Tiny House Insurance

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.