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Protect Your Manufactured Home in Sierra Vista, AZ

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The data in the Covertree Resources section is from publicly available sources last updated in December 2022. We provide source links for verification. However, we can’t guarantee accuracy. Rely on this data at your own discretion. For specific advice, consult professionals.

A Guide to Mobile Home Insurance in Sierra Vista, AZ: Costs, Coverage, and Considerations

A Guide to Mobile Home Insurance in Sierra Vista, AZ: Costs, Coverage, and Considerations

Welcome to Sierra Vista, AZ – a vibrant city located 75 miles southeast of Tucson. With a population of nearly 45,000, Sierra Vista serves as the regional center of southeastern Arizona and is home to historic Fort Huachuca. Surrounded by stunning mountain ranges and the picturesque San Pedro River, Sierra Vista enjoys a year-round temperate climate, abundant sunshine, and clean, fresh air.

The city of Sierra Vista has a rich history and has gone through several name changes over the years. Initially known as Buena, it was later named Overton, Garden Canyon, and Fry before finally incorporating as Sierra Vista in 1956. The city has steadily grown over time and now covers more than 130 square miles. Sierra Vista, Arizona, is a nature lover’s paradise surrounded by towering mountains reaching nearly 10,000 feet. Being known as the “Hummingbird Capital of the U.S.,” Sierra Vista is the perfect destination for outdoor exploration and bird watching enthusiasts.

Sierra Vista has a rich history, grown under the protective shadow of neighboring Fort Huachuca during the Apache Wars, and has evolved into a recreational and cultural hub in Cochise County. Flagstaff and Tucson are both within a short drive, giving you proximity to breathtaking national parks, skiing, and the Grand Canyon.

Sierra Vista’s location in the south makes it a major stop for rare birds, and residents and migrating birds can be spotted year-round. The area’s annual Christmas Bird Count regularly records one of the highest tallies of inland species in the nation, making it a must-visit destination for birdwatchers. With a temperate year-round climate, ample sunshine, and clean, fresh air, Sierra Vista is a beautiful and welcoming place.

Sierra Vista is conveniently located just south of Interstate 10, making it easily accessible from nearby cities and states. It is centrally located between California and New Mexico, and within a five-hour drive, you can reach Yuma, Flagstaff, Las Cruces, El Paso, and Hermosillo. Tucson, the metropolitan Phoenix area, and communities in northern Sonora, Mexico, are even closer. Within a 100-mile radius of Sierra Vista, the population exceeds 1.2 million. Within 200 miles, there are 6 million residents, and at the 300-mile mark, the population surpasses 7.8 million. This proximity to a significant number of residents contributes to the area’s economic vitality and opportunities.

Situated at an elevation of 4,623 feet, Sierra Vista offers a temperate four-season climate with plenty of sunshine. The city is surrounded by mountain peaks reaching nearly 10,000 feet, including the Huachuca, Dragoon, Mule, and Whetstone Mountains. The breathtaking scenery, including the nearby Ramsey Canyon Preserve, draws birdwatchers from around the world, and outdoor enthusiasts can explore the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, Coronado National Memorial, Chiricahua National Monument, Madera Canyon, and Kartchner Caverns State Park.

Sierra Vista is home to Fort Huachuca, a significant U.S. Army installation and one of the largest employers in Arizona. The military base creates numerous professional, scientific, and technical services jobs, contributing to the city’s economy and diversity. Sierra Vista and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of recreational opportunities, cultural experiences, and a growing community. Whether you’re interested in exploring the stunning natural landscapes, immersing yourself in history, or taking advantage of the city’s amenities and events, Sierra Vista is a welcoming destination with something for everyone.

Understanding Mobile Home Insurance in Arizona

Understanding Mobile Home Insurance in Arizona

Arizona manufactured home insurance typically costs anywhere from $300 to $1,000 per year. Insurance rates are influenced by a combination of factors related to the risk of insuring the property. While specific factors may vary slightly among insurance providers, here’s a general list of factors that may be used to determine mobile and manufactured home insurance rates in Arizona:

The overall value of the mobile or manufactured home, including any upgrades or additions, can affect the premium.

