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| RV Loan Lender | Why We Chose It | APR Range | Minimum Credit Score | Loan Amounts | Loan Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| My Financing USA | Best for Low Rates | 6.24%-19.95% | 550 | $10,000 and up | 5–20 years |
| NASA FCU | Best Credit Union | 6.59%-9.79% | N/A | $5,000–$125,000 | 3-15 years |
| Southeast Financial | Best for Large Used/Refinance Loans | 6.74% and up | 575 | $10,000–$4 million | Up to 20 years |
| LightStream | Best for Quick Funding | 6.99%–15.89% (with autopay) | Good to excellent | $5,000–$100,000 | 2-20 years |
| LendingTree | Best for Large New Loans | 5.99% and up | Varies by lender | $5,000–$10 million | 5–21 years |
Mobile Home Policies for Tiny Houses
A mobile or manufactured home insurance policy can be used to insure your tiny house, provided you do not plan on moving your home on a regular basis. A comprehensive mobile home insurance policy covers the home, your personal property, and liability, similar to standard homeowners insurance.
However, unlike RV insurance, mobile home insurance doesn’t cover the home or your belongings while your tiny house is in transport. For that, you’ll need a transit endorsement. The policy must be in place before you transport your tiny house, which means you must inform your insurance company before you plan to move so it can update your policy.
Laws and insurance requirements can vary by state and insurer. For example, insurance companies may require the home to be factory-built and NOAH-certified, which means the home has passed a safety inspection assuring it can withstand weather events, such as hurricanes and snowstorms.
Another option for mobile home insurance is a named peril policy. These comparatively inexpensive policies cover specific causes of loss named in the policy—and nothing else. However, if your house is damaged by a peril not listed in the policy, the repair costs will come out of your pocket. Thus, while you can save money with a named peril policy, it can come with added risks.
Mobile home insurance may cover water leaks in certain situations; however, most policies don’t cover damage caused by any water leaks due to a lack of maintenance.
Tiny House Insurance Specialists
A handful of small companies offer tiny-house–specific coverage, but that number may increase, given the growing popularity of tiny homes.
These companies generally offer coverage for any traditional or alternative living structures, including DIY units, off-the-grid cabins, micro homes, storage container homes, park models, custom RVs, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Some companies offer tiny house construction insurance, and most will insure tiny houses that aren’t built to RVIA standards or haven’t been certified by NOAH.
As these companies are tiny house–specific, they tend to offer the most options and greatest flexibility. It might take a little back and forth with a representative, but you should be able to get the exact coverage you need for your tiny home.
Do I Need Insurance for My Tiny House?
If you used a mortgage or other loan to finance your tiny house, your mortgage lender might require you to buy insurance, similar to traditional homes and cars. And if you transport your tiny home, most states require you to have liability coverage—just as for a regular RV.
Otherwise, there’s no legal requirement for you to insure your tiny house. Still, a tiny house is a serious investment, making it good financial sense to protect it with an insurance policy.
How Much Does Tiny House Insurance Cost?
There’s no set price for tiny house insurance. It depends on numerous factors, including:
- Your tiny home’s construction, size, value, and RVIA or NOAH status
- The value of your personal belongings
- How you plan to use the home (e.g., parked in a tiny house community or on the road 52 weeks a year)
- The coverage you want, including any extras, such as a trip endorsement
- Your claims history
- Your credit history
Note that RV insurance generally tends to be more expensive than mobile home insurance because an RV policy protects the home while it’s in transport—which puts the home at a much greater risk than if it were simply parked somewhere. And, of course, the cost also depends on the coverage limits and deductible you choose.
If you plan to rent out a tiny house, be sure to discuss your options with an insurance representative. You may need a different type of policy.
Why You Should Trust Us
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We used this data to review each company for fees, repayment terms, income requirements, and other features to provide unbiased, comprehensive reviews to ensure our readers make the right decision for their needs. Investopedia launched in 1999 and has been helping readers find the best RV loans since 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Type of Insurance Do You Need for a Tiny House?
A standard homeowners insurance policy does not cover tiny houses. Instead, you’ll need to buy mobile home or RV insurance. Mobile or manufactured home insurance can cover your tiny house, provided you don’t move the home regularly.
Does RV Insurance Cover a Tiny Home?
Yes, RV insurance can cover your tiny home on wheels if you plan to transport it frequently.
What Is the Average Cost of a Tiny Home?
The cost of a tiny home varies, depending on the square footage, amenities, and location. A tiny home can cost approximately $23,000 on average.
The Bottom Line
Tiny house living isn’t for everyone, but those who embrace it can enjoy benefits such as a lower cost of living, the freedom to move and try out new places, a smaller carbon footprint, and the ability to get off the grid. Just remember to research and buy a good insurance policy to protect your home—and your lifestyle—before you start enjoying your tiny house.
