Little Home Insurance — What You Need to Know
Buying and insuring a little home is a smart step toward protecting your investment. Small or little homes often fall into a unique insurance category that doesn’t fit neatly under traditional homeowners' insurance, making it important to understand your options and choose the right coverage to protect your home, belongings, and liability.
Why Little Home Insurance Is Different
Standard homeowners insurance is designed for traditional houses built on permanent foundations that meet local building codes. Many little homes are smaller than what some insurers consider a traditional residence or are mounted on wheels, meaning they don’t automatically qualify for standard policies.
Because of this:
- Little homes on wheels will need RV‑style or specialty tiny home insurance rather than a standard homeowners policy and will need to be certified by organizations like RVIA or NOAH.
Typical Coverage Options for Tiny Homes
A well‑structured tiny home insurance policy will protect you in several key areas:
- Dwelling Coverage
Protects the structure itself if it is damaged by covered events like fire, wind, or hail. This is similar to traditional home insurance but scaled to the lower replacement cost of a little home. - Personal Property Coverage
Covers belongings inside your tiny home: furniture, appliances, electronics, clothing, and more. Replacement cost coverage is often better than actual cash value, which factors in depreciation. - Liability Insurance
Protects you if someone is injured on your property and sues for medical costs or damages. - Trip Endorsements / Transit Coverage
If your little home will be moved or traveled with (especially for small homes on wheels), this optional add‑on covers damage during transit. - Theft and Vandalism
Helps cover stolen or damaged belongings, both inside and outside the home. - Additional Living Expenses
If a covered loss makes your tiny home uninhabitable, this helps pay for temporary lodging.
Popular Tiny or Little Home Insurance Providers
Here are several insurance companies and programs that specialize in or offer coverage suitable for tiny homes:
American Modern
Offers dedicated tiny/little home insurance options, including trip collision coverage for homes on wheels and coverage for both mobile and stationary tiny homes.
Foremost Insurance Group
Known for flexible tiny/ little home and manufactured home policies. Offers contents, dwelling, and bundled discounts, often with options for RVIA or NOAH‑certified homes.
American Family Insurance
Provides customizable policies tailored to tiny homes on wheels or stationary foundations, often with replacement cost and multi‑policy discount options.
State Farm
Best known for traditional home insurance, State Farm can cover permanent foundation tiny homes similarly to standard dwellings, with local agents helping navigate classification.
Progressive
Offers insurance for certain factory‑built tiny homes and THOWs through mobile/manufactured home policies, though DIY builds may not qualify.
Strategic Insurance Agency
Specializes in little/tiny home policies that don’t require certification, making them a strong option for DIY or custom tiny homes.
GEICO (Partner Network)
Through partnerships with specialty underwriters, GEICO can provide affordable little/tiny home insurance with basic dwelling and contents coverage.
Key Considerations When Choosing Coverage
Classification Matters — Your little/tiny home’s classification (RV, manufactured home, or traditional dwelling) influences which coverages are available and at what cost.
Foundation & Local Codes — Permanently installed little/tiny homes that meet local building codes are easier to insure through standard dwelling policies with liability and contents coverage.
Mobile vs. Stationary — Homes on wheels typically require policies that cover both dwelling and transit risks, whereas stationary homes focus more on dwelling, property, and liability coverage.
Certifications — RVIA and NOAH certifications may make it easier to qualify for certain insurers or add transit coverage options.
Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value — Policies that offer replacement cost coverage will reimburse enough to rebuild your tiny/little home, while actual cash value may only pay what the home is worth after depreciation.
Tips for Lowering Premiums and Getting the Best Coverage
- Bundle Policies: Combining tiny/little home insurance with auto or other coverage often reduces premiums.
- Work With an Independent Agent: They can shop multiple carriers to find tailored solutions.
- Document Your Home: Keep records of construction details, certifications, and an inventory of belongings to streamline claims.
- Consider Local Risk Factors: Areas prone to hurricanes, wildfires, or floods might require supplemental coverage beyond a basic policy.
Final Thought
Ensuring a little or tiny home isn’t just about protecting the structure; it’s about safeguarding your lifestyle, belongings, and peace of mind. With the right policy, you can enjoy small home living knowing you have coverage that reflects the unique nature of your dwelling and protects you whether it’s stationary, mobile, or part of your everyday life.
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