Mobile Homeowner Package Policy (MHO) | Return to Underwriting Guidelines

Mobile Homeowner Underwriting Guidelines For Eligibility Based on these Guidelines:

  1. The agent has no binding authority on risks with Property or Liability claims over $2,500. each within the last three years. The Application must be submitted to your underwriter for approval. Please submit loss information from the prior carrier.
  2. The agent has no binding authority on risks cancelled by another company for underwriting reasons, claims frequency or non payment of premium. Please contact your underwriter prior to submitting application.
  3. Seasonal mobilehome risks are not eligible for MHO.
  4. Mobilehomes 0-6 years will be eligible for a 10% MHO credit.
  5. Mobilehomes 0-10 years may be written on a ML-1R, 2, 3, or 8.
  6. Mobilehomes 10-20 years may be written on a ML-1R, 2 or 8.
  7. Mobilehomes over 20 years must be submitted for approval to write a mobilehomeowners policy. Older mobilehomes will be inspected prior to renewal to determine if coverage may remain as written, or if the risk must be cancelled or conditionally renewed.
  8. Mobilehomes in unprotected areas are generally not acceptable.
  9. If home is located in a mobilehome park, the electrical installation must be done by a licensed electrician.
  10. Refer to Underwriter prior to binding Coverage A in excess of $50,000.
  11. Related Private Structures must be in good condition. Barns and Commercial buildings are not acceptable under Coverage B, but may be written on a separate fire policy. Please identify all Related Private Structures.
  12. ML-3 FORM CRITERIA & BUILDING MAINTENANCE: The building must be kept up to date. Plumbing, heating, and electrical installations must be up to code. There must be no water stains or loose plaster on ceilings or walls; floor coverings must not be ripped; light fixtures must be installed properly; hallways must be well lit; sidewalks must be even and free of ice and snow when applicable; porches & steps - must have railings; steps must be even; no holes in floorboards.
  13. ELECTRICAL: All homes must have proper electrical systems. If a fused system, proper amperage fuses must be used. Electrical services must be approved by a licensed electrician or building (code enforcer) inspector.
  14. HEATING: Central heat is required. Woodburning stoves, fireplaces, kerosene heaters or any other type of portable heaters are NOT ACCEPTABLE.
  15. PLUMBING: Plumbing must be in good condition. If heat tapes are used, they must be U. L. approved; they must be installed by a licensed plumber or other qualified personnel; they must not overlap and heat tapes must have a separate breaker.
  16. ROOFS: The roof should be in good condition. Please note any areas in poor condition.
  17. SMOKE DETECTORS: Must be operational in all mobilehomes. Batteries should be checked and replaced periodically. Fire extinguishers are recommended.
  18. There must be two exits for every mobilehome.
  19. Replacement Cost Provision is not available on mobilehomes.
  20. BUSINESS ACTIVITY: If there is a business activity in the mobilehome you must confer with underwriting prior to binding.
  21. Any risk with a prior claim involving a dangerous or uncontrolled animal will not be accepted.
  22. Risks with aggressive animals are not acceptable whether the animal belongs to the insured, tenant or temporary resident.
  23. Trampolines or any other dangerous outdoor play equipment are not acceptable.

If the risk is otherwise acceptable, we will give the policyholder the opportunity to remove the item, with a reinspection immediately following.

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HOMEOWNERS POLICY

The Homeowners Policy is designed to insure the average to above average one-two family dwelling. In order to maintain our Homeowners premiums in line with industry standards, we must implement strict underwriting guidelines for the Homeowners policy. The following guidelines are designed to assist the agent in determining risk acceptability.

