Mobile Home vs Manufactured Home vs Modular Home

You may have heard different names used for your mobile home and homes like it over time. To make sure you're getting the most out of a mobile home insurance quote, you'll want to make sure that you're using the most accurate term to describe the type of house you live in.

How your home is classified plays an important role in the type of insurance you need to protect your home and belongings. Before you get a mobile home insurance quote, you should determine if you have a mobile home (which, as explained below may also be called a manufactured home) or a modular home. For a modular home, you need to get a quote for a standard homeowners policy.

What is the Difference Between a Mobile Home vs Manufactured Home?

Manufactured homes and mobile homes are regulated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The only difference between the two types of homes is the date they were built. According to HUD, a factory-built home prior to June 15, 1976, is a mobile home and one built after June 15, 1976, is a manufactured home.

Both manufactured homes and mobile homes have several common traits:

  • Usually built in a factory and taken to the property where they are set up
  • May be built on a metal frame instead of a crawlspace or basement
  • Sometimes have tie downs in place of a permanent foundation

What is the Difference Between a Modular Home vs Mobile Home?

Modular homes and mobile homes are also built in factories and then installed on site. From there the similarities start to fade. Modular homes must follow local building codes in the state and county in which they're installed in. Panelized homes also fall under this category. Modular homes tend to have a few characteristics in common:

  • Often delivered in 2 or more pieces
  • Typically built on crawlspaces or basements
  • Usually look like traditional “stick-built” homes in both size and features

Still not sure about the difference?

Look for a tag. Mobile and manufactured homes typically require a tag with renewal each year because they can be moved or relocated.

Our insurance specialists are also happy to explain the difference between a mobile vs manufactured vs modular home. They will also help you determine what kind of insurance is right for your home. You can reach them at (800) 841-3005.

FAQs about Mobile, Manufactured, and Modular Homes

  • What is a mobile home?

    A mobile home is a prefabricated residence that is built in a factory and transported to a permanent site. They can be portable or have fixed foundations.

  • What is a manufactured home?

    A manufactured home is a prefabricated dwelling constructed in a factory that adheres to federal building standards set by the HUD Code. These homes are transported to a permanent site and can be placed on either a temporary or permanent foundation.

  • What is a modular home?

    A modular home is a prefabricated house constructed in sections (modules) in a factory, which are then transported and assembled on a permanent foundation at the site. They adhere to the same local building codes as site-built homes.

  • Are there insurance differences between mobile, manufactured, and modular homes?

    Yes, there are insurance differences between mobile, manufactured, and modular homes. Mobile and manufactured homes generally require specialized insurance policies due to their construction, transportability, and unique risks. Modular homes, however, are insured similarly to traditional site-built homes because they adhere to local building codes and are permanently affixed to a foundation.

 

Please note:

The above is meant as general information and as general policy descriptions to help you understand the different types of coverages. These descriptions do not refer to any specific contract of insurance and they do not modify any definitions, exclusions or any other provision expressly stated in any contracts of insurance. We encourage you to speak to your insurance representative and to read your policy contract to fully understand your coverages.