Tiny House Insurance

Insuring a tiny house requires specialized coverage beyond standard homeowners policies. This guide explains RV insurance for THOWs, homeowners coverage for foundation builds, and dedicated tiny house policies with current 2025 costs and providers.

Little Houses for Sale Team•November 16, 2025

TLDR: Tiny House Insurance Overview

RV insurance covers tiny houses on wheels with RVIA or NOAH certification at $800-1,500 annually

Homeowners insurance works for foundation-based tiny houses meeting building codes at $400-1,200 per year

Specialized tiny house insurers offer tailored coverage for both types at competitive rates

Coverage should include structure, liability, contents, and additional living expenses

Certification, location, home value, and intended use significantly impact premium costs

Most lenders, communities, and RV parks require minimum insurance coverage as a condition of financing or occupancy

Average Annual Premium

$600-$1,500

Typical yearly cost for comprehensive tiny house insurance coverage

Insurance costs vary significantly by location, home value, coverage limits, and individual circumstances. Quotes shown reflect 2025 market averages. Always compare multiple providers and read policy details carefully.

Why Tiny Houses Need Specialized Insurance

Standard homeowners insurance policies often exclude or provide inadequate coverage for tiny houses, particularly those on wheels. Insurance companies classify tiny houses differently based on whether they're on permanent foundations or mobile, creating confusion for buyers trying to protect their investment.

A tiny house represents a significant financial investment, typically $30,000-150,000 or more when purchased from professional builders. Without proper insurance, you risk losing your entire investment to fire, storm damage, theft, or liability claims. Most tiny house lenders require insurance as a loan condition, making coverage mandatory for financed purchases.

The good news is that multiple insurance options exist for tiny houses, from RV policies to traditional homeowners coverage to specialized tiny house insurers. Understanding which type of coverage applies to your situation helps you secure appropriate protection at fair rates. Your tiny house type, location, certification status, and intended use all influence insurance requirements and costs.

RV Insurance for Tiny Houses on Wheels

Tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) with RVIA or NOAH certification qualify for RV insurance, which provides comprehensive coverage similar to auto insurance but designed for recreational vehicles and mobile homes.

RV Insurance Typical Coverage (2025)

Annual Premium: $800-1,500 depending on home value and coverage
Liability Coverage: $100,000-1,000,000 options
Structure Coverage: Actual cash value or replacement cost
Personal Property: Contents coverage for belongings inside
Additional Living Expenses: Temporary housing if uninhabitable
Certification Required: RVIA or NOAH for most policies

What RV Insurance Covers

RV insurance protects your tiny house structure against fire, wind, hail, falling objects, and other specified perils. Liability coverage protects you if someone is injured on or in your tiny house, covering medical expenses and legal fees if you're sued. Personal property coverage insures belongings inside your tiny house, from furniture to electronics to clothing.

Comprehensive and collision coverage options protect against theft, vandalism, and damage during transport. Additional living expense coverage pays for temporary housing if your tiny house becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss. Some policies include emergency roadside assistance and towing coverage if your tiny house experiences mechanical issues during transport.

Cost Factors for RV Insurance

Premium costs depend on several factors. Home value directly impacts premiums - a $40,000 tiny house costs less to insure than an $80,000 model. Location matters significantly, with areas prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, or wildfires commanding higher premiums. Certification status affects eligibility and rates, with RVIA or NOAH certification typically required and potentially lowering costs.

Whether your tiny house serves as a primary residence or vacation home influences rates. Primary residences typically cost more to insure but receive more comprehensive coverage. Your claims history, credit score (in states where allowed), and chosen deductible all impact your premium. Higher deductibles ($1,000-2,500) reduce premiums but increase out-of-pocket costs when filing claims.

RV Insurance Providers

Progressive offers RV insurance for certified tiny houses on wheels with competitive rates and extensive coverage options. Good Sam Insurance specializes in RV coverage and works with many tiny house owners. Geico and National General also provide RV insurance that may cover certified THOWs.

When shopping for RV insurance, specifically mention your tiny house is RVIA or NOAH certified and provide documentation. Some agents unfamiliar with tiny houses may initially say no, so persist or contact another representative. Get quotes from at least three providers and compare not just premiums but coverage limits, deductibles, and policy exclusions. Calculate your total tiny house ownership costs including insurance when budgeting.

Homeowners Insurance for Foundation Tiny Houses

Tiny houses on permanent foundations that meet local building codes qualify for traditional homeowners insurance, often at lower rates than RV insurance. This option works best for tiny houses classified as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on owned property.

