Florida homeowners with severe damage from Hurricane Milton to the extent that their residence is uninhabitable, may have an insurance policy that provides a coverage called “Additional Living Expense” or “A.L.E.” if it is a covered loss. 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 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 very important to keep detailed records of receipts for all related transactions. One tip we give clients is to use one credit card so they can easily print a statement out to document their ALE expenses when they submit their insurance claim to the insurance company.
Some insurance companies will put their clients into their temporary housing program, which is usually an apartment setting. It could be half the size of your damaged home. Please keep in mind that you are typically 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.
With the flooding and wind damage caused by Hurricane MIlton, 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. Also be aware that there are maximum dollar amounts related to your ALE coverage and be sure to make the appropriate plans if you are running out.
If you have questions regarding Hurricane Milton related property insurance damage claims visit our website or contact us to submit a question to one of our public adjuster insurance claim experts.