Mobile home insurance in Canada, known as manufactured home insurance, provides mobile or manufactured home coverage. This insurance covers your mobile house, land structures, and personal belongings. Although a mobile home insurance policy is not legally required in Canada, most mortgage lenders need it.

This article guide contains the basic knowledge you need about mobile house insurance, ranging from coverage areas to steps to take when insuring your mobile home in Canada, companies that offer mobile home insurance, how much it costs, and determinants of mobile home insurance price.

What is a Mobile House?

A “mobile house” typically refers to a type of housing structure designed to be movable or transportable. It is also known as a “mobile home” or “manufactured home.” Mobile houses are constructed in factories and transported to their intended location, where they are typically placed on a permanent foundation or on rented or owned land.

They are built to meet specific building codes and standards for factory-built housing. They can vary in size and layout, ranging from single-wide to larger double-wide or triple-wide units. They often feature amenities and functional spaces in traditional homes, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, living areas, kitchens, and sometimes additional rooms like offices or utility rooms.

These homes are constructed using materials and methods suitable for transportation and installation. They are designed to be more affordable and efficient than site-built homes, providing an alternative housing option for individuals or families.

Coverage Areas of Mobile Home Insurance

Mobile home insurance covers various aspects of your mobile or manufactured home. While specific coverage may vary depending on the insurance policy and provider, here are some common areas that mobile home insurance typically covers:

Structure and Contents Coverage:

Mobile home insurance typically includes coverage for the structure of your home and its contents. This protects against damage caused by covered perils such as fire, lightning, windstorms, theft, and vandalism. Review the policy to understand the specific perils covered and any exclusions.

Liability Coverage:

Liability coverage is essential if someone gets injured while on your property. It protects you financially if you are found legally responsible for bodily injury or property damage to others. This coverage typically includes legal expenses and medical costs associated with the incident.

Additional Living Expenses:

If your mobile home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss, additional living expenses coverage can provide financial assistance for temporary accommodation, meals, and other necessary expenses while your home is being repaired or rebuilt.

Other Structures:

Mobile home insurance may also cover detached structures on your property, such as sheds, garages, or fences. The coverage amount for other structures is usually a percentage of the dwelling coverage.

Optional Coverages:

Insurance providers may offer additional optional coverages to add to your policy based on your specific needs. These may include coverage for detached structures (such as sheds or garages), sewer backup, identity theft, or specialized coverage for high-value items.

When looking for mobile home insurance in Canada, it’s advised to compare quotes from multiple insurance providers, review policy details carefully, and consider the specific coverage needs of your mobile home. Better still, you can work with a licensed insurance professional to help you find the best insurance for your house.

How To Insure A Mobile Home In Canada

Here are the steps to take to insure a mobile home in Canada.

Step 1: Research Insurance Providers

Start by researching insurance providers that offer mobile home insurance in Canada. Look for reputable companies with experience in providing mobile or manufactured home coverage.

Step 2: Gather Information

Collect important information about your mobile home, such as its size, age, location, and unique features or upgrades. Note any safety features you have installed, such as smoke detectors or security systems.

Step 3: Contact Insurance Companies

Contact insurance companies through their websites or phone to inquire about mobile home insurance coverage. Provide them with the information you gathered in the previous step.

Step 4: Obtain Quotes

Request quotes from multiple insurance companies to compare coverage options and prices. Provide accurate and complete information to ensure accurate quotes.

Step 5: Review Coverage Options

Carefully review the coverage options provided by each insurance company. Consider the coverage limits, deductibles, and any additional optional coverages that may be available. Pay attention to exclusions and limitations as well.

Step 6: Assess Coverage Needs

Evaluate your coverage needs based on the value of your mobile home, its contents, and any liabilities you may have. Determine the level of coverage required to protect your investment adequately.

Step 7: Ask Questions

Don’t hesitate to ask the insurance provider if you have any doubts or questions about the coverage or policy terms. Seek clarification on any areas that are unclear to you.

Step 8: Select a Policy

Once you have compared quotes and coverage options, and considered your specific needs, choose an insurance policy that best suits your requirements and budget.

Step 9: Provide Documentation

After selecting a policy, the insurance company will likely require specific documentation, such as proof of ownership, a copy of the mobile home’s registration, and an inspection of the property.

Step 10: Review the Policy

Carefully review the insurance policy before signing or making any payments.

Ensure that the coverage, deductibles, and premiums align with your expectations.

Step 11: Make Payments

Pay the premium as required by the insurance company. Determine the payment frequency (monthly, quarterly, annually) that works best for you.

Step 12: Maintain Communication

Keep the insurance provider updated on any changes to your mobile home or its contents, such as renovations, additions, or upgrades. Notify them promptly of any changes in your contact information.

The process and requirements may vary slightly between insurance providers, so it’s essential to follow the specific instructions provided by the company you choose to ensure everything is clear.

Types Of Companies That Provide Mobile Homes In Canada

Several insurance companies in Canada offer coverage for mobile or manufactured homes. Here are some companies that provide mobile home insurance in Canada:

Aviva Canada

Aviva offers mobile home insurance coverage tailored specifically for manufactured homes. They are one of the largest insurance companies in Canada that offer several insurance options that other smaller insurers cannot.

Aviva has large financial resources that cover options and are sometimes used to innovate new products, which other companies cannot afford. Aviva is the fourth largest stake in Ontario province and provides insurance services to its residents.

