Tiny Home Insurance: A Quick Guide for Minimalist Living

Tiny homes have gained popularity in recent years as a versatile and affordable housing option. If you're considering joining the tiny home movement, it's essential to think about insurance for your new abode.

Just like any other dwelling, tiny homes need protection from potential risks such as theft, damage, and liability issues.

There are a number of ways to save on your tiny house insurance cost.

Typically, tiny homes range between 100 and 400 square feet (30 x 120 metres) and can be built on mobile foundations like RVs or permanent, solid foundations.

The type of insurance policy you'll need for your tiny home depends on its construction and usage. There are specialty insurers for tiny houses, but you can also explore RV or manufactured home insurance policies from traditional home insurance companies.

As a tiny homeowner, keep in mind that standard home insurance policies may not cover your unique needs. You'll want to seek coverage specific to tiny homes to ensure you have comprehensive protection.

So, as you embark on your journey to tiny living, remember to research and compare insurance options tailored to your lifestyle.

Understanding Tiny Home Insurance

Tiny Home Insurance vs Homeowners Insurance

As a tiny home owner, you might wonder how tiny home insurance differs from traditional homeowners insurance.

Homeowners insurance typically covers standard-sized homes, but it may not be the best fit for your tiny house.

Tiny home insurance is specifically tailored to the unique risks and needs associated with tiny houses. These policies may provide more accurate coverage limits and cater to the specific construction and use of tiny homes.

Importance of an Insurance Policy for Tiny Houses

Insurance policies play a crucial role in safeguarding your investment.

When it comes to tiny homes, you have a lot to lose if something were to happen. Just like traditional homes, tiny houses face various risks, such as theft, fire, or natural disasters.

Securing an insurance policy specifically designed for tiny homes can help protect you from these uncertainties.

Insurance Coverage Types

There are several coverage options available for tiny home insurance. Some key coverages you may want to consider for your tiny house include:

-- Dwelling coverage: This provides protection for the structure of your tiny home. For example, if your home sustains damage due to a fire or storm, dwelling coverage can help with the repair or replacement costs.

-- Personal property coverage: This protects your belongings inside the tiny house. Items such as clothing, furniture, and appliances can be covered if they are damaged, destroyed, or stolen.

-- Theft coverage: This specifically covers your tiny house and belongings in case of theft. It can help replace your possessions or repair any damage resulting from a break-in.

-- Liability coverage: Protecting yourself from liability is essential. If someone gets injured on your property or you unintentionally cause harm to another person or their property, liability coverage can help cover any potential legal expenses and medical payments.

-- Medical payments coverage: This can help pay for the medical expenses of someone who is injured on your property, regardless of fault.

Keep in mind that every insurance policy is different, and it is essential to carefully review your options to ensure you have the right coverage for your unique tiny home needs.

Eligibility and Requirements

replacement cost coverage for tiny house

Replacement cost coverage can give you peace of mind knowing that you can be reimbursed.

Certification and Standards

When it comes to insuring your tiny home, different insurance providers and states may have varying requirements.

One common thing that insurers look for is certification from a recognised organisation, such as the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) or the National Organization for Alternative Housing (NOAH).

For example, to qualify for RV insurance, your tiny house must meet the standards set by RVIA. On the other hand, if you are considering insuring your tiny home through Progressive, they require the tiny home to be factory-constructed and prefer certification from NOAH. Self-constructed units may not be eligible.

If you're working with a NOAH-certified builder, you can rest assured that your tiny house is built to meet their standards, making it easier to find an insurer willing to provide coverage.

Tiny House on Wheels vs. Mobile Tiny Homes

The type of tiny home you own also influences the insurance options available to you. Tiny houses on wheels (THOW) and mobile tiny homes come with unique considerations.

Tiny houses on wheels are especially vulnerable as they are exposed to theft and more wear-and-tear while moving than a stationary tiny house. For this reason, insurers may have specific coverage requirements for THOW. In any case, insuring a THOW will protect your investment in the event of theft or damages caused by wear and tear.

