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Mobile or Manufactured Home
Actual Cash Value Loss-Settlement Changes

Frequently Asked Questions [From CitizensFla.com]

June 24, 2009

  1. What is changing?
  2. What does this change mean for me?
  3. Why is this change occurring?
  4. What exactly does the law say about this requirement?
  5. What policy types are affected by this change?
  6. When will this change become effective?
  7. If my mobile or manufactured home suffers a total loss, will Citizens pay the depreciated value of the mobile or manufactured home?
  8. Am I able to purchase replacement cost coverage on my mobile or manufactured home for an additional premium?
  9. Will I receive further notification of this change closer to my renewal date?
  10. Do I need to take any action as a result of this change?
  11. What should I do once I receive the new policy?

 


 

  1. What is changing?
    Partial losses for mobile or manufactured homes built prior to 1994 will be paid at actual cash value instead of replacement cost.


  2. What does this change mean for me?
    If your mobile or manufactured home was built prior to 1994, this change reduces your coverage and may significantly reduce the amount of payment you receive for a loss. If your mobile or manufactured home is partially damaged, the most Citizens will pay you is the depreciated value of the damaged portion of any covered loss, but never more than the limit of liability of Coverage A shown on your Declarations page.


  3. Why is this change occurring?
    A change to Florida law now requires Citizens to pay actual cash value for any partial losses for mobile or manufactured homes built prior to 1994.


  4. What exactly does the law say about this requirement?
    Florida Statute 627.351(6)(c)16 states, "The plan of operation of the corporation [Citizens] must limit coverage on mobile homes or manufactured homes built prior to 1994 to actual cash value of the dwelling rather than replacement costs of the dwelling."


  5. What policy types are affected by this change?
    Mobile home homeowner's policies and mobile home dwelling-fire policies that provide dwelling coverage will be affected.


  6. When will this change become effective?
    Beginning January 1, 2010, all renewal offers for policies that provide dwelling coverage on mobile or manufactured homes built prior to 1994 will include an actual cash value loss-settlement provision.


  7. If my mobile or manufactured home suffers a total loss, will Citizens pay the depreciated value of the mobile or manufactured home?
    In the event of a covered total loss, Citizens will continue to pay the limit of liability of Coverage A shown on your Declarations page.


  8. Am I able to purchase replacement cost coverage on my mobile or manufactured home for an additional premium?
    Not on the mobile or manufactured home itself. However, replacement cost coverage is still available on personal property (contents) if you have a mobile home homeowners policy. Replacement cost coverage for personal property remains unavailable for policyholders with mobile home dwelling fire policies.


  9. Will I receive further notification of this change closer to my renewal date?
    Yes. Approximately 60 days before your current policy expires, you will receive a renewal offer that will include a new policy as well as a notice reminding you of the actual cash value loss-settlement coverage change.


  10. Do I need to take any action as a result of this change?
    The change will be included in the new policy that will be offered to you before your current policy expires. If you accept the new offer, all you need to do is pay your premium.


  11. What should I do once I receive the new policy?
    It's very important that you read it very carefully. Do not hesitate to contact your agent if you have any questions.