Mobile home insurance: cover, costs and what you need to know
A mobile home needs insurance made for mobile homes, not conventional home insurance, because it is a removable structure. Full cover combines multi-risk, public liability and contents and typically costs EUR200–EUR650 a year depending on the country, while gradual wear and lack of maintenance are not covered. Transport is insured at 100% of the unit's value, from collection to delivery on your plot.
A mobile home is an investment from £6,667 upwards — in our current stock, the median is £26,521 for a used unit and £84,583 for a new one — and, like any investment, it needs to be protected. But mobile home insurance is not identical to conventional home insurance: because it is a removable structure (not a fixed property), the insurance products, cover and prices are different.
This guide explains which types of insurance you need, what each cover protects, how much it costs on average by country, and what policies typically exclude — so you are not left unprotected when you need it most.
Which types of insurance you need
There are three types of insurance relevant to a mobile home, which can be taken out separately or as a package:
| Type of insurance | What it covers | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-risk (structure) | Damage to the structure of the unit: fire, storm, flood, theft, vandalism | Recommended (mandatory if financed) |
| Public liability | Damage caused to third parties by the unit or on the unit | Mandatory for AL in PT; recommended always |
| Contents | Furniture, appliances and personal belongings inside the unit | Optional |
| Transport | Damage during transport of the unit | Included in GV service |
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What multi-risk insurance covers
Multi-risk insurance (or structure insurance) is the most important. Typical cover includes:
- Fire, lightning and explosion — damage caused by fire, lightning strike or gas explosion.
- Storm and wind — damage from high winds, heavy rain, hail. Relevant for roofs and external cladding.
- Flood — damage from flooding or water accumulation. Not all policies include flood as standard — check.
- Theft and vandalism — theft of contents or intentional damage by third parties.
- Water damage (plumbing) — leaks, bursts, damage from moisture originating from a plumbing fault.
- Falling trees — damage caused by falling trees or branches onto the unit.
- Subsidence / ground collapse — not included in all policies; check if the plot is at risk.
What insurance typically does NOT cover
The most common exclusions in mobile home insurance policies:
- Normal wear and tear and lack of maintenance — damage caused by neglect (e.g. an unrepaired leak causing mould). This is why regular maintenance is doubly important.
- Gradual damage (damp, progressive corrosion) — most policies only cover sudden events, not slow degradation.
- Unoccupied units for over 30 days — many policies exclude or limit cover if the unit is not inhabited for long periods. If the mobile home is for holidays (empty in winter), check this clause.
- Earthquake damage — typically excluded; earthquake insurance is taken out separately in Portugal (not mandatory for removable structures).
- Animals and pests — damage by rodents, insects or other animals is not covered.
- Transport damage (after installation) — transport insurance covers the journey; multi-risk covers after installation.
How much insurance costs: prices by country
The cost of insurance varies with the value of the unit, the location, the cover and the policyholder's profile. Indicative annual premium ranges:
| Country | Multi-risk (structure) | Liability + contents | Indicative annual total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | EUR150–EUR400/year | EUR50–EUR150/year | EUR200–EUR550/year |
| Spain | EUR120–EUR350/year | EUR40–EUR120/year | EUR160–EUR470/year |
| France | EUR200–EUR500/year | EUR60–EUR150/year | EUR260–EUR650/year |
| Netherlands | EUR180–EUR450/year | EUR50–EUR130/year | EUR230–EUR580/year |
| Germany | EUR150–EUR400/year | EUR40–EUR120/year | EUR190–EUR520/year |
| United Kingdom | GBP120–GBP350/year | GBP30–GBP100/year | GBP150–GBP450/year |
Insurance for holiday rentals and tourism
If the mobile home is used for holiday rental or tourism, the insurance requirements are different — and more demanding:
- Public liability — mandatory by law for AL in Portugal (and recommended in all countries). Covers damage that guests suffer on the unit (fall, poisoning, fire). Recommended minimum capital: EUR150,000–EUR250,000.
- Guest insurance — optional, but recommended. Covers guests' personal belongings in case of theft or damage.
- Business interruption — covers loss of income if the unit becomes uninhabitable due to an insured event. Particularly useful for tourism units during peak season.
- Non-occupant owner insurance — a version of multi-risk adapted to rented units. Typically +20–30% above the occupant insurance premium.
