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Park home insurance: key differences from standard home cover
Thinking about buying a park home or already living in one? If so, it’s important to understand how park home insurance differs from conventional home insurance to ensure you have the right protection.
Park homes, also known as mobile homes, have unique characteristics that require specialist insurance coverage. Getting the right policy is essential for protecting your investment and belongings.
Understanding park homes
Park homes are factory-built structures designed as permanent or semi-permanent residences on designated park sites. Unlike conventional houses, they aren’t constructed on permanent foundations but are transported to site after manufacturing.
Typically, residents own the home itself but rent the plot through an agreement with the site owner. This arrangement creates distinct legal and insurance requirements compared to traditional homeownership.
Construction differences matter
Park homes are built to British Standard BS 3632, which differs significantly from conventional building regulations. They feature lighter construction using timber frames with external cladding, sitting on concrete pads or steel chassis rather than deep foundations.
This construction makes them more vulnerable to certain weather conditions, particularly strong winds and flooding, but less susceptible to issues like subsidence that can affect traditional homes.
Coverage distinctions
Standard home insurance clearly separates buildings from contents, but park homes blur these boundaries. Items normally considered contents in traditional homes (such as furniture and appliances) are often classified as part of the structure because they’re typically included when the home is manufactured.
Park home policies frequently cover additional items like access steps, ramps, and external skirting that wouldn’t be included in standard home insurance but are essential components of park home living.
Site considerations
Park home sites feature communal areas, shared facilities, and specific maintenance rules that influence insurance requirements. Site management typically maintains communal spaces and infrastructure, affecting liability considerations.
The park’s location, management quality, and security measures significantly impact premiums. Well-managed sites with good flood defences and security typically qualify for better rates.
Legal framework
The Mobile Homes Act 1983 provides specific resident protections, though these don’t extend to insurance coverage. Since residents don’t own the land, building insurance requirements differ from traditional property ownership.
Site licences and planning permissions can affect your ability to rebuild after damage, which insurers must consider when providing cover.
Cost factors
Premiums reflect unique factors including home age, construction materials, site location, and the park’s risk profile. Older homes may face higher costs due to outdated construction methods, while well-maintained parks typically enjoy lower premiums.
Choosing appropriate cover
Select insurers experienced with park home requirements. Specialist providers understand the unique risks and offer comprehensive coverage tailored to park home living.
Ensure your policy clearly defines buildings versus contents coverage and includes appropriate protection for site-specific risks and park home features.
Looking for Residential Park Home Insurance?
Forces Mutual are pleased to introduce Compass Insurance who are a specialist provider of holiday caravan and residential park home insurance, with over 45 years’ experience, so they can help you find the right cover for you.
Compass Insurance is part of the Bspoke Insurance Group Ltd, which also includes Forces Mutual, so you know you’re in safe hands.
You can get a quote here: Caravan Insurance – Forces Mutual