Manufactured Housing News

When it comes to protecting your manufactured home, having the right insurance policy is crucial. While most homeowners know the importance of insuring the main house, many overlook the role of attached structures like decks, carports, and garages. These features not only enhance your living space but also affect your insurance coverage and premiums. With Triad, explore how attached structures are factored into manufactured home insurance policies and why they deserve your attention.

What Are Attached Structures?

Attached structures refer to any permanent or semi-permanent additions that are physically connected to your manufactured home. Common examples include:

• Decks and porches: Outdoor spaces for relaxation and entertainment.
• Carports and garages: Structures providing covered parking or storage.
• Sunrooms or enclosed patios: Extensions to the living space.
• Add-ons or expansions: Extra rooms or extensions that increase square footage.

While these structures add functionality and value to your home, they also introduce additional risks and liabilities, making it important to address them in your insurance policy.

How Attached Structures Impact Insurance Policies

Increased Replacement Costs

Attached structures raise the overall replacement cost of your property. In the event of damage caused by fire, severe weather, or other covered events, your insurance will need to account for repairing or replacing these additions. Ensuring your policy reflects the full value of your home and its attachments is critical to avoid being underinsured.

Coverage Inclusions

Most manufactured home insurance policies automatically include coverage for attached structures. However, the level of coverage can vary significantly between insurers. Some policies may only cover structures that meet specific criteria, such as being permanently affixed or made from certain materials. Reviewing your policy details ensures all eligible structures are protected.

Liability Considerations

Attached structures, especially decks and porches, can increase your liability exposure. For example, if a guest is injured on your deck, your insurance policy's liability coverage would typically handle medical expenses or legal costs. It's important to verify that your policy includes good liability protection to cover potential risks.

Weather and Regional Risks

The materials and design of attached structures can make them more vulnerable to specific weather events. In regions prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, or heavy snow, structures like carports or sunrooms may require additional coverage or specific endorsements. Insurers often assess these risks when determining premiums, so it’s wise to ensure that your policy aligns with local environmental factors.

Why Attached Structures Matter

Ignoring attached structures in your insurance policy can lead to major financial risks. For example, if a storm damages both your manufactured home and its attached garage, failing to account for the garage in your policy could result in out-of-pocket expenses. And liability claims that result from injuries on a poorly maintained deck could exceed the limits of your coverage, leaving you vulnerable to lawsuits.

Attached structures are important for your property’s functionality and value. Whether they’re designed for practicality, aesthetics, or additional living space, they deserve the same level of protection as the rest of your home.

By understanding how these additions affect your policy and taking steps to make sure you have good coverage, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is fully protected.

From garages to sunrooms, these features are more than just add-ons—they’re investments worth protecting. Be proactive in discussing your needs with your manufactured home insurer and review your policy regularly to make sure that both your home and its attached structures are covered against life’s uncertainties.