Additional Living Expenses (ALE) after a hurricane

By Costal Roofing Solutions.  

A guide to navigating ALE claims.   

A hurricane can cause severe damage and may force homeowners to temporarily leave their homes. Beyond physical destruction, there are numerous additional expenses that can add up, piling on more stress during an already difficult time. However, there is good news—many of these expenses may be covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy.  Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage is designed to help with the financial burden of living away from home due to damage caused by a disaster. In this guide, Coastal Roofing Solutions walks homeowners through the process of applying for ALE after a hurricane.  

What are Additional Living Expenses (ALE)? 

ALE is part of many homeowners' insurance policies, designed to cover the necessary extra costs you incur when you cannot live in your home due to covered damage, such as from a hurricane. ALE helps cover costs like: 

•  Temporary housing (hotels, rental homes) 
•  Increased food expenses (since you can't cook at home) 
•  Storage fees for your belongings 
•  Pet boarding, if necessary 
•  Additional transportation costs (e.g., driving longer distances) 

ALE typically covers the difference between your normal living expenses and your increased costs due to displacement. 

How to apply for ALE after a hurricane 

1 - Report the damage to your insurance company  

The first step is contacting your homeowners' insurance provider as soon as possible after the storm to report the damage. Be sure to ask them specifically about ALE coverage and how you can apply. 

2 - Document the damage  

Documenting the damage to your home is essential. Take pictures of damaged areas, especially the roof and interior spaces that may be affected by leaks. Make a detailed list of all damages and keep receipts for any temporary repairs you’ve made. 

3 - Provide proof of displacement  

Insurance companies will want proof that your home is uninhabitable. This often includes: 

• A letter from your roofing contractor or a licensed home inspector stating that your home is unsafe due to roof damage. 
•  Photos or videos of the damaged areas showing why you cannot safely stay in your home. 

4 - Track your expenses  

Once you're displaced, keep detailed records of your additional expenses. Save receipts for hotel stays, meals, laundry, transportation and any other costs you wouldn’t normally have if you were living at home. 

5 - Submit an ALE claim  

Once you’ve collected all the documentation, submit your ALE claim to your insurance provider. Be sure to include: 

•  Estimates and receipts for repair work (provided by your roofing contractor) 
•  Proof of displacement 
•  Receipts for living expenses 

6 - Work with your adjuster  

An insurance adjuster will likely come to inspect the damage and review your claim. They’ll determine how much ALE coverage you’re eligible for and for how long. This process can take time, but your roofing contractor can help expedite the process. 

How roofing contractors can help with your ALE claim 

Roofing contractors play a critical role in helping you secure ALE coverage. Here’s how: 

1 - Providing damage reports and estimates  

After a hurricane, your roofing contractor will assess the damage to your roof and home, providing detailed reports and repair estimates. These documents are essential for your insurance adjuster to approve ALE coverage. 

2 - Temporary roof repairs or tarping  

Roofing contractors can perform temporary fixes or install tarps to prevent further damage. This can help reduce the extent of the repairs needed and may allow you to stay in your home during minor repairs, possibly reducing the time you’ll need to rely on ALE. 

3 - Expediting the repair process  

The faster your roof is repaired, the sooner you can return home. A qualified roofing contractor can work efficiently, minimizing the time you’re displaced and, consequently, your ALE costs. Contractors who have experience working with insurance claims can also coordinate directly with adjusters to move the process along smoothly. 

4 - Providing letters and statements for ALE claims  

Some insurance companies require documentation from roofing contractors to validate that repairs are necessary, and that displacement is unavoidable. Contractors can provide these formal letters or statements, giving you what you need to justify your ALE claim. 

5 - Long-term roofing solutions  

In cases where temporary tarps aren’t enough, a roofing contractor can offer long-term repair or replacement solutions. Roofing contractors experienced in working with hurricane damage understand how to prioritize repairs that make your home livable as soon as possible. 

Coastal Roofing Solutions can assist you with your ALE process 

If you’ve been affected by a hurricane, Coastal Roofing Solutions is here to help you every step of the way, from initial damage assessment to completing the repairs and ensuring your ALE claim is supported. Here’s how we assist: 

• 24/7 emergency response: We’re answering the phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we can dispatch someone immediately to assess the damage, perform emergency tarping, or begin repairs. 
• Detailed damage reports: Our team will provide your insurance company with the documentation they need to process your ALE claim quickly. 
• Experienced with insurance claims: We know how to work with insurance adjusters to get your claim approved, making sure the process is as smooth as possible for you. 
• Fast repairs: Our team works efficiently to get your roof repaired quickly, reducing the time you need to stay out of your home and minimizing ALE costs. 

Final thoughts 

When a hurricane strikes and displaces you from your home, ALE can be a lifeline for covering those unexpected living expenses. Understanding how to apply for ALE and having a reliable roofing contractor in your corner makes the process easier. Coastal Roofing Solutions is ready to assist with any storm-related roof damage and help get your home back to a safe, livable condition as quickly as possible. 

Stay safe and let us help you through the recovery process. 

Original article and image source: Coastal Roofing Solutions LLC