If you own a manufactured home or are thinking of buying one, you'll be happy to know that manufactured-home safety has improved dramatically since the days when cars pulled homes from one place to another. As more and more people began using manufactured homes as permanent residences, Congress saw the need to regulate their design and construction to improve overall quality and reduce personal injuries, deaths, and property damage.In 1974, Congress passed legislation that authorized the Department of Housing and Urban Development to enact national manufactured-home safety standards. Any manufactured home built after June 15, 1976, must conform to the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, also known as the HUD (Housing and Urban Development) Code. According to these standards, homes must be built using fire-resistant materials, must be able to withstand certain wind speeds, and must satisfy various other safety standards.Unfortunately, despite efforts to improve their safety record, manufactured homes are still generally considered less safe than conventional homes by insurers. Because manufactured homes are much more vulnerable to wind damage, many states and insurers require that manufactured homes be erected on a permanent foundation or secured to the ground with anchors and tie-downs to help prevent the home from slipping off its footings or tipping over during a tornado or other severe storm. Manufactured homes are also more likely to suffer extensive damage when a fire breaks out.To adequately protect yourself when you own a manufactured home, purchase a homeowners or manufactured homeowners policy that covers both property damage and liability losses. If you are financing your home, your lender may require it. Consider purchasing a policy through a reputable company that specializes in manufactured-home insurance. These insurers may be more familiar with the special hazards associated with owning a manufactured home.