Newer homes may be less prone to certain types of damage, and well-maintained homes can qualify for better rates.

Homes located in areas prone to natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, or severe storms might have higher premiums. Arizona-specific risks, like monsoons and dust storms, can also play a role.

Features like storm shutters, tie-downs, and anchored foundations can reduce the risk of damage and may reduce premiums. On the other hand, amenities like pools or trampolines can increase them.

Homes located in areas prone to natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, or severe storms might have higher premiums. Arizona-specific risks, like monsoons and dust storms, can also play a role.

The more coverage you want, the higher your premium will be. This includes dwelling coverage, personal property coverage, and liability coverage amounts.

Homes located in areas prone to natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, or severe storms might have higher premiums. Arizona-specific risks, like monsoons and dust storms, can also play a role.

Homes located in areas prone to natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, or severe storms might have higher premiums. Arizona-specific risks, like monsoons and dust storms, can also play a role.

Homes located in areas prone to natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, or severe storms might have higher premiums. Arizona-specific risks, like monsoons and dust storms, can also play a role.

Homes located in areas prone to natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, or severe storms might have higher premiums. Arizona-specific risks, like monsoons and dust storms, can also play a role.

If your mobile or manufactured home is in a secured community or a community with features like a community watch or a fire department nearby, it may positively impact your rates.

If your mobile or manufactured home is in a secured community or a community with features like a community watch or a fire department nearby, it may positively impact your rates.

If your mobile or manufactured home is in a secured community or a community with features like a community watch or a fire department nearby, it may positively impact your rates.

The materials and quality of construction can influence how resistant a home is to certain types of damage.

Some insurers use an insurance score, which is similar to a credit score but specifically geared towards predicting insurance losses.

Choosing the Right Mobile Home Insurance for Sierra Vista, AZ

Choosing the Right Mobile Home Insurance for Sierra Vista, AZ

While AZ has a lot of laws and regulations that safeguard the interests of mobile home tenants and owners all around the state, it is important to keep tuned into the local laws and regulations in your area! For Sierra Vista, we have a few tips to keep in mind when choosing the perfect home insurance solutions for you! Here are some laws, rules, and ordinances related to mobile homes, manufactured homes, prefabricated homes, and RVs in Sierra Vista, AZ

Weather Risks

Does Sierra Vista have Wildfire Risk? Sierra Vista is facing a significant threat from wildfires. Over the next three decades, every property in the city, totaling 15,952, is at some risk from wildfires. These fires not only jeopardize properties but can disrupt utilities, hinder emergency services, block evacuation routes, and have broader economic implications. Sierra Vista Wildfire Risk Breakdown:
  • Residential Extreme Risk: All 14,175 homes are at extreme risk.
  • Commercial Extreme Risk: All 542 commercial properties are under extreme threat.
  • Critical Infrastructure Extreme Risk: 55 critical infrastructure facilities are all categorized under extreme risk.
  • Social Facilities Extreme Risk: 53 out of 55 social facilities face extreme risk.
Given these statistics, the city needs to prioritize preventive measures and ensure adequate firefighting and evacuation resources are in place.

Monsoon season spans from June to September. With it comes increased humidity, fluctuating temperatures, and the potential for various extreme weather phenomena, including thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rain, hail, flash flooding, and strong winds. Monsoon Safety Driving Tips:
  • Be prepared for sudden changes in weather.
  • Equip your vehicle with essentials like a fully charged phone, drinking water, and an emergency kit.
  • If faced with a storm, it’s often safer to pull over and wait until it passes.
  • Find a safe spot away from the road.
  • Avoid driving through flooded areas, and always heed “Road Closed” signs.
  • Be wary of falling debris, especially after a storm has passed.

Microbursts, intense small-scale downdrafts, can cause damage equivalent to a tornado. Sierra Vista has previously experienced the wrath of such events. In a past incident, a particular microburst storm impacted Cochise County residents profoundly. The brief yet intense storm, lasting 2-3 minutes, led to significant damage. Affected areas saw:
  • Trailers being completely demolished.
  • Large containers, holding water, being thrown around.
  • Infrastructure, like a smaller house, had its roof completely torn off, leading to interior structural damage.
Given their swift and destructive nature, it’s crucial for residents to have a better understanding of microbursts and take protective measures when they occur.

