Citizens Insurance Policy Change for Manufactured Homes

By: Jenni Boucher

At a recent networking meeting at the Manatee Association of Realtors, I was discussing insurance changes with several of the realtors and we got on the topic of manufactured homes. None of them were aware of a recent change of insurance policies regarding these homes. I explained what I knew, and I was asked to provide this information to other professionals who need to know.

Manufactured homes are a favorite residence in Florida for retirees looking for low-maintenance living. In most cases in Manatee County, these homes are found in a manufactured home community that often includes multiple amenities to help them enjoy their new retirement lifestyle. In fact, there are currently 104 manufactured home communities in Manatee County alone! It varies by community, but the majority of these homes are 20 to 30 years old, if not older. There has been a recent change to the insurance qualifications for these homes that many homeowners, buyers and realtors are yet unaware of.

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is a non-profit, tax-exempt government corporation founded to provide property insurance coverage to those who might otherwise not be able to find coverage. Citizens is often the only insurance option for older manufactured homes that many insurers deem too high risk to cover.

 

On August 1, 2013; Citizens changed their policy on WHEN a manufactured home will be required to obtain a Roof Certification or Four Point Inspection to get or maintain coverage. It used to be that these inspections were only required on manufactured homes that were 25 to 30 years old or older. According to an e-mail release from Citizens and corroboration with local insurance agents, these inspections will now be required for manufactured homes 10 years old or older to obtain or renew a property insurance policy on the home.

Depending on variables specific to the home and specific policy requirements, these homeowners may need a Roof Certification Inspection AND/OR a Four Point Inspection.

A Roof Certification Inspection takes a look at the age, shape, type of covering and overall condition of the roof. A Universal Roof Certification Inspection & Update Form is then completed by the inspector for the home owner or buyer to submit to their insurance company certifying whether or not the roof is in good condition and what, if any, defects are found.

A Four Point Inspection includes all of the roof information described above, but also includes inspection and certification that the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems are in good working order and gives the insurance company an estimate of their remaining life.

Some insurers are also requiring a Wind Mitigation Inspection on some manufactured homes, especially those with roof-overs. Wind Mitigation Inspections typically do not yield many benefits on manufactured homes, especially since most do not have an attic access panel and the roof structure is a major component in wind mitigation benefits.

Providing any insurance company with a copy of the full inspection report is NOT a replacement for these inspections and is NOT ADVISED. In addition to informing the insurance company of every defect in the home, the information is not contained in the format that the company, especially Citizens, requires and cannot be accepted.

If you still have questions about this change or would like to discuss your home inspection needs, please call our office at (941) 749-1152 or sales@manateehomeinspection.com.