Short answer
- Many homeowner’s and renters policies include loss of use — also called additional living expenses (ALE).
- It usually applies when a covered loss makes the home unlivable.
- It typically pays the extra cost above your normal living expenses — not your whole budget.
- General information, not insurance advice — check your policy and adjuster.
What ALE often covers
- Hotel or short-term rental
- The extra cost of meals over your normal grocery spending
- Extra mileage or travel
- Laundry, storage, or pet boarding in some policies
When a home may be unlivable
- No working kitchen or bathroom
- Sewage contamination in living areas
- Large mold remediation containments
- Heavy drying equipment throughout the house
- Fire or smoke damage
Many water damage jobs don’t require moving out. See can I stay home during restoration?
Keep records
- Get approval from your adjuster before booking if you can.
- Keep every receipt.
- Write down your normal monthly expenses for comparison.
- Ask about limits — many policies cap ALE by dollar amount or time.
Renters: your renters policy usually handles this, not the landlord’s. See rental water damage guide.
Need help with the claim?
Call (385) 250-2825 — answered live 24/7 by the Vault crew.
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