The basics of additional living expenses.
When a fire or other covered peril rips through your property, whether it’s a fire or a natural disaster, your home may become unfit to live in. Fortunately, all is not lost. Your homeowners insurance policy will provide Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage that becomes a lifeline for homeowners who are forced out of their homes due to fire, natural disasters, floods, and more.
ALE, sometimes called “loss of use” coverage is reimbursement for the cost of maintaining a comparable standard of living following a covered loss. Basically, you can keep track of ALE expense by asking yourself, “Is this an expense I incurred because of the loss?” If the answer is yes, then you can reasonably submit the expense to your insurance company for reimbursement under ALE coverage. ALE typically covers hotel rooms/temporary residence, restaurant meals, laundromat costs, pet boarding, and more.
As a homeowner filing for ALE coverage, it’s important to be very organized and track your expenses so that you can submit them for reimbursement. Keep meticulous records of every expenditure and save receipts. If you are unsure about coverage, talk to your insurance agent.
Do you have reliable ALE coverage? Find the right homeowners insurance policy and ALE coverage to suit your home, lifestyle, and budget. Talk to the team at Lou Aggetta Insurance Services in Pleasant Hill to get started!