Covertree’s Comprehensive Guide.

Protect Your Manufactured Home in Waco, TX.

Disclaimer: Data Accuracy and Sources
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 Waco, TX: Costs, Coverage, and Considerations

A Guide to Mobile Home Insurance in Waco, TX: Costs, Coverage, and Considerations

Welcome to Waco, Texas -where the Brazos River weaves a tale of heritage, revival, and resilience!

Perched on the banks of the mighty Brazos River, Waco stands as a symbol of Texan tenacity, cultural richness, and the spirit of rebirth. With a history that mirrors the ebb and flow of the river it cherishes, Waco is a city that has seen times of prosperity, adversity, and remarkable transformation, making it a beacon for explorers, learners, and dreamers.

Waco’s story begins with its indigenous inhabitants, the Huaco Indians, from whom the city gets its name. Yet, it was in the mid-19th century that Waco began to flourish as a key trading and transportation hub, primarily due to its strategic location along the Brazos and the establishment of the Waco Suspension Bridge, an engineering marvel of its time.

The city’s cultural fabric is intricately woven with threads of history, a testament to which is the Dr. Pepper Museum. Born in Waco in the late 19th century, this iconic soft drink and its associated lore is a source of pride for locals. The museum not only chronicles the journey of the beloved beverage but also offers a nostalgic trip into America’s soda pop culture.

While many cities have universities, few can claim an institution as integral to their identity as Baylor University is to Waco. Established in 1845, this renowned institution has long been a crucible of learning, innovation, and community engagement, significantly shaping Waco’s ethos and skyline.

However, modern Waco’s claim to fame is perhaps its renaissance as a hub for home improvement enthusiasts and lovers of rustic charm, primarily due to the influence of Chip and Joanna Gaines. Their Magnolia Market at the Silos has transformed a once-neglected part of the city into a bustling center of design, decor, and delightful bites, drawing visitors from far and wide. Nature too has graced Waco with its bounties. Cameron Park, one of the largest municipal parks in Texas, is a veritable playground for outdoor enthusiasts. With its sprawling trails, scenic overlooks, and the adjacent Cameron Park Zoo, it’s a locale where nature’s wonders can be embraced in all their glory.

Waco’s commitment to preserving its heritage is palpable in sites like the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, which honors the legacy of the state’s iconic law enforcement agency. Meanwhile, the Mayborn Museum Complex, with its interactive exhibits, offers both young and old an engaging journey through natural history and the cultural heritage of the Central Texas region. Yet, Waco is not without its scars, and it wears them as badges of resilience. The city has faced its share of challenges, including the infamous Waco Siege of 1993. But true to its spirit, Waco has emerged stronger, turning sites of past tragedies into places of remembrance and learning.

The culinary scene in Waco is as diverse and delightful as its history. From food trucks offering gourmet bites by the riverside to quaint cafes with histories as rich as their coffee brews, Waco serves up flavors that tantalize the palate and warm the heart.

In essence, Waco is a testament to the enduring spirit of Texas. It’s a place where history flows as freely as the Brazos, where the echoes of the past blend seamlessly with dreams of the future, and where every brick, trail, and storefront has a tale to tell. For those seeking a blend of Texan history, cultural vibrancy, and the promise of discovery, Waco stands ready to welcome, inspire, and captivate.

Understanding Mobile Home Insurance In Texas.

Understanding Mobile Home Insurance In Texas.

Do I Need Mobile Home Insurance in Texas?

Do I Need Mobile Home Insurance in Texas?

  • Optional, but often required by lenders and mobile home communities.
  • Lenders can’t mandate coverage that surpasses home and content replacement value.
  • Strongly recommended for financial protection against damages.

Texas Mobile Home Insurance Costs Explained

Texas Mobile Home Insurance Costs Explained

Mobile home insurance is essential for safeguarding your most valuable asset. Prices in Texas typically range from $250 to $1,300 annually, influenced by various factors. Deciding between actual cash value and replacement cost coverage will also impact both premiums and compensation amounts in case of a claim.

Insurance rates are influenced by:

Insurance rates are influenced by:

* e.g. A five-year-old home bought for $50,000 but now worth $35,000 will be compensated at $35,000.
** Typically has higher premiums but offers more compensation during a claim.

Unique Considerations for Texas Mobile Home Insurance!

Unique Considerations for Texas Mobile Home Insurance!

Mobile Home Insurance Coverage in Texas:

Mobile Home Insurance Coverage in Texas:

Filing a Mobile Home Insurance Claim in Texas:

Filing a Mobile Home Insurance Claim in Texas:

Tips for Purchasing Mobile Home Insurance in Texas:

Tips for Purchasing Mobile Home Insurance in Texas:

Remember, while insurance might seem optional, it provides invaluable peace of mind against potential financial setbacks.

