

• Dwelling: Repairs or replacement of the physical structure if it's damaged.
• Personal property: Your belongings inside the home, up to a set limit, if they're lost or damaged.
• Liability: Personal liability coverage for injuries or damages caused to others.
• Loss of use: Living expenses, such as meals and lodging, if your home is damaged and uninhabitable during repairs.

Some insurers, like Foremost, will only insure your tiny house if it's certified by the National Organization of Alternative Housing (NOAH). Additionally, some companies may require the house to be factory-constructed and won't provide coverage if you move your home regularly.

Tiny Houses on Wheels

If your tiny house is on wheels, you may want to consider RV insurance, especially if you plan to move around frequently. RV insurance covers your home while it's parked and during transport. Basic RV policies typically include:

• Collision: Coverage for damage to your tiny house in an accident, regardless of fault.
• Comprehensive: Coverage for events beyond your control, such as theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, weather-related incidents, and collisions with animals.
• Liability: Coverage for property damage and injuries caused by you.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist: Coverage if your tiny home is hit by someone without insurance or with insufficient insurance.
• Personal property: Coverage for your personal belongings if they're lost, damaged, or destroyed.
• Medical payments: Coverage for medical bills for you and your passengers in an accident.

If you plan to move your tiny house only a few times a year or not at all, and it's built by a NOAH-certified builder, a mobile or manufactured home insurance policy might be a better option.

Specialty Insurers for Tiny Houses

There are also specialty insurers that offer tiny house-specific coverage, such as Strategic Insurance Agency. These companies tend to offer more flexibility and options, covering various traditional and alternative living structures, including DIY units, off-the-grid cabins, micro homes, and more.

Cost of Tiny House Insurance

The cost of tiny house insurance varies depending on factors such as the construction, size, value, location, usage, and coverage options chosen. It can range from $400 to over $1,500 per year.

RV certification and insurance

The insurance requirements for a tiny house depend on its classification, which is determined by its mobility and usage. If your tiny house is on wheels and you plan to move it frequently, it is considered an RV and must meet standards from the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). On the other hand, if you only plan to move your tiny house a couple of times a year, it may be classified as a mobile or manufactured home, and a NOAH-certified builder is required for insurance purposes.

RV Insurance

RV insurance covers your tiny house while it is parked and during transport. Basic RV policies typically include collision, comprehensive, liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist, personal property, and medical payment coverage. If your tiny house is your primary residence, be sure to purchase a "full-timer's" policy. Not all insurance companies offer the same coverage options, so review your policy carefully and fill in any gaps with endorsements or a separate policy.

Mobile or Manufactured Home Insurance

If your tiny house is only moved a few times a year and is built by a NOAH-certified builder, a mobile or manufactured home insurance policy is a better fit. This type of policy is similar to standard homeowners insurance, covering the home, personal property, and liability claims. However, it does not cover the home or belongings during transport, so a transit endorsement is necessary if you plan to move your tiny house.

RV Certification

RV certification is provided by the Recreational Vehicle Technician Association of America (RVTAA), which is the certifying body and professional membership organisation for recreational vehicle technicians in North America. The RVTAA offers three levels of certification to assist the RV industry and consumers in identifying qualified professionals. Certification ensures that RV technicians have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform repairs and maintenance on RVs and stay up-to-date with evolving technology and best practices.

Insurance Considerations

When choosing an insurance policy for your tiny house, consider factors such as the construction, size, value, RVIA/NOAH status, personal belongings, intended use, and desired coverage options. While insurance is not legally required for stationary tiny houses, it is a good idea to protect your investment with a suitable policy.

Frequently asked questions