Tiny House Insurance in 2026: What's Covered and What Isn't

Getting the right insurance for a tiny house can feel confusing. Standard homeowners insurance won't work for most tiny homes, and finding the right coverage takes some research. This guide explains what tiny house insurance covers, what it doesn't cover, and how to protect your investment properly in 2026.

Little Houses for Sale Team•November 22, 2025

Quick Summary: Tiny House Insurance Coverage

Tiny houses need specialized insurance - regular homeowners policies won't work for most tiny homes

Coverage includes dwelling protection ($25,000-$150,000), personal property, and liability coverage

Common exclusions include floods, earthquakes, maintenance issues, pest damage, and business liability

RVIA or NOAH certification makes getting insurance much easier and often cheaper

Annual costs typically run $500-$1,500 depending on home value, type, and location

Insurance requirements and coverage options vary by insurer and state. Always review policy details carefully and consult with insurance professionals before purchasing.

Why Tiny Houses Need Special Insurance

Regular homeowners insurance doesn't work for tiny houses. Insurance companies designed those policies for traditional homes built on permanent foundations following standard building codes. Tiny houses are different. They're smaller, often mobile, and built using unique methods. This creates gaps in coverage that leave tiny homeowners unprotected.

Foundation-based tiny homes face one set of challenges. Mobile tiny houses on wheels face completely different issues. According to Progressive Insurance, many standard policies specifically exclude manufactured or mobile homes under 400 square feet. You need specialized coverage that understands tiny house construction and lifestyle. Before shopping for insurance, make sure you understand the total cost of tiny house ownership, including insurance premiums.

The good news is that insurance companies have created policies specifically for tiny homes. These policies account for the unique risks and provide proper protection. Understanding what's covered and what's not helps you pick the right policy for your situation. Check our comprehensive insurance hub for more detailed guidance on protecting your tiny home investment.

What Tiny House Insurance Covers

Tiny house insurance policies protect your home and belongings from specific risks. Understanding these coverages helps you know what protection you're paying for.

Dwelling Coverage (Coverage A)

This covers the physical structure of your tiny house. If fire, wind, hail, or other covered events damage your home, this pays for repairs or rebuilding. Coverage limits range from $25,000 to $150,000 based on your home's value.

What it protects: Walls, roof, floors, built-in fixtures, and attached structures

Typical limits: Match your home's replacement cost or purchase price

Important: Foundation-based homes typically need higher limits than mobile homes

Personal Property Coverage (Coverage C)

Your belongings inside the tiny house get protection too. Furniture, clothes, electronics, and personal items are covered if they're damaged or stolen. According to Tiny House Insurance Info, most policies offer theft coverage up to $3,000 for personal property.

What it protects: Furniture, appliances, clothing, electronics, and personal items

Typical limits: 50-70% of dwelling coverage amount

Special items: Jewelry and expensive electronics may need additional riders

Liability Protection

This coverage protects you if someone gets hurt on your property or you accidentally damage someone else's property. It covers medical bills, legal fees, and settlements. This protection is crucial whether you own your land or rent a spot in an RV park.

What it protects: Legal costs if someone sues after getting injured at your home

Typical limits: $100,000 to $500,000 per incident

Covers: Medical payments, legal defense, and court settlements

Other Structures (Coverage B)

Structures not attached to your tiny house can be covered separately. This includes solar panel arrays, storage sheds, decks, and fences. The Tiny Home Industry Association notes coverage limits can reach $50,000 for additional structures.

What it protects: Detached solar panels, sheds, decks, and fencing

Typical limits: 10-20% of dwelling coverage

Note: Attached structures usually fall under dwelling coverage

Trip Endorsement (For Mobile Homes)

If you have a tiny house on wheels, trip endorsement covers damage during moves. This optional coverage protects against accidents while towing, flat tires causing damage, or weather events during transit.

What it protects: Damage during towing and transportation

Who needs it: Anyone who moves their tiny house regularly

Cost: Usually adds $50-$200 annually to your premium

Common Exclusions and What's Not Covered

Understanding what tiny house insurance doesn't cover is just as important as knowing what it does cover. These exclusions are standard across most policies, but they can catch you off guard if you don't plan ahead.

Natural Disasters

Standard policies typically exclude floods, earthquakes, and mudslides. According to InsuredBetter, you need separate flood insurance if you're in a flood zone and earthquake coverage if you're in a high-risk area. These add $400-$2,000 annually to your insurance costs.

Maintenance and Wear Issues

Damage from neglect, regular wear and tear, or deferred maintenance isn't covered. If your roof leaks because you didn't replace worn shingles, insurance won't pay. Keep up with regular maintenance and document it. This protects you if maintenance-related damage leads to a bigger problem that is covered.

Pest Damage and Infestations

Termites, rodents, and other pest damage are excluded from coverage. Preventing pest problems is your responsibility. Use proper building materials, seal entry points, and address any signs of infestation quickly. Small homes are particularly vulnerable to pest issues because one infestation can affect the entire structure.

Business Liability

If you run a business from your tiny house, standard policies won't cover business-related liability. You need separate business insurance or a special rider. This includes Airbnb rentals, home-based businesses, or any commercial activity. Don't assume your regular policy covers business risks.

Intentional Damage and Illegal Activity

Any damage you cause on purpose or damage that happens during illegal activities isn't covered. This seems obvious, but it's important to understand. If someone uses your tiny house for illegal purposes without your knowledge, you could still face coverage issues.

