A modern tiny home with large windows on a wooden deck in a green setting, showing the type of home people ask about when wondering can tiny homes be insured

January 20, 2026

Can Tiny Homes Be Insured? A Guide to Coverage and Top Providers

Can tiny homes be insured? It is one of the first questions people ask once the floor plans turn into framing. Tiny homes promise simplicity, but insurance rarely feels simple at first.

The truth is that coverage exists. It just depends on how your tiny home is built, where it sits, and how insurers choose to label it. This guide breaks down what actually matters, which providers work best, and how to avoid common roadblocks.

The Core Question: Can Tiny Homes Be Insured?

Tiny wooden home with hanging chairs and an outdoor kitchen is set in a mountain landscape, highlighting lifestyles where can tiny homes be insured matters

Yes, tiny homes can be insured. But they aren't insured the same way as traditional houses.

Insurance companies rely on categories. Tiny homes do not always fit neatly into one. That mismatch is where most problems start.

Once the classification is clear, coverage becomes much easier to secure.

Why Classification (Wheels vs. Foundation) is Everything

This is the single most important detail insurers care about.

If your tiny home is on wheels like Wanderlove Tiny Home, insurers usually treat it like an RV or travel trailer. If it sits on a permanent foundation, it is often viewed as a manufactured home, mobile home, or small residential structure.

Two homes can look identical and get completely different insurance outcomes. The only difference is what is underneath them.

Legal Requirements vs. Lender Expectations in 2026

Insurance laws vary by state. Some tiny homes do not legally require insurance if they are fully owned.

Lenders are a different story.

By 2026, most lenders expect professional construction, permanent foundations, and third-party certification. Even if the law is flexible, financing rarely is. Insurance becomes mandatory the moment a loan is involved.

Progressive Tiny House Insurance: What You Need to Know

Simple wooden tiny cabin with a gable roof sits near a lake with outdoor chairs, showing the kind of property where people ask can tiny homes be insured

Progressive is one of the most recognizable names in tiny home insurance. They work best with mobile tiny homes and professionally built units.

That said, not every tiny home qualifies.

How Progressive Uses "Manufactured Home" Policies for Tiny Living

For stationary tiny homes that meet size and construction standards, Progressive may use a manufactured home policy.

This typically applies to factory-built tiny homes that resemble small traditional houses. These policies focus on structure protection and basic liability.

They're not available for most DIY builds.

Progressive’s Trip Collision Coverage: Protection While Moving

For tiny homes on wheels, Progressive often relies on RV insurance.

One standout feature is trip collision coverage. This protects your tiny home while it is being towed. Owners who relocate seasonally or move between properties often rely on this option.

Without it, damage during transport may not be covered.

Eligibility Barriers: Why Progressive Prefers NOAH-Certified Homes

Progressive strongly favors NOAH-certified tiny homes.

Certification confirms electrical, plumbing, and structural safety. It also reduces uncertainty for underwriters. Homes without certification may be declined, even if they are well built.

State Farm Tiny Home Insurance: Coverage for Stationary Dwellings

Modern wooden tiny home on a raised patio with trees and mountains behind it shows why many owners ask can tiny homes be insured

State Farm approaches tiny homes from a more traditional angle. They tend to work best with homes that stay put.

Local agents play a big role here.

Insuring Your Tiny Home as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

If your tiny home sits on a foundation, like Darcy 70 Garden Room, and shares land with a primary residence, State Farm may insure it as an ADU.

This setup often simplifies approval. It can also reduce costs when bundled with an existing homeowners' policy.

Zoning compliance is key.

State Farm's Approach to Manufactured and Mobile Home Policies

State Farm frequently uses manufactured or mobile home policies for tiny houses.

These policies usually include structure coverage, liability, and optional endorsements. Approval depends on size, foundation type, and local codes.

Local Agent Advantage: Customizing Coverage for "Grounded" Tiny Homes

State Farm agents have flexibility. A knowledgeable agent can adjust coverage limits and explain exclusions clearly.

This human element matters when your home does not fit standard definitions.

Comparing Coverage: Progressive vs. State Farm for Tiny Homes

Small wooden tiny home with a porch and lounge chair sits in a green garden, representing the type of home people ask about when wondering can tiny homes be insured

Both insurers can work well. They just serve different types of tiny homes.

Understanding the trade-offs helps avoid surprises later.

Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value (ACV)

Replacement cost pays to rebuild your home. ACV factors in depreciation.

State Farm is more likely to offer replacement cost for stationary homes. Progressive often uses ACV for mobile units.

That difference matters after a loss.

Personal Liability and Medical Payments Comparison

Both insurers offer liability coverage.

State Farm policies for permanent structures often allow higher limits. Progressive coverage varies by RV policy type.

Medical payments coverage is usually modest but helpful.

Loss of Use: Which Provider Helps You Relocate During Repairs?

Loss of use coverage helps pay for temporary housing.

State Farm is more consistent in offering this for ADUs and manufactured homes. Progressive coverage depends on the specific RV policy and endorsements.

Essential Requirements for a Tiny Home Insurance Policy

Modern tiny home used as a backyard office with large glass doors and visible furniture inside reflects why homeowners ask can tiny homes be insured

Certain features make insurance approval far more likely.

Skipping them often leads to delays or denials.

The Role of RVIA and NOAH Certification

RVIA certification is often required for RV-style policies.

NOAH certification is widely accepted for both mobile and stationary tiny homes. It shows that the home meets recognized safety standards.

Electrical and Plumbing Safety Standards (IRC Appendix Q)

Many insurers look for compliance with IRC Appendix Q.

This section of the building code addresses small home safety. It covers ceiling heights, loft access, and systems design.

Why Factory-Built Homes Get Better Rates Than Custom Builds

Factory-built homes come with documentation, inspections, and predictable construction.

Custom builds vary widely. That uncertainty often leads to higher premiums or limited coverage options.

How Much Does Tiny Home Insurance Cost?

Compact wooden tiny home with large windows sits beside a swimming pool, a common setup that raises the question can tiny homes be insured

Pricing depends on structure, location, and risk.

There is no universal rate.

Average Annual Premiums by Home Type

Tiny home on wheels: $600 to $1,200
Stationary tiny home: $800 to $1,500
ADU add-on coverage: Often lower when bundled

These are averages, not guarantees.

Geographic Factors: Wildfire and Flood Risk Surcharges

Location matters.

Homes in wildfire zones, floodplains, or coastal areas often face higher premiums or exclusions. Some risks require separate policies.

Choosing the Right Carrier for Your Small Space

Can tiny homes be insured? Yes. The path just looks different than traditional housing.

Progressive works well for certified homes on wheels. State Farm shines with permanent, grounded tiny homes. The right choice depends on how your home is built and how you plan to live in it.

When classification, safety standards, and location align, insurance stops being a hurdle and starts being a safeguard.