Mobile tiny homes are smaller dwellings that may be built on trailers or other mobile platforms. These types of homes may be subject to different regulations depending on the state. It's essential to check with your state’s requirements and find an insurance provider that offers adequate coverage for your mobile tiny home.

In summary, eligibility and requirements for insuring your tiny home will depend on factors like certification, building standards, and the specific type of tiny house you own.

Note: In Australia it may be a little different... when I requested an insurance quote for my own tiny house they asked for weight, dimensions (height, length etc), manufacturer, build date and value.

Insurance Costs and Premiums

Make sure to get at least 3 quotes when you're looking for insurance for tiny homes.

Determining Insurance Value

When it comes to tiny home insurance, it's essential to understand the value of your tiny house. The value plays a significant role in determining your insurance premiums.

Typically, the higher the value, the higher your premiums will be. To evaluate the value of your tiny house, consider factors such as the size, design, and materials used.

Here's a quick breakdown of the tiny home insurance premium estimates:

Size Range Estimated	Annual Premiums
Small	$489 - $584
Medium	$645 - $789
Large	$852 and up

Remember, these estimates are based on a range of factors, so it's important to reach out to insurance providers for personalised quotes.

Factors Affecting Premiums

Various factors can affect your tiny home insurance premiums. Here are some elements that can influence your rates:

-- Deductible: A higher deductible (sometimes called an Excess) usually results in a lower premium. However, you must be prepared to cover the larger portion of the claim if needed.

-- Discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts if you bundle your tiny house insurance with other policies, such as auto or renters insurance.

-- Claims history: Your past insurance claims history can impact your premiums. If you've made fewer claims or have a clean record, you may be eligible for lower rates.

-- Size: Larger tiny homes often command higher premiums due to their higher replacement value.

-- Design and materials: Custom designs and unique or expensive materials can result in higher replacement costs and, consequently, higher premiums.

Coverage Details

A vacation tiny house needs insurance coverage too.

Liability and Property Coverage

When you insure your tiny home, two important aspects to consider are liability coverage and property coverage.

Liability coverage protects you if someone gets injured on your property or if you cause damage to someone else's property. It can cover medical bills, legal fees, and other damages.

On the other hand, property coverage is essential to protect your tiny home and its contents from various risks.

Personal property coverage is a part of property coverage that specifically caters to items within the home, like furniture, appliances, and electronics. If a covered event damages these items, the insurance will help replace or repair them.

Protection Against Perils

Tiny home insurance policies protect against various perils that can damage your home. Here's a list of some common perils:

-- Fire and smoke damage.

-- Theft or burglary.

-- Collision with vehicles or other objects.

-- Natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes.

-- Wildfires, which can cause severe destruction.

-- Falling objects like tree branches.

-- Flooding, which might require separate flood insurance.

It is crucial to understand the specific perils covered by your policy so you can get adequate protection for your tiny home.

Additional Coverage Options

In addition to the primary coverages mentioned above, there are different add-ons to consider enhancing your tiny home insurance policy:

-- Detached structures coverage: This protects structures on your property that aren't attached to your tiny home, like sheds, solar panel trailers, or detached garages.

-- Personal property coverage: This option increases the coverage limits for your personal property within the tiny home beyond the standard amount provided by the policy.

-- Trip collision coverage: If you have a mobile tiny home, this add-on covers damages resulting from collisions while your tiny home is being towed.

Make sure you customise your insurance policy to meet your individual needs. Each unique coverage will give you peace of mind knowing that your tiny home is adequately protected.

Choosing the Right Insurer

Selecting the right insurer is crucial for safeguarding your assets and financial well-being.

When it comes to insuring your tiny home, it is essential to find the right insurer that fits your needs. In this section, we'll discuss how to compare various tiny house insurance companies and the importance of considering their ratings and reviews.

