Mobile Home vs Manufactured Home vs Modular Home
Key Takeaways
The Difference Between Mobile and Manufactured Is Just the Date
Both mobile homes and manufactured homes are factory-built, regulated by HUD, and may sit on metal frames with tie-downs instead of permanent foundations. The only distinction is when they were built: before June 15, 1976, it's a mobile home; after that date, it's a manufactured home. Both require mobile home insurance.
Modular Homes Need Standard Homeowners Insurance
Modular homes are also factory-built, but they follow local and state building codes rather than HUD standards. They're typically delivered in two or more pieces, built on crawlspaces or basements, and resemble traditional stick-built homes. Because of these differences, modular homes qualify for a standard homeowners policy, not a mobile home policy.
Check for a Tag If You're Not Sure
Mobile and manufactured homes typically carry a tag that requires annual renewal because the home can be moved or relocated. If your home has one, you need mobile home insurance. If it doesn't, it's likely a modular home and needs a standard homeowners policy.
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.
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