Homeowners Insurance Typical Coverage (2025)

Annual Premium: $400-1,200 for tiny houses meeting code
Dwelling Coverage: Structure replacement cost
Liability Protection: $100,000-500,000 standard
Personal Property: Usually 50-70% of dwelling coverage
Loss of Use: Temporary housing expenses
Requirements: Permanent foundation, building permits, code compliance

Qualifying for Homeowners Insurance

To qualify for standard homeowners insurance, your tiny house must be on a permanent foundation (concrete slab, pier and beam, basement) and meet local building codes and zoning requirements. You'll need building permits, final inspections showing code compliance, and often minimum square footage thresholds (some insurers require 400+ square feet).

Working with builders who understand local codes streamlines the insurance process. They provide necessary documentation proving your tiny house meets structural, electrical, and plumbing standards. If you're building a tiny house ADU on property with an existing insured home, you may add the tiny house to your current policy rather than securing separate coverage.

Coverage Considerations

Homeowners policies typically provide more comprehensive coverage than RV insurance at lower premiums for foundation homes. Standard policies cover dwelling structure, personal property, liability, medical payments to others, and additional living expenses. Many include coverage for detached structures like sheds or garages on your property.

Replacement cost coverage (versus actual cash value) pays to rebuild your tiny house at current construction costs without depreciation deductions. This costs more in premiums but provides significantly better protection. Flood insurance requires a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or private insurers. Earthquake coverage also requires additional policies in at-risk areas.

Homeowners Insurance Providers

Foremost Insurance specializes in non-standard homes and often covers tiny houses meeting building codes. Homesite (a Homeowners Insurance Group company) offers coverage for smaller dwellings including tiny houses. American Modern and Progressive also write policies for qualifying tiny houses. State Farm and Allstate may cover tiny houses on a case-by-case basis, particularly ADUs on properties with existing coverage. Contact multiple providers and specifically mention your tiny house meets all local building codes with proper permits and final inspections.

Specialized Tiny House Insurance Policies

Several insurance companies now offer policies specifically designed for tiny houses, bridging the gap between RV and homeowners insurance with tailored coverage addressing unique tiny house needs.

Strategic Insurance Agency pioneered tiny house-specific insurance and remains a leading provider. Their policies cover both tiny houses on wheels and foundation builds, certified and non-certified homes, and primary residences or vacation properties. Coverage includes structure, liability, contents, and additional living expenses with premiums typically ranging from $600-1,800 annually.

Specialized policies often provide more flexibility than standard RV or homeowners insurance. They may cover non-certified tiny houses that don't qualify for RV insurance, temporary locations while you search for permanent community placement, and unique features like off-grid systems including solar panels, composting toilets, and rainwater collection.

When comparing specialized tiny house insurance to RV or homeowners policies, evaluate total coverage comprehensiveness, not just premium costs. Some specialized insurers provide better protection for tiny house-specific risks, potentially saving you money if you need to file a claim. Request detailed policy comparisons showing coverage limits, exclusions, deductibles, and claims processes before deciding.

Essential Coverage Types

Comprehensive tiny house insurance should include multiple coverage types protecting your investment, belongings, and liability exposure. Understanding these coverages helps you evaluate policy options and ensure adequate protection.

Structure/Dwelling Coverage

Protects your tiny house structure against fire, wind, hail, lightning, and other covered perils. Choose replacement cost coverage rather than actual cash value to ensure you can rebuild your tiny house at current construction costs without depreciation deductions. Coverage limits should match your tiny house value or replacement cost as estimated by your builder.

Liability Protection

Covers legal expenses and damages if someone is injured on your property or you're found liable for property damage. Minimum coverage of $100,000 is recommended, with $300,000-500,000 providing better protection. Consider umbrella policies for additional liability coverage if you have significant assets to protect.

Personal Property Coverage

Insures belongings inside your tiny house including furniture, electronics, clothing, and appliances. Standard policies typically cover 50-70% of structure value, but you can increase limits. Document valuable items with photos and receipts. Consider scheduled coverage for high-value items like jewelry or electronics exceeding standard limits.

Additional Living Expenses

Pays for temporary housing, meals, and other necessary expenses if your tiny house becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss. This coverage typically lasts 12-24 months or until your tiny house is repaired/rebuilt. Particularly important for full-time tiny house residents who need immediate alternative housing after a loss.

Factors Affecting Insurance Premiums

Multiple factors influence tiny house insurance premiums. Understanding these helps you potentially lower costs and choose coverage that balances protection with affordability.

Location: Geographic area significantly impacts rates. Areas prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, or flooding cost more to insure. Urban areas may have higher theft risks. Some regions have limited tiny house insurance options. If you're flexible on location, research insurance costs as part of your tiny house planning.

Home Value: Higher-value tiny houses cost more to insure. A $40,000 tiny house has lower premiums than a $100,000 luxury model. Ensure your coverage limits match your home's replacement cost using estimates from builders or professional appraisals.