Comparing Small House Insurance Companies

While searching for the best insurer for your tiny house, keep in mind that some companies cater to specific types of tiny homes. Insurer recommendations can vary depending on whether your tiny house is stationary or on wheels.

Some other notable insurers are (for Australia): NRMA, Elders, Honey Insurance, CIL, MHIA and for the USA: Allstate (have a manufactured / mobile home insurance), Liberty Mutual, Geico, and State Farm.

Note: I am currently in the process of getting quotes from Honey Insurance, Elders, NRMA and others. CIL have already quoted me A$144.00 per month. (Too much?)

When comparing your options, consider the following aspects:

-- Coverage: Evaluate what types of coverage each insurer offers and ensure they address your particular needs, such as liability, personal property, and protection while in transit.

-- Pricing: Tiny home insurance premiums can vary between companies, so it's essential to compare rates to find a balance between affordability and quality coverage.

-- Restrictions: Some insurers might have specific restrictions on the types of tiny homes they insure or the geographical areas they serve.

Insurance Company Ratings and Reviews

Once you've narrowed down your options, it's important to look at the financial strength and reputation of the insurance companies. Check their (for USA) AM Best rating, which indicates their financial stability and ability to pay claims.

Additionally, read customer reviews and testimonials to get a better understanding of their overall satisfaction with the insurer's services.

Keep in mind that while American Modern and Strategic Insurance Agency might not be as well-known as some of the bigger names, their specialised services for tiny homes could make them an ideal choice.

In summary, securing the right insurer for your tiny house may involve thorough research, comparing various coverage options, costs, and limitations. To guarantee financial stability and a positive reputation, always scrutinise insurer ratings and reviews.

Insurers we've asked in Australia

Insurance Companies	Insures tiny homes?
CIL Caravan and RV	YES
Honey Insurance	NO
Ballina Insurance Brokers	NO
YOUI	NO
QBE	NO
Benjamin and Benjamin	NO
Elders Insurance	Nothing about tiny homes on website

Update FEB 2024: Can a tiny house be insured? Er, kind of! Above is a list of insurers I have asked regarding insuring my Hangan tiny home. So far, only one has said yes!

Frequently Asked Questions

What options are available for tiny home insurance?

There are several options available for insuring your tiny home. Some tiny homes may not qualify for standard home insurance policies, so you might need to seek a specialty insurer for tiny houses or consider an RV or manufactured home insurance policy through a traditional home insurance company.

How does the insurance process differ for stationary versus mobile tiny homes?

Insurance for stationary tiny homes usually resembles traditional home insurance, covering the structure and contents. Mobile tiny homes, on the other hand, may require a combination of home and auto insurance or an RV insurance policy. This accounts for potential risks during transport and may require additional certifications, depending on the insurer.

Can you recommend some reputable companies that offer tiny home insurance?

Some reputable companies providing tiny home insurance are Strategic Insurance Agency, which specialises in tiny homes, and American Modern, which offers tiny home insurance as a part of their standard coverage. Make sure to research multiple providers and compare their offerings to find the best fit for your needs.

What are the most critical factors insurers consider when providing coverage for tiny homes?

Insurers often consider factors such as the size and type of tiny home, its construction materials, its location, and whether it is stationary or mobile. Additionally, legal considerations like local zoning laws and building codes play a crucial role in determining coverage options.

How does location affect tiny home insurance policies?

Different states have varying regulations, building codes, and zoning laws, which can affect insurance policies for tiny homes. For example, areas prone to natural disasters or with strict building codes may have higher premiums or require specialised coverages.

Are there any specialised coverages recommended for tiny home owners?

Depending on your needs and the specifics of your tiny home, you may want to consider additional coverages. Some of these include personal property protection, liability coverage, or coverage for unique risks such as natural disasters or instances where your tiny home may act as a rental property. Always consult with your insurance provider to determine the best options for your particular situation.