Choosing the Ideal Texas Homeowners Insurance Policy:

Choosing the Ideal Texas Homeowners Insurance Policy:

The apt insurance policy largely hinges on your home type, repair or rebuilding costs, and the worth of your belongings. It’s often a smart move to opt for the most robust protection within your budget. This is especially true if you haven’t set aside a significant emergency fund. Though a comprehensive policy with a lower deductible might require higher premiums, it ensures quick recovery after a substantial loss.

As your savings grow, you might consider increasing your deductible to decrease your premium. But here’s a pro tip: sometimes, a $1,000 deductible isn’t much pricier than a $5,000 one. In such instances, the minimal extra expense can prove invaluable in the event of a large claim.

The location of your mobile home, particularly the zip code in Texas, is a significant factor.

The location of your mobile home, particularly the zip code in Texas, is a significant factor.

You Need: The HO-7: Texas Mobile Home Form

You Need: The HO-7: Texas Mobile Home Form

  • For Texas residents who own a mobile home, the HO-7 insurance form is crucial.
  • This insurance covers both your dwelling and personal property.
  • The HO-7 offers comparable coverage to the HO-3 policy.
  • One thing to remember: if you plan on moving your mobile home, the HO-7 doesn’t always cover it while in transit. You may need to consider supplemental insurance in such cases.

What Does an HO-7 Policy Cover?

Type of Homes: Mobile or manufactured homes (trailers, single/double-wide mobile homes, RVs, modular homes, etc.).

Open perils, covering almost everything unless specifically excluded.

Named perils, only covers for specific causes of loss listed on the policy.

Coverage is based on replacement cost, not the market rate.

Coverage for named perils only. Examples of named perils: lightning, hail, fire, theft, vandalism, explosions, water damage from plumbing, etc.

Sub-limits for certain valuables (e.g., jewelry, firearms, electronics). Jewelry: $1,500 (theft-only) Firearms: $2,500 Electronics: Varies

Protection against bodily injuries or property damage you’re found liable for.

Covers expenses if the mobile home becomes uninhabitable.

Covers medical expenses for injuries in the mobile home (surgery, ambulance fees, X-rays, etc.).

What Does an HO-7 Policy NOT Cover?

Personal property damage that doesn't fit the named perils.
Exclusions include:

  • Floods
  • Hurricanes
  • Mold (Limited Coverage Might be Possible to Add)
  • Earthquakes (Separate Policy Might be Available)
  • Vandalism to Vacant Dwellings
  • Wear and Tear
  • Damage From Pets
  • Intentional Acts
  • Neglect
  • Government Actions

Understand The HO-3: Texas Special Form

The HO-3 policy is the predominant homeowners insurance in Texas. It offers open-peril coverage for homes and related structures, covering all damages unless specifically excluded.
Exclusions typically include:

  • Earthquakes
  • Floods
  • Damage from insects & vermin
  • Wear, neglect, or intentional damage
  • Wind/hail damage to trees
  • Vacancies, continuous water leaks
  • Sewer backups, acts of war
  • Certain mold cases

Additional Insurance Policy Options:

Even if you’ve chosen the HO-7 or another base form for your policy, you might still want to contemplate additional coverage for specific scenarios. Here are some prevalent options:

This is a basic policy, covering only named perils. It offers actual cash value instead of replacement cost coverage. Designed mainly for vacant properties or standalone structures, all occupancy types can avail of this policy. However, for liability or personal property coverage, you’ll have to incorporate these features.

Also termed a landlord’s policy, the DP-3 is tailored for rental properties. It covers the property’s structure, provides liability coverage for accidents, and even ensures your rental income in case your tenants need to vacate due to a covered loss.

An essential policy if someone incurs severe injuries on your property with damages soaring above $1 million. This policy offers extra liability coverage exceeding the limits of a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. You would need a substantial underlying coverage to qualify.

For those treasured high-value possessions, like jewelry or electronics, a scheduled coverage is necessary. This is because typical personal property coverage under your dwelling policy has limits on payout for such items.

This coverage is your safeguard against costly damages arising from sump pump failures or sewer backups. Without this endorsement, such water damages won’t be covered.

Fires, floods, and other disasters can strike at any time, and these events usually occur when you least expect them. Unless you have the funds to make the needed repairs, you could be stuck without a home. Starting from scratch can be almost impossible. Insurance is a life-saving necessity for you and your family.

Choosing the Right Mobile Home Insurance for Waco, TX.

Choosing the Right Mobile Home Insurance for Waco, TX.

Tornadoes Index

Waco, TX: 265.94
Texas Average: 208.58
U.S. Average: 136.45
A higher tornado index indicates a higher chance of tornado events. Waco surpasses both the Texas and U.S. averages, highlighting an elevated risk in the region.