Recommended Neighborhoods

Greatest Sierra Vista Income Growth By Neighborhood (last 5 years):

Best Sierra Vista Schools by Neighborhood:

Property Crime Rates in Sierra Vista, AZ

Property Crime Rates in Sierra Vista, AZ

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Are you in Sierra Vista, AZ, looking for mobile home insurance

Underwriting Process

Understand the underwriting process of the insurance company. Some companies may require inspections or photos of the mobile home before providing coverage.

Mitigation Measures

If your mobile home has certain mitigation measures like storm shutters, anchored foundation systems, or reinforced roofing, some insurers might offer discounts. Ensure you communicate these features when getting a quote.

Policy Expiration and Renewal

Be clear on when your policy expires and the renewal process. Some insurers may not automatically renew policies, requiring action on your part.

Coverage Limits and Sublimits

Besides the main policy limit, be aware of any sub limits for specific categories of items, like jewelry, artwork, or electronics. You might need additional coverage or endorsements for items that exceed these sublimits.

Exclusions and Limitations

While understanding what is covered is essential, it's equally crucial to know what's not covered. Be clear on any policy exclusions or limitations.

Inflation Protection

Some policies offer inflation protection, which automatically adjusts your coverage limits each year to account for inflation. This ensures that you always have adequate coverage as the value of your home and belongings increases over time.

Keep This In Mind:

While cost should not be the only factor to consider, it is important to evaluate the affordability of the insurance policies you are considering. Obtain quotes from multiple providers and compare them, ensuring you understand the coverage details associated with each quote. Additionally, inquire about any available discounts, such as bundling home and auto insurance or installing security features in your manufactured home, as these can help reduce your premium costs.

Arizona Mobile Home Facts

Arizona Mobile Home Facts

Mobile Homes in AZ

Mobile homes account for roughly 15 percent of Arizona’s total housing units – which equals out to around 305,000 mobile home units in The Great Grand Canyon State!

Within most regulated areas of Arizona, a multi-sectional manufactured home can be placed in any location in which a site-built home is permitted.

A single wide mobile home can also be placed in any location in which a site-built home is permitted, in a mobile home subdivision, or in a mobile home park – all that you need is a development permit handy!

What is the MVD?

The MVD is responsible for issuing certificates of title to mobile homes.

  • The Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) is responsible for issuing certificates of title for mobile homes.
  • A $7 title fee is required for each section of the mobile home.
  • Mobile homes that are affixed to real property do not receive titles from MVD.

To apply for a mobile home title, you need to contact MVD and upload the necessary documents in your AZ MVD Now account.

When completing an affidavit of affixture, you will surrender the title(s) of the mobile home to MVD.

MVD will then issue a receipt for the surrender of the title(s).

If you are buying a used mobile home from a company, business, or mobile home park, make sure to receive a business card or other proof that the person who signed the back of the title as the seller is affiliated with that entity.

Mobile Home Relocation Fund

The Mobile Home Relocation Fund is a state sponsored aid package that is administered by the Arizona Department of Fire, Building and Life Safety (see https://www.dfbls.az.gov/lta/relocation.aspx). If you are a mobile home park tenant, you may have access to money from the Mobile

Home Relocation Fund in the case of:​

  • closure of the park
  • redevelopment of the park
  • a qualifying rent increase
  • a change in community age restriction; or
  • rehabilitation of a pre-HUD home (built before June 15, 1976)

Coastal Property:
Insurance Pool

Unlike certain coastal states, Arizona doesn’t have a coastal property insurance pool. Therefore, mobile home owners in Arizona need to look for insurance through private providers.

Know your rights!

Even though it’s not a legal requirement in Arizona, mobile home insurance is often a wise investment to safeguard your property. Read through the following guides to help familiarize yourself with rules and regulations in Arizona:

Add-Ons, Endorsements, and Riders in Arizona

Adding policy options to a basic insurance plan is a common practice in the mobile home insurance industry. While the events covered in mobile home policies are similar across all states, additional coverage options, known as add-ons, endorsements, and riders, may vary depending on your location and insurance provider. Each of these options comes at an additional cost that can be customized according to your needs.