Certification Status: RVIA or NOAH certification for tiny houses on wheels typically qualifies you for RV insurance with competitive rates. Non-certified THOWs face limited options and potentially higher premiums. Building permits and code compliance documentation help foundation tiny houses qualify for standard homeowners rates.

Intended Use: Primary residences versus vacation homes have different risk profiles and costs. Full-time occupancy may increase premiums but provides more comprehensive coverage. Short-term rental use (Airbnb, VRBO) requires additional coverage and increases costs significantly.

Coverage Choices: Your selected deductible, coverage limits, and policy options directly affect premiums. Higher deductibles ($1,000-2,500) lower premiums but increase out-of-pocket costs when filing claims. Replacement cost coverage costs more than actual cash value but provides better protection. Calculate total costs using our cost calculator to ensure insurance fits your budget.

Claims History and Credit: Your personal claims history over the past 3-7 years affects eligibility and rates. Multiple claims or certain claim types may disqualify you from some insurers. In most states, insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores to assess risk and determine premiums. Maintaining good credit can significantly lower your insurance costs.

How to Get Tiny House Insurance

Securing tiny house insurance requires preparation and patience. Follow these steps to find appropriate coverage at competitive rates.

Steps to Secure Coverage

Gather Documentation: RVIA/NOAH certification (for THOWs), building permits and final inspections (for foundation homes), photos of your tiny house exterior and interior, builder specifications and materials list
Determine Your Home Value: Use builder quotes, professional appraisals, or comparable sales for accurate replacement cost estimates
Research Providers: Start with specialized tiny house insurers like Strategic Insurance, then try RV insurers (Progressive, Good Sam, Geico) or homeowners carriers (Foremost, Homesite, American Modern)
Request Multiple Quotes: Get quotes from at least 3-5 providers comparing premiums, coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions
Ask Specific Questions: Confirm coverage for your tiny house type, clarify any exclusions or limitations, verify claims process and customer service reputation
Review Policies Carefully: Read full policy documents before purchasing, understand what's covered and excluded, note deductibles and coverage limits

If initial providers decline coverage, don't give up. Work with independent insurance agents who can access multiple carriers. Some agents specialize in hard-to-place properties including tiny houses. Explain your situation clearly, emphasizing any positive factors like certification, code compliance, safety features, or location in a well-established tiny house community.

Budget for insurance as part of your total tiny house financing plan. Include annual premiums in your affordability calculations alongside loan payments, taxes, and maintenance costs. Most lenders require proof of insurance before funding your loan, so start the insurance process early in your buying timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does tiny house insurance cost?

Tiny house insurance costs vary by type and coverage. RV insurance for tiny houses on wheels typically runs $800-1,500 annually. Homeowners insurance for foundation-based tiny houses costs $400-1,200 yearly. Specialized tiny house policies range from $600-1,800 per year. Factors affecting premiums include location, home value, certification status, coverage limits, and whether it's your primary residence or vacation property.

Can I insure a tiny house on wheels?

Yes, tiny houses on wheels can be insured through RV insurance if they meet RVIA or NOAH certification standards, or through specialized tiny house insurance companies. Standard homeowners policies typically won't cover THOWs. Providers like Progressive, Good Sam, and Strategic Insurance Agency offer coverage for certified tiny houses on wheels with liability, structure, and contents protection.

What does tiny house insurance cover?

Comprehensive tiny house insurance covers structure damage from fire, wind, hail, and other perils, liability protection if someone is injured on your property, personal property inside the home, and additional living expenses if your tiny house becomes uninhabitable. Optional coverages include replacement cost (versus actual cash value), flood insurance, earthquake protection, and coverage for off-grid systems like solar panels.

Do I need special certification for tiny house insurance?

RVIA or NOAH certification significantly improves insurance options and often lowers premiums for tiny houses on wheels. Many insurers require certification for RV-style policies. Foundation-based tiny houses need proper building permits and code compliance documentation. Working with builders who provide certification streamlines the insurance process and often qualifies you for better rates and more comprehensive coverage options.

Which insurance companies cover tiny houses?

Several insurers specialize in or accommodate tiny houses. Strategic Insurance Agency offers dedicated tiny house policies. Progressive and Geico provide RV insurance for certified THOWs. Foremost, Homesite, and American Modern cover foundation-based tiny houses through homeowners policies. State Farm and Allstate may cover tiny houses on a case-by-case basis. Always work with agents experienced in tiny house insurance.

Is tiny house insurance required?

Insurance requirements depend on your situation. Lenders require insurance if you have a loan or mortgage. Communities and RV parks typically mandate minimum liability coverage. Even if not legally required, insurance protects your significant investment from fire, weather damage, theft, and liability claims. Given that tiny houses represent $30,000-150,000+ investments shown in our cost breakdown, insurance provides crucial financial protection.