Weather Extremes (1950-2010)

Drought: 16 events
Flood: 404 events
Hail: 1,241 events
Heat: 1 event
Heavy Snow: 6 events
Ice Storm: 3 events
Strong Wind: 9 events
Thunderstorm Winds: 1,022 events
Wildfire: 2 events
Winter Storm: 3 events
Winter Weather: 5 events
Other: 36 events

Recent Severe Weather Events

As of April 28, 2023, Central Texas, including Waco, faced an eerily similar setup to previous severe weather. There was an anticipation of large hail, strong wind gusts, and potentially a tornado. With a severe weather risk rated at level 3 out of 5, the primary concerns were large hail and wind gusts. The storms also brought significant rain, with parts of Central Texas experiencing more than 3 inches in a few hours, leading to flash floods. Notably, there was a water rescue incident in Groesbeck where occupants had to be saved from their car by first responders.

We do insurance better. And here’s how.

We do insurance better. And here’s how.

  • Save an average of $250 per year
  • File a claim in 3 minutes
  • Easily manage your policy online
  • Skip the faxing, long paperwork, and unnecessary phone calls
  • Get support from an American-based team

Are you in Waco, TX, looking for mobile home insurance

Choice of 6 insurance coverage in Waco, TX.

Choice of 6 insurance coverage in Waco, TX.

Fire Department Service Charge

What it is: Provides coverage for fees incurred when the fire department is called to protect or save insured property.
Why it's needed: Some municipalities charge homeowners for fire department services. This coverage ensures homeowners don't bear this additional financial burden.

Lock Replacement

What it is: Covers the expense of replacing locks if keys are stolen.
Why it's needed: To maintain security if keys are lost or stolen, especially in cases of potential targeted theft.

Green Improvement Reimbursement

What it is: Provides additional funds to rebuild or repair with environmentally-friendly materials.
Why it's needed: Encourages sustainable building practices and ensures homeowners can maintain a green residence after a loss.

Loss Assessment

What it is: Offers coverage for your share of damages or injury awards levied by homeowner associations.
Why it's needed: Homeowners in association communities may be held financially responsible for shared property damage or injuries. This protects against such assessments.

Additional Living Expenses

What it is: Covers living costs if a homeowner must temporarily relocate due to a covered loss.
Why it's needed: After certain disasters, living in one's home may become untenable. This helps cover the costs of alternative accommodations.

Debris Removal

What it is: Pays for clearing debris post a covered loss.
Why it's needed: Removal can be expensive and is often essential before repairs commence.

Mobile Home Facts : Texas

Mobile Home Facts : Texas

Treatment of Manufactured Home as Real Property:

  • Once a “real property election” for a manufactured home is completed, the home is deemed as real property.
  • This status remains unless the home is moved, the election changes, or the property’s use alters.
  • Once a statement of ownership and location is given by the department, it’s final. Changes can only be made if all parties agree, or specific procedures are followed.
  • If taking responsibility for a Statement of Ownership, ensure all housing department steps are followed, including necessary notifications.

According to the Texas Underwriting Manual TX: 12.24:

  • 12.24.3: Any manufactured housing unit on the property isn’t included in the land described in this commitment or policy.
  • 12.24.4: Upon a lender’s request and payment as specified in R-11(e), the T-31 and/or T-31.1 Endorsements can be issued; T-31.1 can be given to both the owner and the lender.

Learn about Texas Homeowner Assistance: Two Vital Programs!

Learn about Texas Homeowner Assistance: Two Vital Programs!

Texas residents who are struggling with home-related expenses have two vital assistance programs available: the Texas Homeowner Assistance Program due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP) following Hurricane Harvey.

Treatment of Manufactured Home as Real Property:

Purpose: Support homeowners impacted by Hurricane Harvey to repair, rebuild, and enhance their homes.

Services Offered: Financial support for affected homeowners.

Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP):

Purpose: Support homeowners impacted by Hurricane Harvey to repair, rebuild, and enhance their homes.

Services Offered: Home repairs and rehabilitation I Home reconstruction I Enhancements for better resilience against natural disasters I Elevating homes above flood levels along with reconstruction aid I Temporary relocation aid

Residents are encouraged to assess their eligibility and take advantage of these programs to secure and improve their homes.

The Texas Coastal Insurance Pool (TCIP), formerly known as the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA), is a vital insurance entity designed to protect homeowners in the Texas coastal regions. Established in the face of limited private insurance options, the TCIP provides wind and hail coverage to properties located in certain parts of Texas’s seacoast territory.

Texas Coastal Property Insurance Pool Programs!