Read your policy carefully and ask questions about exclusions. Understanding what's not covered helps you decide if you need additional policies or riders to fill gaps in coverage.

Why RVIA and NOAH Certification Matters

Getting insurance for a tiny house is much easier with proper certification. Insurance companies trust homes certified by recognized organizations because certification proves the home meets safety and construction standards.

RVIA Certification

The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) certifies tiny houses on wheels that meet RV construction standards. These homes are insured like RVs, which makes coverage straightforward and often less expensive.

Makes insurance shopping much easier
Often results in lower premiums ($500-$1,000 annually)
Recognized by all major RV insurers
Required by many RV parks and campgrounds

NOAH Certification

The National Organization for Alternative Housing (NOAH) certifies tiny houses built to residential standards rather than RV standards. This certification works better for permanent or semi-permanent installations.

Better for foundation-based tiny homes
Proves compliance with residential building codes
May qualify for traditional homeowners insurance
Helps with local permitting and zoning compliance

Self-built tiny houses without certification face bigger insurance challenges. Some insurers won't cover uncertified homes at all. Others charge much higher premiums because they can't verify construction quality. If you're building your own tiny house, consider working with a certified inspector or getting certification after completion.

How to Get the Right Coverage

Finding insurance for your tiny house takes research and planning. Follow these steps to get proper coverage at a fair price.

1. Determine Your Home Type

Is your tiny house on a permanent foundation or on wheels? Foundation-based homes typically need specialty dwelling policies. Tiny houses on wheels usually need RV or manufactured home insurance. Your foundation type determines which insurance companies can help you.

2. Get Certification If Possible

RVIA or NOAH certification opens up more insurance options and often lowers your premiums. If you're buying from a certified builder, ask if the home comes certified. If you're building yourself, research certification requirements early in the process.

3. Document Everything

Keep records of construction costs, materials, photos during building, and receipts for major components. This documentation helps establish your home's value and proves quality construction. Use our cost breakdown guide to track expenses accurately. It makes the insurance application process much smoother.

4. Shop Multiple Companies

Not all insurance companies understand tiny houses. Get quotes from at least 3-5 insurers who specialize in tiny homes, RVs, or manufactured housing. Compare coverage limits, exclusions, and deductibles carefully, not just prices.

5. Consider Your Actual Risks

Think about where you'll place your tiny house and how you'll use it. If you're in a flood zone, you need flood insurance. If you'll move frequently, get trip endorsement. If you'll rent it out, get appropriate liability coverage. Your lifestyle determines which coverage options matter most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need special insurance for a tiny house?

Yes, tiny houses require specialized insurance. Tiny houses on foundations can often use specialty dwelling policies similar to regular homeowners insurance. Tiny houses on wheels typically need RV or mobile home insurance. Standard homeowners policies usually don't cover tiny homes properly due to their unique construction and mobile nature.

What does tiny house insurance typically cover?

Tiny house insurance typically covers the dwelling structure ($25,000-$150,000 limits), personal belongings inside, liability if someone gets hurt on your property, and optional coverage for other structures like decks or solar panels. For mobile tiny homes, you can add trip endorsement to cover damage during moves.

What isn't covered by tiny house insurance?

Most policies exclude floods, earthquakes, and mudslides (requiring separate coverage), maintenance issues and wear and tear, pest damage from termites or rodents, and business liability if you run a company from your tiny house. These exclusions are standard across most insurers.

How much does tiny house insurance cost?

Tiny house insurance costs between $500 and $1,500 per year on average. Foundation-based tiny homes typically cost more ($800-$1,500 annually) while tiny houses on wheels cost less ($500-$1,000 annually). Your actual cost depends on home value, location, coverage limits, and whether you have RVIA or NOAH certification.

Do I need RVIA or NOAH certification to get insurance?

Many insurers strongly prefer or require RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) or NOAH (National Organization for Alternative Housing) certification. Certified tiny homes are easier to insure and often get better rates. Self-built homes without certification may struggle to find coverage or pay higher premiums.

Final Tips for Protecting Your Tiny House

Protecting your tiny house investment requires proper insurance and smart planning. Start shopping for insurance early in your tiny house journey, before you commit to a purchase or start building. This helps you understand costs and requirements upfront. Factor insurance costs into your total budget planning from day one.

Read policy documents carefully before signing. Pay special attention to coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions. Ask questions about anything that's unclear. Insurance agents should explain coverage in simple terms you understand. Our insurance resource center provides detailed comparisons of policy types.

Consider working with an insurance agent who specializes in tiny homes, RVs, or alternative housing. These specialists understand unique tiny house challenges and can recommend appropriate coverage. They often have access to specialty insurers that regular agents don't know about. When shopping for coverage, also review local zoning requirements since they affect insurance eligibility.

Review your coverage annually. As your tiny house ages and as you add improvements, your insurance needs change. Make sure your coverage limits still reflect your home's actual value. Update your policy when you make major changes like adding solar panels or building a deck. Learn more about solar power systems and their insurance implications.

For more information about tiny house ownership, explore our complete financing hub to understand loan options, tax implications, and available grants. Use our cost calculator to estimate total ownership costs including insurance. Ready to find your tiny house? Browse our current listings or connect with certified builders.