If your home was severely damaged from the recent Tampa Bay flooding to the extent that it is uninhabitable to live in, your insurance policy may provide a coverage called “Additional Living Expense” or “A.L.E.” Under the Additional Living Expense coverage, you and your family may be entitled to rent another home of the same size, like kind and quality as well as be reimbursed for any extra expenses you may incur such as food and temporary lodging.

Please keep in mind that this coverage is based on what you “incur” meaning you have to spend the money first before your insurance company will reimburse you. This is why it is a good idea to keep receipts for all transactions or keep all of your transactions on one credit card so you can easily print your statement out for your insurer.

Additionally, your insurance company and/or adjuster may recommend that you go into their temporary housing program, which is usually an apartment setting or may be half the size of your damaged home. However, please keep in mind that you are entitled to maintain the same standard of living you had prior to your loss. Do not be afraid to challenge your insurance carrier on this issue. The claims settlement and restoration process is going to take longer than you may think, so be sure you are adequately covered and comfortable in your temporary residence.

As always, the professional public insurance adjusters at Tutwiler and Associates are here to help with any property insurance related questions you may have. Please call 800.321.4488 or contact a public adjuster to submit a question to one of our insurance claim experts.