How to choose the right policy
Practical tips for choosing the right insurance:
- Specific to mobile homes — do not use conventional home insurance (which may not cover removable structures) or motorhome insurance (different cover). Look for insurers with specific products for mobile homes / static caravans.
- Replacement value vs market value — check whether the policy pays the cost of replacing the unit (new value) or the current market value (depreciated). For recent units, replacement value is preferable.
- Excess (deductible) — the amount you pay out of pocket on each claim. Higher excesses reduce the premium but increase the cost in the event of a claim. Find the right balance.
- Unoccupancy clause — if the unit will be empty for long periods (holidays, winter), check the permitted unoccupancy limit (typically 30–60 days).
- Location exclusions — coastal, riverside or forested areas may have exclusions or surcharges for flood, erosion or wildfire risk.
Reference insurers by country
Insurers with specific products for mobile homes or removable structures:
| Country | Insurers with a specific product | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal | Fidelidade, Allianz, Generali, Zurich | Request a product for "estrutura amovivel" or "casa movel" |
| Spain | Mapfre, AXA, Zurich | "Vivienda movil" or "mobil-home" insurance |
| France | MAIF, MMA, AXA, Groupama | "Assurance mobil-home" product — mature and competitive |
| Netherlands | Interpolis, Centraal Beheer, Unive | "Stacaravanverzekering" product |
| Germany | HUK-Coburg, Allianz, ADAC | "Mobilheimversicherung" product |
| United Kingdom | Leisuredays, KBIS, Bakers | Mature specialist market (static caravan insurance) |
In summary
- Three types: multi-risk (structure), public liability and contents — the first two are essential.
- Indicative cost: EUR200–EUR650/year for full cover, depending on the country.
- Lack of maintenance and gradual wear are NOT covered — regular maintenance protects you doubly.
- For AL/tourism: public liability is mandatory + guest insurance recommended.
- Check the unoccupancy clause if the unit is empty over winter.
- Use insurance specific to mobile homes, not conventional home insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need insurance for my mobile home?
It is not legally mandatory in all cases (except public liability for AL in Portugal), but it is highly recommended. A mobile home is an investment from £6,667 upwards (median £26,521 for a used unit in our current stock) — without insurance, a fire, storm or theft could mean the total loss of the investment.
How much does mobile home insurance cost?
The annual premium typically sits between EUR200 and EUR650 for full cover (multi-risk + public liability + contents), depending on the country, the unit value and the cover chosen. It is a fraction of the cost of conventional home insurance.
Can I use my home insurance to cover the mobile home?
In most cases, no. Household multi-risk insurance covers buildings fixed to the ground; a mobile home is a removable structure and may not be covered by the same policy. You need a specific product for mobile homes / static caravans / removable structures.
What happens if the mobile home is empty over winter?
Many policies limit cover if the unit is unoccupied for more than 30–60 consecutive days. If your mobile home is for holidays and sits empty in winter, check this clause and, if needed, take out "extended unoccupancy" cover (available from most insurers).
Does insurance cover damp or corrosion damage?
Typically not. Insurance covers sudden events (fire, storm, pipe burst), not gradual degradation (chassis corrosion, moisture seeping in over months). This is why preventive maintenance is so important: it prevents the damage that insurance does not cover.
Do I need insurance if the mobile home is on a campsite/park?
Yes. The park/campsite insurance covers the communal areas, not your individual unit. You are responsible for insuring your mobile home, regardless of whether it is on a park or on private land.
Is transport insurance already included in the Green Village service?
Yes. Transport is insured at 100% of the unit's value, from collection to delivery on your plot. From installation onward, it is the owner's responsibility to take out multi-risk insurance for the unit.
What insurance do I need for holiday rental?
For AL in Portugal, public liability insurance is mandatory by law. Also recommended: multi-risk (structure), contents insurance (furniture, appliances) and, ideally, business interruption insurance (covers loss of income if the unit becomes uninhabitable). The total cost for AL is typically 30–50% higher than for private use.
How do I make an insurance claim?
Contact the insurer as soon as possible after the event (most require notification within the first few days). Document the damage with photographs and video before starting any repair. Keep invoices from previous repairs and the maintenance record — proof that the damage is accidental and not from neglect.