Manufactured Housing News

Mobile homes are a very popular housing option in Florida, offering affordability and flexibility for thousands of residents. However, living in a state prone to hurricanes, flooding, and other natural disasters can make your mobile home insurance premiums higher than in many other parts of the country. For Florida residents, finding ways to lower your mobile home insurance premiums, without losing coverage, is an important balance.

Triad has several strategies to help you lower your insurance premiums while maintaining the level of protection your home needs.

1. Shop Around & Compare Quotes

The first step to lowering your mobile home insurance premiums in Florida is to compare quotes from different insurers. Every mobile home insurance company calculates their premiums differently, taking into account factors like the location of your home, its age, and the risk of weather-related damage.

By shopping around, you can find an insurer offering more competitive rates. Keep in mind that lower premiums don’t always mean better coverage, so make sure to compare policies not just on cost, but also on what’s covered. Getting quotes from multiple companies will help you to weigh your options and maybe even negotiate a better deal with your chosen provider.

2. Improve Your Home’s Security

One factor that insurance companies look at when determining your premium is the level of security your home has. A well-protected home is less likely to be robbed or vandalized, which means less risk for the company.

Think about installing some extra safety and security features like:

• Burglar alarms: Preventing theft can lead to lower premiums, as insurance companies often reward homeowners who have security systems.
• Cameras: Security cameras around the perimeter of your home can help discourage crime, and having footage of an incident after the fact will help with any claims you need to make.
• Storm shutters: Florida is susceptible to hurricanes, and installing storm shutters or hurricane-resistant windows can lower your insurance premiums. These upgrades make your home stronger against weather damage, reducing the likelihood of costly claims. More on this in #4 — making your home more hurricane-resistant.

Insurers may offer discounts for each of these safety features, which can add up to big savings.

3. Make Your Home More Hurricane-Resistant

Because of Florida’s frequent hurricanes, the state’s insurance premiums are higher due to the risk of wind damage. Taking steps to make your mobile home more hurricane-resistant may lead to cheaper premiums. Insurance companies can provide discounts to homeowners who take proactive measures to reduce the risk of storm damage.

Some steps you can take include:

• Tie-downs: Make sure your mobile home is securely anchored. This can protect it from strong winds.
• Reinforced doors and windows: Add reinforced doors and impact-resistant windows to help your home against high winds and debris.
• Windstorm inspections: Some insurers in Florida offer discounts for windstorm mitigation measures, which might require an inspection to verify that your home meets safety standards. If you qualify, this could lead to less costly premiums.

4. Review Your Coverage Limits

While it’s important to make sure your home and belongings are adequately protected, having unnecessary or excessive coverage could be driving up your premiums. Review your policy carefully and decide whether you really need the full extent of your current coverage.

For instance, you might have opted for a higher-than-needed personal property coverage limit when you were first signing up for the policy. If you’ve since sold some of your electronics, furniture, or etc., adjusting your coverage limits could save you money.

5. Ask About Discounts

Many insurance companies offer a variety of discounts that can lower your mobile home insurance premiums in Florida. These discounts might include:

• Senior citizen discounts: Some insurers offer discounts for homeowners over a certain age.
• Claims-free discounts: If you haven’t filed a claim in several years, your insurer may reward you with lower premiums.
• Loyalty discounts: Staying with the same insurance provider for a certain period can sometimes qualify you for loyalty discounts.

Don’t hesitate to ask your insurance provider about available discounts. It’s an easy way to potentially save money on your premiums.

Lowering your mobile home insurance premiums in Florida requires a combination of smart shopping, making your home safer, and reviewing your coverage. By following Triad’s tips, you can reduce your costs while still keeping your home and belongings protected.