  • Sewer and Water Backup
  • Equipment Breakdown
  • Inflation Guard/Guaranteed Replacement Cost
  • Personal Property Replacement Cost
  • Home Business
  • Watercraft
  • Identity Theft
  • Personal Injury
  • Secondary Residence
  • Limited-Term Endorsements
  • Floaters/Riders for high-value items

It is crucial to review your policy and consult with your insurance company to identify what is covered, as well as what is not, before deciding which add-ons, endorsements, or riders to add to your policy.

Exclusions eliminate coverage for certain risks that are considered unwanted or already covered by other policies. Some examples of exclusions include:

  • Catastrophic Events: war is a common exclusion, as it will likely affect a huge number of people, damage caused by war would not be covered.
  • Existing Coverage: if a cause of loss is covered by another type of policy, the insurance company will avoid double coverage.
  • Actions Within Control: if the damage could be easily prevented by an insured, that may be excluded. A common example would be excluding damage to personal property left out in the open caused by rain, snow, ice, or sleet.
  • Non-accidental Incidents: Most policies will not cover damage caused on purpose.
  • Regular Wear and Tear: if proper maintenance or replacement would have prevented the damage, normal wear and tear are not covered.
  • In Motion: Generally, coverage under an insurance policy doesn’t apply while a mobile home is in motion. Some insurers may offer temporary coverage for physical damage that occurs while a mobile home is moving. If you want this kind of coverage, it’s best to speak with an insurance provider.

  • Earthquakes:

Earthquakes are a significant exclusion in mobile home policies in Arizona due to the area’s higher susceptibility to earthquakes. It is    important for mobile homeowners to understand the coverage limitations in case of earthquake damage.

  • BSL-Preemption Law in Arizona:

Arizona has passed a law that forbids cities and counties from enacting or enforcing breed-based dog regulations. This new law aligns with the trend of 20 other states having “BSL-preemption” laws that restrict Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL) at the local level.

Finding the Best Mobile Home Insurance In Sierra Vista, AZ

Finding the Best Mobile Home Insurance In Sierra Vista, AZ

It’s essential to compare quotes from various insurance providers and work with local agencies that understand Sierra Vista’s specific risks.

You also need to be vocal about being able to customize your policy to cover specific needs like monsoon or dust storm damages. Always remember to ask about any available discounts that you may be eligible for!

These are some things you should look out for in an insurance plan for Sierra Vista:

If you are unable to live in your mobile home
or RV due to a covered loss, this coverage can help pay for temporary housing and
other related expenses while your home is being repaired or replaced.

Mobile homes can be targets for theft and vandalism, so having coverage to protect against these risks is essential. This coverage can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing stolen or damaged property.

This coverage protects against damage caused by sewer or water backups into your home. It can help pay for repairs and cleanup if you experience a backup.

This coverage protects you if someone gets injured while you are using your RV as a temporary residence or vacation home. It offers personal liability coverage similar to what you would have with homeowner’s insurance.

This coverage protects your personal belongings inside the RV, such as clothing, electronics, and camping gear. It helps replace or repair these items in case of theft, loss, or damage.

This coverage protects against direct, abrupt, and accidental physical losses unless specifically excluded in the policy. Comprehensive coverage offers protection against multiple types of damage to mobile/manufactured/prefabricated/RV homes, including damage caused by fire, theft, and other natural disasters. This coverage can help pay for repairs, replacement of the structure, and personal property.

It’s important to discuss these specific coverage needs with your insurance provider, as they will have a better understanding of the risks associated with Sierra Vista, AZ, and can tailor a policy that meets your unique requirements.

  • Additional Living Expenses
  • Trees, Shrubs, Plants and Lawns
  • Debris Removal
  • Emergency Removal Service and Emergency Repair After a Loss
  • Credit Card and Check Forgery
  • Fire Department Service
  • Food Spoilage Coverage
  • Personal Injury Protection Coverage
  • Locksmith Coverage
  • Golf Cart Coverage

References

References

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