The company offers a standard coverage that covers the mobile home, your belongings, personal liability up to $1 million, detached buildings, and living expenses when your home is rebuilt or repaired.

TD Insurance

TD Insurance offers the mandatory protection you need for your Motorhome and RV, and the coverage varies by province. The insurance covers loss of use, legal liability, loss of extension, RV contents, emergency roadside service, and a clause that waives deductible. Check out TD Insurance in your province to know what your insurance covers and excludes,

Desjardins Insurance

Desjardins Insurance offers mobile home insurance with customizable coverage options. Their policies cover the structure, contents, liability, and additional living expenses in case of a covered loss. Go through the Desjardins site to identify areas covered and exclusions.

Co-operators

Co-operators offer several insurance and financial consulting services throughout

Canada. There is not much information on mobile home coverage in the country. So it is best to contact them directly about their mobile home insurance packages.

You can get a personalized offer on the packages.

Sonnet

Sonnet Insurance company doesn’t offer specific insurance coverage for mobile homes. It allows the insuring of certain mobile homes with standard homeowners insurance if the property meets the following conditions:

• On cement blocks or pillars
• Fully skirted
• Has a civic address

Sonnet does not cover mobile homes in transit, which is a significant disadvantage, especially if you are constantly on the road. Sonnet offers a basic insurance package that covers liability, personal belongings, identity theft, detached and dwelling structures, and many others. You can buy Sonnet insurance in Ontario, Québec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, British Columbia, Alberta, or Prince Edward Island.

Middlesex Mutual Insurance Co.

This insurer helps to provide insurance packages for residents of Ontario as far as your mobile home has an installed central system, is attached to a permanent foundation system, and has a septic tank or sewage system.

The company’s primary insurance package for your mobile property covers the mobile home itself, personal liability, additional buildings (detached garage), water shield protection, and extra living expenses.

Determinants of Mobile Home Insurance Costs

The cost of mobile home insurance can vary based on several determinants. Insurance companies consider these factors when calculating premiums for mobile home insurance. Here are some common determinants that can affect the cost:

1. Age: is a significant determinant of mobile home insurance cost. Most insurers prefer older homes as their high-risk properties.
2. Location: The location of your mobile home plays a significant role in insurance costs. Factors such as the proximity to fire stations, the risk of natural disasters (such as floods or earthquakes), and the crime rate in the area can impact premiums.
3. Replacement Cost: The replacement cost of your mobile home is a crucial factor. Insurance companies consider the value of your home, including its size, construction materials, age, and any upgrades or additions. Higher-value homes typically have higher premiums.
4. Coverage Limits: The coverage limits you choose for your mobile home insurance can affect the cost. Higher coverage limits for the structure, contents, and liability will result in higher premiums.
5. Deductibles: The deductible is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage. Opting for a higher deductible can lower your premiums, but you will be responsible for a larger portion of the claim costs in the event of a loss.
6. Claims History: Insurance companies consider your claims history when determining premiums. If you have a history of multiple claims or significant losses, it may result in higher premiums.
7. Safety Features: Safety features in your mobile home can influence insurance costs. Insurance companies may offer discounts for installing security systems, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, or other safety measures.
8. Credit Score: In some cases, insurance companies may consider your credit score when calculating premiums. A higher credit score is generally associated with lower insurance costs.
9. Discounts: Insurance providers may offer various discounts that can help reduce your mobile home insurance costs. These discounts can be based on factors such as bundling multiple policies, having a claims-free history, or being a member of certain professional organizations.
10. Optional Coverages: Additional optional coverages, such as coverage for detached structures or sewer backup, can increase the overall cost of your mobile home insurance.

It’s important to note that each insurance company may have its rating factors and algorithms for determining premiums. It’s advisable to consult with insurance providers directly or work with a licensed insurance professional to obtain accurate quotes and understand the specific determinants that impact the cost of mobile home insurance in your situation.

How Much Is Mobile Home Insurance?

The cost of mobile home insurance can vary significantly depending on various factors. These factors include the location of the mobile home, its value and size, the coverage limits chosen, the deductible amount, the claims history of the homeowner, and any additional optional coverages. Additionally, different insurance companies may have rating systems and pricing structures.

As a result, it is easier to provide an exact cost for mobile home insurance with specific information about the mobile home and the individual’s circumstances. The best way to determine the cost is to obtain quotes from insurance providers.

By providing details about the mobile home and coverage requirements, insurance companies can offer personalized quotes based on their underwriting guidelines.

However, mobile home insurance can cost between $300 to $1000 a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get insurance for a mobile home that is not permanently attached to a foundation?

Yes, you may be able to obtain insurance for a mobile home that is not permanently attached to a foundation. However, the coverage and costs will depend on various factors such as the location, age of the mobile home, and other underwriting guidelines of the insurance provider.

Is mobile home insurance required by law?

No, there are no legal requirements for mobile home insurance in Ontario. However, if you have a mortgage on your mobile home, the lender may require you to carry insurance as a condition of the loan.

Can I bundle my mobile home insurance with other types of insurance?

Yes, most insurance providers offer discounts for bundling multiple policies such as home and auto insurance. It’s always best to consult with your insurance provider or agent to explore your options and potential savings.

Conclusion

You can choose a suitable insurer for your mobile home with the above information. It is advised to insure your mobile home with insurers that have good ratings. Read the Statement of Disclosure properly before signing into any.