  1. The agent has no binding authority on risks with Property or Liability claims over $2,500. each within the last three years. The Application must be submitted to your underwriter for approval. Please submit loss information from the prior carrier.
  2. The agent has no binding authority on risks cancelled by another company for underwriting reasons, claims frequency or non payment of premium. Please contact your underwriter prior to submitting application.
  3. Student housing is unacceptable due to higher VMM exposure.
  4. Rowhouses are generally not accepted.
  5. Seasonal risks are generally not acceptable.
  6. Rehabilitation Projects are not acceptable, until work is completed. Itmay be written on a Dwelling Fire policy at limited coverages with acceptable supporting business. Please submit to your under writer for approval.
  7. When requested by underwriter, proof of lease with security deposit foreach tenant or proof of tenant's HO-4 policy.
  8. BUILDING MAINTENANCE: The building must be kept up to date. Plumbing, heating, and electrical installations must be up to code. There must be no water stains or loose plaster on ceilings or walls; floor coverings must not be ripped; light fixtures must be installed properly; hallways must be well lit; sidewalks must be even and free office and snow when applicable; porches & steps - must have railings; steps must be even; no holes in floorboards.
  9. BUILDING HOUSEKEEPING: Dwelling and surrounding areas must be kept free of debris, trash and other attractive nuisances.
  10. ELECTRICAL: All units must have proper electrical systems. If a fused system, proper amperage fuses must be used. Electrical services must be approved by a licensed electrician or building (code enforcer) inspector.
  11. HEATING: Central heat is required. The following are not acceptablecentral heating sources-WOODBURNING STOVES, FIREPLACES, KEROSENE HEATERS or any type of portable heater as the main heating source. Portable kerosene heaters are forbidden, even as a supplemental heat source. Chimneys utilized for solid fuel (wood, coal) systems must be lined.
  12. ROOFS: The roof should be in good condition. Please note any areas in poor condition.
  13. SMOKE DETECTORS: They must be operational in all units and hallways. Batteries should be checked and replaced periodically. Fire extinguishers are recommended.
  14. There must be two exits for every unit above the ground floor.
  15. ML-3 FORM CRITERIA: Below-average dwellings are not acceptable. Dwellings under renovation are not acceptable. Interior and exterior must show no signs of deterioration or lack of maintenance. The plumbing, heating, electrical installation, water heater, roof and chimney must have been updated in accordance with the Acknowledgement Form (ACK 7/93). All apartments must be occupied. The Company reserves the right to deny ML-3 coverage based on information received on the Acknowledgement form, photos, application or inspection report.
  16. REPLACEMENT COST RATING is not available for dwellings over 40 years, unless they meet Company Guidelines. The new Homeowner application or the Acknowledgement Form includes the information needed for the Company to determine if Replacement Cost could apply. A Replacement Cost Estimator must be completed. The Company reserves the right to deny Replacement Cost Rating, based on information received on the Acknowledgement Form, photos, application or inspection report.
  17. REPLACEMENT COST PROVISIONS CRITERIA: Below-average dwellings are not acceptable. Dwellings under renovation are not acceptable. Interior and exterior must show no signs of deterioration or lack of maintenance. Plumbing, heating and electrical installation must have been updated in accordance with Company guidelines. The apartments must be occupied.
  18. COVERAGE B - RELATED PRIVATE STRUCTURES: The structure must be in good condition. Barns and Commercial buildings are not acceptable under Coverage B. They must be written on a separate policy. Contact your underwriter for specific rates. Additional structures should be identified on your application. Additional coverage is available for acceptable risks.
  19. Mobilehomes cannot be written on a Homeowners Policy. Mobilehomes with additions or renovations are not acceptable on the Homeowners policy. For proper coverage, see the Mobilehomeowners manual.
  20. Dwellings with Day-care services are not acceptable.
  21. The form ML-10, Farmers Comprehensive Personal Liability, (FCPL) may be attached to a Homeowners Policy when an insured has a farm exposure of any type (except for full-time farming) such as farm land rented to others at the initial and/or addition allocations. When there is a possible farm exposure, it is to the insured's advantage to have the FCPL endorsement attached to provide the necessary additional coverage.
  22. Policyholders residing in rented homes or apartment buildings may obtain a policy which provides the protection of "Broad form coverages of form ML-4. This form is similar to the coverages found in form ML-2, with the exception of Coverage A, Dwelling and Coverage B, Related Private Structures.
  23. An Inland Marine endorsement may be added to a Homeowners policy to provide coverage for items such as boats, computers, jewelry items, furs, cameras, musical instruments and other items as listed in the Inland Marine section of the Rating Manual. If you do not locate a particular rate, please contact your underwriter.
  24. Risks with unusual recreational activities involving horses or recreational vehicles are generally not acceptable.
  25. Any risk with a prior claim involving a dangerous or uncontrolled animal will not be accepted.
  26. Risks with aggressive animals are not acceptable whether the animal belongs to the insured, tenant or temporary resident.
  27. Chimneys must be constructed or maintained as follows: Built from the ground.

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