Tiny House Insurance 101: What Every Owner Should Know

Introduction
Owning a tiny home offers freedom, affordability, and a minimalist lifestyle—but it also brings unique insurance challenges. Whether your tiny house is on wheels or a permanent foundation, understanding your insurance options is essential for protecting your investment.

What Is Tiny House Insurance?

Tiny house insurance is a specialized type of coverage designed to protect small dwellings, whether mobile or stationary. These policies can include protection against damage, theft, fire, liability, and more—similar to traditional homeowners or RV insurance, but tailored for your specific setup.

Key Policy Types

1. Homeowners Insurance (Stationary Tiny Homes)

If your tiny house is built on a permanent foundation and complies with local building codes, you may be eligible for a standard homeowners policy. This typically covers:

• Structural damage
• Personal belongings
• Liability
• Natural disasters (depending on location)

2. RV Insurance (Tiny Homes on Wheels)

For tiny houses built on trailers, RV insurance is often the best fit—especially if the home is certified by the RV Industry Association (RVIA). These policies cover:

• Collision damage while traveling
• Theft or vandalism
• Liability while driving or parked
• Roadside assistance (optional)

3. Mobile Home or Manufactured Home Policies

In some cases, insurers may categorize your tiny home as a manufactured or mobile home. These policies can provide a hybrid solution for semi-permanent dwellings.

Common Coverage Options

• Dwelling Protection: Covers structural damage due to fire, storms, or other hazards.
• Personal Property: Protects your belongings inside the tiny house.
• Liability Coverage: Helps with legal and medical costs if someone is injured on your property.
• Loss of Use: Covers living expenses if your tiny house becomes uninhabitable.
• Trip Endorsement (for THOWs): Insures your home during transit.

Challenges to Consider

• Zoning and Building Code Compliance: Insurance may be denied if your tiny home isn’t up to code or isn’t legally recognized as a dwelling.
• DIY Builds: Homes built without professional certification may be harder to insure.
• Mobility: Moving your tiny house across state lines can affect your coverage eligibility.

Tips for Getting Insured

• Work with agents experienced in tiny home coverage.
• Gather all documentation: build receipts, photos, certifications, etc.
• Consider bundling with auto or umbrella policies for better rates.
• Ask about exclusions and optional riders (e.g., flood, theft, or transit protection).

Conclusion

Tiny house insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your location, build method, mobility, and lifestyle will shape your ideal policy. By understanding the basics, comparing policy types, and working with the right insurer, you can confidently protect your tiny investment and enjoy peace of mind—wherever your tiny home takes you.