Texas Coastal Property Insurance Pool Programs!

Key Features:

Primarily, the TCIP offers windstorm and hail damage insurance for homeowners who might not find coverage in the private market due to the heightened risk associated with coastal regions.
Residential and commercial properties in the 14 coastal counties and certain parts of Harris County (east of Highway 146) are eligible. However, to qualify, properties must comply with the windstorm building code for the region.
While the TCIP operates similarly to a typical insurance company, it is different in its financial structure. In the case of significant catastrophic losses, the association has the ability to recoup losses through premium surcharges or bonds, ensuring continuity of coverage for its policyholders.
With the growing threat of hurricanes and tropical storms in the Texas coastal regions, the TCIP plays a pivotal role in ensuring that homeowners can obtain the necessary insurance protection against these natural disasters.

Rates:

Inland of the Intracoastal Canal $2.50 per $100 coverage 42 Effective October 1, 2008 Seaward of the Intracoastal Canal $5.00 per $100 coverage

Eligibility for TWIA:

A mobile home located in a designated catastrophe area that meets the following criteria is eligible to be insured under the T.W.I.A. Dwelling Policy with Form No. TWIA-411, Conversion to TWIA Manufactured Home Policy attached to the policy.

Criteria 1

The mobile home complies with the definition of manufactured home under the rules and regulations of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA).
The mobile home is occupied solely as a one or two family residence.
The mobile home is blocked and tied down in accordance with the current state generic standards promulgated by the TDHCA or with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Homes manufactured on and after September 1, 1997, must be designated by the manufacturer as Zone II homes to be insurable through the Association.

Additions to Mobile Homes:

Deductibles:

  • The following deductibles are mandatory under the T.W.I.A. Dwelling Policy with Form No. TWIA-411, Conversion to TWIA Manufactured Home Policy attached to the policy. a. Homes located inland of the Intracoastal Canal: 1% of limit of liability with a $250 minimum (TWIA Form No. 570) b. Homes located seaward of the Intracoastal Canal: 2% of the limit of liability with a $250 minimum (TWIA Form No. 575)
  • Deductibles apply separately to the home and household goods items on the policy.

Limit of Liability:

The maximum limit of liability for a mobile home, including any site-built additions attached to the home, and household goods is $84,000.

Policy Forms & Endorsements:

The following policy form is to be used: T.W.I.A. Dwelling Policy with Form No. TWIA-411, Conversion to TWIA Manufactured Home Policy attached to the policy

Know Your Rights!

Know Your Rights!

Additional Policy Riders for Mobile Home Insurance in Texas:

Additional Policy Riders for Mobile Home Insurance in Texas:

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.

Flood Insurance

Provides protection against flood-related damages, excluding waterline or sewer backups. Average annual cost: $700.
The mobile home is occupied solely as a one or two family residence.
helps homeowners meet current building codes during repairs or reconstruction, ensuring updates to older homes meet modern standards. Costs: Anywhere between 10% to 25% of dwelling coverage.
offers specialized coverage for high-value items like jewelry or art.
is for home-based businesses, ensuring business property stored at home is covered. Costs vary based on asset value.

Adding any rider will increase your premiums, influenced by location, risk profile, chosen coverage, and deductible. Riders can be added during initial policy purchase, at renewal, or anytime during the policy period. Some carriers might not offer all endorsements, so shopping around might be necessary.

References:

References:

CoverTree Inc. (CoverTree) is a Program Administrator for CoverTree’s Manufactured Home Program, underwritten by Markel American Insurance Company (Markel), located at 4521 Highwoods Parkway, Glen Allen, VA 23060. CoverTree is acting as the agent of Markel in selling insurance policies. CoverTree receives compensation based on the premiums for the insurance policies sold. Further information is available upon request. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review, and approval. Use of Covertree is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Licenses.

CoverTree operates in the state of California (CA) as MHTree Insurance Services with CA license# 6009070.

Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. All decisions regarding any insurance products, including approval for coverage, premium, commissions and fees, will be made solely by the insurer underwriting the insurance under the insurer’s then-current criteria. All insurance products are governed by the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions set forth in the applicable insurance policy. Please see a copy of your policy for the full terms, conditions and exclusions. Any information on the Site does not in any way alter, supplement, or amend the terms, conditions, limitations, or exclusions of the applicable insurance policy and is intended only as a brief summary of such insurance products. Policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the issuing insurance carrier.

Rating as of March 1, 2022. AM Best ratings are under continuous review and subject to change. Please refer to Markel’s website for the most current information. The rating represents the overall financial status of Markel American Insurance Company, and is not a recommendation of the specific policy provisions, rates or practices of the issuing insurance company.

Copyright © 2022 CoverTree Inc. All rights reserved

×