Ignite FB Tracking PixelWhat's covered under additional living expenses insurance? - Vincent Zhang

What's covered under additional living expenses insurance?

by Vincent Zhang 01/16/2023

Every homeowners insurance policy includes additional living expenses coverage. If you’re temporarily displaced from your home because of damage, this coverage can help you pay for the additional everyday expenses until you’re able to move back in. But what exactly does additional living expense (ALE) coverage include?

Here is a basic guide to help you learn more about ALE insurance:

What does ALE coverage include?

Additional living expenses covered by your home insurance generally include:

  • Restaurant and food costs exceeding normal grocery bills.
  • Temporary lodging including hotels, motels and rentals.
  • Fuel and transportation costs for an increased commute.
  • Pet boarding if your temporary lodging doesn’t allow them.
  • Furniture rental if your temporary lodging is unfurnished.
  • Laundry services.
  • Storage fees for your personal belongings.

What isn’t covered?

Unfortunately, your ALE insurance won’t cover everything. It’s important to remember that this portion of your insurance policy will not pay for damage to your home or belongings. However, these costs are covered by the dwelling portion of your homeowners insurance policy.

How much ALE coverage do I need?

Your insurance company may offer options for different amounts of coverage for additional living expenses. By default, this benefit is about 10% to 20% of the amount covered by your dwelling coverage.

For example, if your home is damaged and your dwelling coverage is $400,000, your ALE policy would provide around $40,000 to $80,000 of coverage for your additional living expenses.

For any questions about coverage amounts and details of your additional living expense coverage, check with your insurance company for more information. The more you know about your coverage, the better prepared you’ll be if you ever need to make a claim.

About the Author
Author

Vincent Zhang

I am a real estate broker, property manager, and investor, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. To each client, I bring close to a decade of experience in real estate, first as a real estate investor, then manager, and now love to share my experience and knowledge with property buyers and sellers as a real estate broker. Since attending the University of Michigan in 2005, I have lived in Ann Arbor ever since. My exceptional knowledge of the market as an investor and property manager provides a unique perspective and competitive advantage to my clients for selling and buying both residential and investment properties.

I have successfully managed investment properties in Ypsilanti and Kalamazoo and have conducted real estate transactions throughout southeast Michigan. Whether clients are looking for their first home, vacation homes, or the home of their dreams, I will be able to stay on top of the process, remove obstacles and make the real estate deals as pleasurable as possible. I enjoy working with people and finding ways to share a laugh or two in the process. I take pride in being available to my clients and being responsive to their needs.

In addition to my residential property expertise, and my multicultural background, I am capable of working with international investors and home buyers to make their international property purchases smoother and trouble-free. If you are interested in the acquisition of investment homes for your children while they attend the University of Michigan, as a property manager, investor, and broker, I will be able to help you make that reality come true.

I graduated from the University of Michigan and own and operate several businesses in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. In addition to my real estate experience, I am also a technology enthusiast and am always on the hunt to use technology and media to enhance the buying and selling experience. 

If you are looking to make your first home purchase, or are trying to sell your home, give me a call and I can guide you through the services that I can offer you to help you start along the journey. I take great pride in my work and it would be an honor for me to represent you and your needs.

Yours truly, Vincent Zhang