AboutJay K. Williams, AAI, AIP, CIC, CRM Expertise I can answer questions relating to the following coverages: personal auto; homeowners; commercial auto; commercial liability; commercial property; business income and all other property and casualty coverages.
Experience I have been in the insurance industry in Florida since 1979. I am currently the president of a Florida domestic insurance company subsidiary. I've taught continuing education classes in Florida and across the country. I am quite familiar with all coverages including Florida Condominium master policies and unit owner policies. I also specialize in agent professional liability. I have been a professional educator since 2001.
Organizations I am a member of the Florida Associaion of Insurance Agents, the state affiliate of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America.
Education/Credentials I currently carry the following professional designations:
Accredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI)
Associate in Insurance Production (AIP)
Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)
Certified Risk Manager (CRM)
Date: June 15, 2009
RE: Mobile Home Park Responsibility
From: Rebecca Brattin
17721 Mauna Loa St.
Hesperia CA 02345
Scenario:
A 73 year old woman, living in a mobile home park, has no family to help her in time of need.
Her home catches on fire. She is then taken to the hospital due to smoke inhalation. Damage to her home is confined to the living room and couch.
Question 1: While she is in the hospital and displaced, who is ultimately responsible for securing her home from would be robbers and vandals?
Her home is considered unlivable until the damage is repaired.
Question 2: Is she responsible for space rent, or does the mobile home park carry insurance that would cover her space rent while she is displaced?
Sincerely,
A concerned friend
Answer Hi Rebecca,
This lady is very blessed to have a good friend like you.
I'm not really sure who would be responsible. Since she has no family, someone close to her or the park management SHOULD take responsibility, but there probably is no legal responsibility. An attorney would probably be the best person to speak regarding the legal issues.
Without seeing a copy of the space rental agreement, I am at a disadvantage, but my guess is that she probably is still liable for the rental. It's doubtful that the park is carrying any insurance that would cover them in the event of an individual fire like this.
If she has insurance on the unit, it's possible that they would pay for her to live somewhere else while the repairs are being made which would allow her to continue to pay rent for her lot. Many companies write mobile homes on forms that are very similar to a homeowner's policy. If she has a policy, I would recommend calling the agent to see what coverage is available.
