Additional Living Expenses (ALE)

Additional Living Expenses (ALE), also called Loss of Use coverage, pays for extra costs you incur when your home is uninhabitable due to a covered loss.

What It Covers:

• Hotel or temporary housing costs
• Restaurant meals (above normal food costs)
• Storage fees for belongings
• Laundry costs
• Pet boarding
• Additional commuting costs

  How It Works:

ALE covers the difference between your normal living expenses and what you must spend while displaced. If you normally spend $500/month on groceries but must eat out, ALE covers the difference.

Coverage Limits: Typically 20-30% of your dwelling coverage, or coverage for a specific time period (e.g., 12 months). Check your policy for specifics.

Important Tips: 1. Keep all receipts during displacement 2. Stay in reasonably priced accommodations 3. Document your normal expenses 4. Communicate with your insurer regularly 5. Ask about advance payments for immediate needs